1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello

Firmly placed in Ferrari's history as one of their finest big GTs, the 550 Maranello's combination of its elegant Pininfarina 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 its forebear, the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona'. With modern styling cues, a 5.5-litre V12 engine producing around 485bhp and a reported top speed of 199mph, the 550 Maranello was a seriously quick motor car, The six-speed gearbox combined with a slightly more even torque curve meant that power delivery was a little less frenetic, and excellent weight distribution combined with the 550's delightful road manners were all factors in the car becoming the perfect 'European Grand Tourer'.

This UK, RHD 550 was delivered new to the Isle of Man from official Ferrari dealers H.R.Owen in January 1998 and has covered a mere 1,977 miles since then. The original bill of sale included in the history file confirms the purchase price new in 1998 was £144,927.

The car was delivered to Stratstone in December 2001 for its first service with 244 miles indicated and they completed the first cam-belt change during that visit. It may have seemed a little unnecessary to change the belts at such a low mileage but it was three years old and no expense was ever spared in the maintenance of this cossetted Ferrari. A further five years passed when Graypaul welcomed the 550 in for its second service with 261 miles on the odometer. Again cam-belts were replaced at this service (despite the fact that it had only covered 17 miles since the last change) and Graypaul continued to service the car every year from 06-09. In 2009, 319 was the tantalising mileage indicated when the current owner bought the car through Graypaul in August of that year to become its second owner. As part of the purchase, he bought and fitted a new set of tyres and went out to enjoy the unique thrill of a V12 front engine Ferrari and continue the process of 'running-in' the eleven-year-old car.

One year later, in July 2010, our vendor took the car to the main Ferrari agent Meridien Modena in Lyndhurst for a service having covered 1,168 miles. Invoices in the history file show a further service in August 2011 at Meridien Modena with 1,454 miles showing and then in July 2013 they also replaced the cam-belts along with the regular service. The next and last service was completed in October of last year and the car has since resided in our vendor's significant collection enjoying the comforts of dry storage – as it always has been under his ownership.

Reported to have never been driven in the rain (anecdotal) this very special car is certainly one of the finest examples we have ever seen and has clearly been meticulously maintained. With the incredibly low mileage shown, this may well represent an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a rare Italian icon that continues to offer significant investment potential in the front engine Ferrari market.