1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello (Manual)

• Supplied in right-hand drive to Hong Kong by Auto Italia HK Ltd.
• Imported into the UK in 2012. Bill of Lading in the file
• The 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 develops 485bhp at 7,000rpm
• Unusual but very attractive combination of Rosso Corsa with Bordeaux leather
•  Approximately 26,700 miles with a comprehensive service record
• Just returned from a full service and MOT at Ferrari Birmingham which included belts and a new Alarm Immobilizer System (£2000)
• Cherished registration number, F12 SSO, will remain with the car
• A fabulous example worthy of any inspection

Firmly placed in Ferrari's history as one of their finest modern-era big GTs, the 550 Maranello's combination of elegant lines and legendary front-mounted 12-cylinder engine, meant that these cars had the potential to become instant classics. Following in the footsteps and sharing the DNA of the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona', the 550 Maranello is inevitability compared to its forbear. Few front-engined Ferraris have quite justified that comparison quite like the 550 Maranello.

Styled by Pininfarina, like its illustrious predecessor, the 550 Maranello was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, a small cabin and a truncated tail. Classic Ferrari styling cues include a bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheel-arches recalling the great Competizione Ferraris of the past, whilst the rear incorporates Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights.

The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 550 Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 develops 485bhp at 7,000rpm. The powertrain was housed in a tubular steel chassis, to which was attached aluminium coachwork, whilst the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which was complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.

The six-speed manual gearbox complements a slightly more even torque curve ensuring that the power delivery was a little less frenetic, whilst excellent weight distribution and delightful road manners make the 550 Maranello a truly refined driving machine, whilst still capable of almost 200 mph. With styling that is ageing particularly well, a high-quality cabin, generous storage and an enormous 100-litre-plus fuel tank, the 550 Maranello really is the consummate 'European Grand Tourer' in the true Ferrari mould.

This sparkling 550 was originally supplied in right-hand drive to Hong Kong by Auto Italia HK Ltd. and first registered there on 1/08/1997. Some years later, in 2012, it was imported into the UK and registered here on 12/11/12. All the relevant shipping and DVLA documents are in the car's history file together with details of its two UK owners, all the MOTs and a 550 Instruction Manual. It's finished in the traditional Rosso Corsa but, unusually, the interior is in Bordeaux Red leather, a combination that you might have thought would clash when looking at the colour swatches in a dealer's office but, in reality, works really well. The odometer reads 4,471 miles which is the distance covered since the car was in the UK but prior to the KPH/MPH speedo-head change (Graypaul)  we understand that it had covered some 34,000km (21,250miles) in HK, meaning a total mileage of less than 26,000, all supported by a comprehensive service history.

07/04/98  1,000km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Service

31/07/00 10,000km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Cam belts

07/02/02 11,424km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Service

19/03/02 11,654km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Service

03/11/03 21,083km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Service and belts

28/05/04 22,845km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Service

27/11/04 23,578km Auto Italia Ferrari dealer HK Service

25/02/06 25,578 Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service

06/11/06 25,988km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service and belts

06/03/07 26,511km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service

12/06/07 27,072km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Cam Belts

06/03/08 28,265km Italian Motors Ferrari dealers HK Service

19/02/09 28,896km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service

22/10/09 29,263km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service

16/03/11 32,676km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service and belts

22/03/12 34,814km Italian Motors Ferrari dealer HK Service

22/02/13 81miles Bob Houghton Service and belts

28/03/14 2,357miles Bob Houghton Service

13/08/15 4,360miles Graypaul Nottingham Service and belts

18/08/16 4,365miles Ferrari Birmingham Service

29/08/17 4,388miles Ferrari Birmingham Service

31/08/18 4,411miles Ferrari Birmingham Service and belts

29/08/19 4,434miles Ferrari Birmingham Service

We understand that it's booked in to Ferrari Birmingham for a service and belts and will confirm at the time of the auction that this has taken place. Currently the MOT is valid until 3/11/21 and the Registration Number, F12 SSO, will remain with the car.

A lovely car in fabulous condition and worthy of your inspection.