1999 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO

This Ferrari 550 Maranello is a superb flagship grand tourer, presented in an elegant colour scheme and with that glorious gated manual gearbox. It is powered by the mighty 5.5-litre F133A V12 engine, producing around 478bhp, which makes for swift progress when crossing continents. With the odometer now showing just 27,347 miles from new, this is a fine low-mileage example of the breed.

The car you see here was first registered in January 1999. After passing through the hands of five previous owners, the seller acquired it more than ten years ago, and this cherished car is now offered for sale to another enthusiast.

The Argento Nürburgring paintwork received a refresh in 2016 and since then has only picked up minor stone chips around the front end and wheel arch rims, and one or two other small imperfections. In general, the silver paint has a smooth and even finish, and is a perfect match for the restrained lines of this Pininfarina-styled coupe. The original five-spoke alloys are in very good order, with just a small kerb graze on the nearside rear wheel. Complementing the interior hue, the brake calipers are painted red.

Inside, the deep red Bordeaux leather is original and unrestored. It presents in very good condition, with an appealing patina, and only some small marks and scuffs on the driver’s seat bolster and base, and on the door panel near the handle and locking switch. The seller states that there are no operational faults with the dashboard, switchgear, or the aftermarket head unit. The metal shift gate is in superb condition, while the gear knob itself has only minor wear to the finish.

Far from keeping it stored as a ‘garage queen’, the seller has enjoyed around 10,000 miles behind the wheel of this 550 Maranello, and has kept the car in very good mechanical order. The car last had a service in March 2020 at 27,329 miles, which included a new brake pipe, alternator and a pair of rear brake shoes. Prior to this, it was serviced in April 2017, which included a new battery, and March 2016 when the cam belts were most recently replaced.

The day before the most recent service, this 550 was put through an MOT test, initially failing on minor items – all of which were remedied during the service. The car subsequently passed on 17 March 2020 with no advisories.

The car comes with its original service book and manuals, a file of paperwork covering the last 10 years of service and maintenance, plus the tool kit and tyre repair kit.

This is a cherished example of a truly fantastic high-performance grand tourer from the most famous name of them all, finished in a very elegant specification. A low-mileage machine, but kept in ready-to-drive condition, it needs nothing to enjoy on the road immediately, and is sure to delight its next owner with its compelling blend of pace, refinement, and engaging handling.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.