2002 Ferrari 575M F1 Maranello

• In 2002 Ferrari introduced the 575M Maranello, as an evolution of the highly regarded 550 which revived the legacy of the front-engined V12 Ferrari GT car
• The 575M Maranello had a host of updates to make an incredible car even more potent
• The increased displacement of 5748cc produced more power and torque, giving the 575M a top speed of 202 mph
• Fabulous, right-hand drive UK-supplied 575M F1 in Argento Silver with a dark blue hide interior
• On offer from a diligent privateer vendor who bought the car in 2002 from, and subsequently had it serviced by, one of the UK's foremost Ferrari specialists

In 1996, Ferrari introduced the 550 Maranello in a bid to revive their fabled line of grand tourers, and the model quickly proved to be an overwhelming success. Six years later, in 2002, the 575M Maranello appeared bringing with it a host of healthy updates adding additional potency to an already incredible car. Increasing the displacement of the V12 by 250 cubic centimetres to 5748cc resulted in 508bhp and 434lb/ft of torque, 0-60 in 4.2 seconds and an advertised top speed of 202mph.

The front end was slightly revised with newer headlights, a redesigned air intake and front spoiler, and the weight distribution was improved to 50/50. Two six-speed transmissions were available - a conventional manual gearbox and, for the first time on a Ferrari V12, Magneti Marelli's semi-automatic (electro-hydraulic manual) F1 gearbox. Further mechanical improvements included bigger brakes and an adaptive suspension set-up (the four independent suspension units are also controlled by the gearbox, to minimise pitch throughout the 200-milliseconds gear shift time). Inside, the interior was modernised and refreshed with an updated dashboard, trim and steering wheel.

The car presented here is a UK-supplied RHD 2002 Ferrari 575M, which was first registered on the 14/11/2002, finished in the sophisticated colour combination of Argento Silver with a dark blue hide interior. Our privateer vendor bought the car back in 2010, having been looking for the best 575 he could find, and ended the search at renowned Ferrari specialists DK Engineering. He subsequently returned the car to them regularly for servicing and maintenance as required. This very healthy example, with a conservative mileage for a GT car of just 43,000 miles, drives and performs as well as you'd expect, being fastidiously cared for and stored by its previous owners.

The 550 and 575 are considered modern-classics, occupying a unique space where old-world Ferrari V12s meets the new and, if anything, demand for these special Ferraris seems to be increasing.