2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello

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 M 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 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 is housed in a tubular steel chassis, to which is attached aluminium coachwork, whilst the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which is complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.

The 6-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, still capable of almost 200mph. With styling that is ageing particularly well, a high-quality cabin, generous storage and an enormous 100-litre-plus fuel tank, these cars really are the consummate 'European Grand Tourer' in the true Ferrari mould.

This superb example is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive, 6-speed manual gearbox car first registered on 1st June 2000. It's finished in Rosso Corsa with Tan leather upholstery and Bordeaux carpets, and was factory-fitted from new with yellow metal wing shields and a sports exhaust. It has a full service history from new, all documented with over 18 services, with the most recent by Carrs of Exeter on 25th October 2022. The current indicated mileage of 20,083 is supported by an MOT history from new and the car will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale.

The car presents superbly, the Rosso paintwork displays a deep and even shine and the interior appears virtually unmarked with no evidence of the sticking switchgear for which the model is occasionally known. It's supplied with a full book pack and a bespoke indoor cover

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.