1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello

Purchased new in Germany and immediately imported into the UK Speedo in MPH. Original head with the car showing delivery miles Only two owners from new. Current owner for the last 17 years. 23,000 miles Recent cambelt service and fresh MoT at specialists, Migliore Cars in Bromsgrove. Comprehensive service history. Leather bookpack and owner's manual Firmly placed in Ferrari's history as one of their finest modern era big GTs, the 550 Maranello's combination of elegant lines and legendary front mounted 12-cylinder engine, meant that these cars had the potential to become instant classics. Following in the footsteps and sharing the DNA of the 365 GTB/4 'Daytona', the 550 Maranello is inevitability compared to its forbear. However few front-engined Ferraris have quite justified that comparison quite like the 550 Maranello. Styled by Pininfarina, like its illustrious predecessor, the new car was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, small cabin and a truncated tail. Classic Ferrari styling cues include a bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheel-arches recalling the great Competizione Ferraris of the past, whilst the rear incorporates Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights. The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm. The power-train was housed in a tubular steel chassis, to which was attached aluminium coachwork, while the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which was complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering. The six-speed manual gearbox complements a slightly more even torque curve ensuring that the power delivery was a little less frenetic, whilst excellent weight distribution and delightful road manners make the 550 a truly refined driving machine, whilst still capable of almost 200 mph. With styling that is ageing particularly well, a high-quality cabin, generous stowage, and an enormous 100-litre-plus fuel tank, the 550 Maranello really is the consummate 'European Grand Tourer' in the true Ferrari mould. This left-hand drive 550 Maranello was purchased new in Germany by a UK resident who was not prepared to wait for a UK right-hand drive car. It was immediately brought to the UK and had the speedo changed to MPH, however, the original speedo is with the car showing the delivery mileage from the German Ferrari dealer to the UK dealer. It was supplied in Rosso Corsa with Nero leather and Scuderia wing shields and remains in superb condition. The car is now showing 22,000 miles with the original speedo showing 1,647km and has had only two owners from new, having been with the current owner for the last 17 years. It is accompanied by its original leather-bound hand pack with owner's manuals and a fully stamped service book. There is a comprehensive history file with many invoices for servicing and routine maintenance and has recently benefitted from a cambelt service with a fresh MoT completed by Ferrari and Maserati specialist, Migliore Cars in Bromsgrove. A beautifully presented, low mileage and low ownership car that is ready to be enjoyed. Please note the registration number is to be retained by the owner.