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2000 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO

This Ferrari 550 Maranello is a very smart example of the breed, presented in a timeless factory colour scheme, with comprehensive service history. It is powered by the 5.5-litre F133A V12 engine, producing 478bhp, driven through a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 54,570 miles from new.

The 550 Maranello press launch took place at the Nürburgring circuit in 1996, and its performance remains impressive even by today’s standards: 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, and a top speed of 199mph .This particular car was specified from the factory in Argento Nürburgring coachwork, with a Bordeaux leather interior. It was supplied new via HR Owen in London, and was first registered on 3 March 2000. The seller has owned the car for six months, and has enjoyed around 1,000 miles behind the wheel.

The body panels of this Ferrari are in very good order, with no accident damage, and only a very small dent on the leading edge of the offside door, which is shown in the gallery below. The paintwork is in equally impressive condition, with only some light stone chips to the front bumper, as well as a patch of lacquer peel on the black lip spoiler. Otherwise, there is a smooth and even finish all around the car.

The wings are embellished with Scuderia shields, and all of the headlight lenses are in great shape, with no cracks or clouding. The window seals and all sound, as are the door jambs, bonnet and boot shuts. The car sits on the optional modular alloy wheels with polished rims, which are in pristine condition. They retain the yellow Ferrari centre caps, and are accented by the red painted brake calipers visible through the spokes.

Bordeaux leather was a popular choice to pair with the silver and grey hues for the 550 Maranello, and the upholstery in this car remains in very good condition. The seats are trimmed with the desirable ‘Daytona’ stripes in the panels, and now have an appealing patina, with just a few scuffs on the driver’s seat side bolster.

It was also specified with the sought-after quilted leather headlining and luggage shelf, which remain in great shape, with no damage. There is dark red carpeting throughout, as well as a set of tailored floor mats.

The switchgear has gone sticky in a few places, which is a very common niggle with this era of Ferrari, but there are numerous specialists who can refurbish these controls inexpensively. Factory-fitted equipment includes air-conditioning and the Becker stereo head unit. The steering wheel has been replaced with an Alcantara-trimmed item, as fitted to the 550 ‘World Speed Record’ cars.

This car has been meticulously maintained, looked after exclusively by Ferrari main dealers and recognised marque specialists, including Lancaster, Carrs, Rosneath Engineering, and Barkaways. The last scheduled visit was to Barkaways in February 2020 at 54,357 miles, which consisted of a full annual service.

In September 2018 at 53,318 miles, it was treated to a major service and cambelt renewal at Barkaways, so is not due belts again until October 2021. In total, there are 14 stamps in the original maintenance record.

The most recent MOT was on 22 October 2019 at 53,524 miles. Initially it failed on low windscreen washer fluid, but then immediately passed on the same day with no advisories whatsoever. In fact, over the last 14 years, covering some 23,000 miles on the road, the only advisory it has ever had was for tyre wear in 2013 - a testament to the excellent condition of this particular car.

Its alloy wheels are fitted with a set of Pirelli P Zero Rosso tyres in size 255/40 ZR18 at the front and 295/35 ZR18 at the rear. They are approximately four years old, and still have around 5mm of tread remaining all round.

Accompanying the car is the complete original book pack, including the owner’s manual, stamped service record, and other user guides. There are also numerous receipts, the spare key fobs, factory-supplied tool kit, Ferrari car cover, and even the Ferrari-branded gloves for carrying out basic maintenance jobs on the car.

This Ferrari 550 Maranello is a magnificent grand tourer, which makes long-distance travel a pleasure. It boasts a handsome factory colour scheme, and is presented in impressive cosmetic and mechanical condition. If you have always lusted after this front-engined V12 flagship with its open-gate manual gearbox, now is your opportunity to acquire a superb example.

Summary of stamped service history: