1999 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO 'WSR' - 11,326 KM

This Ferrari 550 Maranello World Speed Record (WSR) is an exceptionally rare special edition - one of just 33 built - equipped with performance upgrades over the standard road car. Under the bonnet is a 478bhp 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V12 engine, mated to an open-gate six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 11,326km (7,037 miles) from new.

In 1998, Ferrari broke three speed records at the Transportation Research Center in Ohio, US: the highest average speeds for travelling both 100 miles (190.2mph) and 100 km (188.9mph), and the highest average over one hour (184mph). To mark these accolades, Ferrari created the ‘World Speed Record' edition, a run of just 33 lightly modified cars that all had the Fiorano Handling Pack, a roll cage, and carbon-fibre bucket seats and four-point harnesses. There were also carbon-fibre door sill covers, a carbon gear knob, and an Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel.

Most examples of the 550 Maranello WSR - and certainly all of the UK-delivered cars - were finished in Grigio Titanio over a Bordeaux interior. This particular car is one of only two examples that left the factory in vibrant Giallo Modena. Its factory specification also includes the option of a diamond-quilted leather parcel shelf and headlining.

The first owner of this car was an enthusiast in Italy, and the second was the very well-known collector Brandon Wang, whose extensive gathering of Ferraris includes a 250 GTO. Its third owner acquired the car directly from Wang, and the fourth owner purchased the car two years ago; importing it to the UK where it was re-registered with the DVLA in June 2019.

Today, this 550’s bodywork and paint are in exceptionally good order. There are a few very minor chips visible on the lower parts of the car and one small chip on the driver side door mirror, but it is as close to pristine as you could expect thanks to sparing road use. The car features factory-fit Scuderia wing shields, and both headlights are in great shape, with no perishing of the seals or condensation in the units. It rides on the original 18-inch five spoke alloys, which are virtually immaculate, with only a minor kerb graze on the front right wheel.

Inside, the carbon-fibre racing seats are in excellent condition, with only minor wear on the driver’s side outer bolster. The original four-point safety harnesses are in place, as is the Alcantara-clad steering wheel and carbon gear knob, and the seats have ‘Cavallino’ emblems embossed into the headrests. There is some slight lifting of the leather on the airbag cover - a known foible of this age of Ferrari, and easy to rectify back to a smooth finish.

The plastic around the HVAC controls had deteriorated slightly – as shown in the gallery images – however this was addressed and a new surround fitted at the most recent minor service by Rardley Motors. The cabin remains entirely original, even down to the Ferrari-branded Sony stereo head unit, while a six-disc CD changer is mounted in the boot.

The car has just received a minor service in April 2021 at 11,349km, carried out by noted Ferrari specialist Rardley Motors, with technicians also touching up the disc bells. Prior to this, it was also seen by Rardley in September 2019 at 10,459km for a replacement alternator, while Joe Macari gave the 550 a major service and cambelt replacement in December 2018 at 10,338km.

The most recent MOT test was on 16 April 2021 at 11,336 km, when it achieved a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. All four Pirelli tyres appear to have plenty of tread.

Accompanying the car is the full book pack, including the service record, with a summary included below. The original tool kit is also present, with all of the spare bulbs and fuses still in place. The cherished registration, F12 WSR, is included with the sale.

This Ferrari 550 Maranello ‘World Speed Record’ is a sought-after special edition of an already acclaimed sporting grand tourer. Equipped to deliver even greater pleasure to the driver, this is a fast and refined V12 flagship that is a great choice for a weekend blast or a cross-continental road trip alike. One of just 33 built and understood to be one of only two in Giallo Modena; this is also a very rare Ferrari that would be a credit to any collection.

Summary of maintenance history:

• 14/05/1999 - Rossa Corsa, Italy - Delivery date (PDI)
• 10/07/2001 - Rossa Corsa, Italy - 2,182 km (Service)
• 05/05/2014 - Rossa Corsa, Italy - 8,273 km (Service)
• 11/12/2018 - Joe Macari, UK - 10,338 km (Major service inc. belts)
• 19/09/2019 - Rardley Motors, UK - 10,459 km (Replacement alternator)
• 19/04/2021 - Rardley Motors, UK - 11,349 km (Minor service)

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