1998 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO

KEY FACTS

• A superb two-owner example of this all-time Ferrari great, with excellent service history.
• Beneath the bonnet is the revered 5.5-litre V12 which is mated to a six-speed manual transmission with open shift-gate.
• Benefits from a recent comprehensive service from marque specialist Rardley Motors Ltd.
• The first owner of the vehicle was a well-known Ferrari collector and historic racer, and the vendor has now owned the car for nearly 10 years.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• Specified in the timeless combination of silver with black leather interior.
• This car is original and unmodified save for xenon headlamps installed by DK Engineering, and an upgraded Alpine head unit with CD autochanger.
• The car comes with the original book pack in the correct tan leather-bound wallet, including the stamped maintenance record. The tool kit is also present and appears to be complete.
• The excellent service history is enhanced by a folder of invoices and letter from the previous keeper.
• The speedometer currently indicates 25,908 miles, but this is in addition to the mileage on the original odometer when swapped (15,087 miles), so the correct total is 40,994 miles.

CONDITION

• The vendor describes the paintwork of this 550 Maranello as excellent. During its most recent service, Rardley Motors repainted the underside of the bonnet due to corrosion, but the finish is otherwise believed to be original. The car presents with tight and consistent panel gaps, and while there is some light stone-chipping on the front bumper and mirror caps, this is commensurate with the mileage.
• The interior is also described as excellent and original. There is some minor wear on the driver’s seat, as well as the door cards and dashboard to a lesser extent, but no rips or other damage.
• There are no known mechanical or electrical faults.
• The most recent MOT test was carried out on 1 February 2021 and resulted in a pass with no advisories.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The most recent service, undertaken by Rardley Motors Ltd, in February 2021, consisted of an oil and filter change, the repair of a water leak, and the complete overhaul of the air-conditioning unit including a new condenser.
• During 2019, a full cam belt replacement service was undertaken by Rardley Motors, and the fuel tank valve seals were also replaced.
• A letter in the file confirms that from 1998 through to 2011, the 550 also had annual oil changes and inspections in addition to the scheduled work at main dealers.

 Summary of stamped or invoiced services:

• 09/07/1998 – 3,863 miles – Reg Vardy Ferrari
• 27/06/2000 – 9,402 miles – Reg Vardy Ferrari
• 17/04/2002 – 15,807 miles – JCT 600 Ferrari (inc. belts)
• 11/10/2004 – 17,052 miles (total) – JCT 600 Ferrari
• 26/03/2010 – 28,789 miles (total) – JCT600 Ferrari (inc. belts)
• 11/11/2011 – 29,911 miles (total) – DK Engineering
• 12/03/2015 – 33,044 miles (total) – Rardley Motors Ltd (inc. belts)
• 28/06/2017 – 34,212 miles (total) – Rardley Motors Ltd
• 09/01/2019 – 37,319 miles (total) – Rardley Motors Ltd (inc. belts)
• 18/02/2020 – 40,028 miles (total) – Rardley Motors Ltd
• 02/02/2021 – 40,872 miles (total) – Rardley Motors Ltd

SUMMARY

This Ferrari 550 Maranello is a superb example of the breed, in excellent but useable condition, and benefiting from comprehensive history with just two owners from new. The 550 is recognised as one of the finest grand tourers of its era, and a truly impressive modern Ferrari. Its elegant Pininfarina lines, naturally aspirated V12 and manual gearbox remain a compelling mixture today, and this car is ready to enthrall another enthusiast.

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.