1997 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO

This 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello is a smart example of the flagship grand tourer of its era, presented in an attractive factory colour scheme. Under the bonnet is the magnificent naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V12, which sends 478bhp to the rear wheels via a tactile open-gated six-speed manual transmission. The odometer displays 84,913 miles from new.

An original UK-market car, this 550 Maranello was first registered on 1 August 1997, and its logbook now lists six prior keepers. Its current owner has enjoyed the past five years behind the wheel, and the car is now offered for sale on their behalf.

The Pininfarina-designed bodywork is in great shape, and is believed to retain its factory-applied Argento Nurburgring finish. Described by the vendor as being in good overall condition, the paintwork features some minor blemishes including stone chips on the nose and the common bubbling on the passenger-side door mirror arm – though the paintwork was detailed and ceramic coated in 2019. All of the light lenses and rubber seals are in good order, and the windscreen was replaced in May 2019. This 550 sits on its factory-fitted five-spoke alloy wheels, which are very smart, but have a few small kerb scuffs on their rims.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in Blu Scuro leather with matching dark blue carpeting and present well, with some general creases and signs of wear to the electrically adjustable seats, but no heavy discolouration. As you would expect, there are also some very minor scuffs on the rim of the leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the hide covering the top of the dashboard and the passenger airbag cover has shrunk somewhat, which is a common foible of this era of Ferrari. All of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items are reported to work without fault, and there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

Maintained to a high standard by Ferrari main dealers and respected specialists from new, its most recent service was carried out in November 2020 at 84,803 miles by Ferrari specialist Barkaways, who replaced the cambelts and addressed an issue which was causing the ‘check engine’ light to illuminate. Prior to this, Barkaways serviced the car in May 2019 at 84,528 miles, replacing the engine oil, oil filter and brake fluid, as well as detailing the car and applying the ceramic coating to its paintwork.

In August 2018 at 83,857 miles, Barkaways carried out an oil service and replaced one of the rear shock absorbers. During its current keeper’s ownership, the car has also benefitted from replacement of its clutch and air horn compressor in February 2020, and refurbishment of its alternator in 2017. The only mechanical fault which has been identified is some slight brake judder, which was noted during the car’s last service.

This 550’s last MOT test was conducted on 14 April 2021 at 84,913 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass without a single advisory. All four wheels are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres, which were fitted in August 2018 and remain in excellent condition, having covered only 1,000 miles since.

Accompanying this modern classic Ferrari are its original owner’s handbooks contained in their correct document wallet, documentation of its service history and its complete factory tool kit, as well as three sets of keys, complete with the red master fob.

Arguably one of the finest all-round GT cars in the marque’s illustrious back catalogue, the Ferrari 550 Maranello offers the rare combination of analogue thrills and long-distance comfort in equal measure. A well-maintained and attractively specified example of the flagship V12; it has been enjoyed as intended, and is ready to impress its next owner.

Summary of service history:

• 20/09/98 – 4010 miles - Maranello
• 04/10/99 – 5195 miles - Maranello
• 08/12/99 – 5252 miles – Bob Houghton (cambelts replaced)
• 18/09/01 – 8686 miles – Bob Houghton
• 22/08/02 – 15,600 miles – Bob Houghton
• 12/03/04 – 29,083 miles – Bob Houghton
• 26/07/05 – 39,190 miles – Bob Houghton (inc. cambelts)
• 27/07/06 – 46,383 miles – Bob Houghton
• 23/05/07 – 50,096 miles – Omega Motorsport
• 24/06/09 – 57,122 miles – Omega Motorsport (inc. cambelts)
• 09/08/10 – 62,409 miles – Omega Motorsport
• 22/08/11 – 68,097 miles – Omega Motorsport
• 23/10/12 – 71,259 miles – Omega Motorsport
• 13/08/14 – 77,806 miles – Omega Motorsport (inc. cambelts)
• 22/09/15 – 80,904 miles – Omega Motorsport
• 13/08/18 – 83,857 miles – Barkaways
• 02/05/19 – 84,528 miles – Barkaways
• 25/11/20 – 84,803 miles – Barkaways (cambelts replaced)

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.