Firmly placed in Ferraris history as one of their finest big GTs, the 550 Maranellos combination of its elegant Pininfarina 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 its forebear, the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

With modern styling cues, a 5.5-litre V12 engine producing around 485bhp and a reported top speed of 199mph, the 550 Maranello was a seriously quick motor car, The six-speed gearbox combined with a slightly more even torque curve meant that power delivery was a little less frenetic, and excellent weight distribution combined with the 550s delightful road manners were all factors in the car becoming the perfect European Grand Tourer. The Ferrari 550 Maranello was the return of the front engined Ferraris and this 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

This nice early example, finished in Rosso Corsa with a Nero leather interior, was registered to its first Spanish owner in 1997 via the importer Testarossa Cars of Madrid on 4th June 1997, later finding its way into ownership in Portugal. We understand the Ferrari was serviced by the Madrid Ferrari concessionaire Carslavia from new until 2002, and then up to 2007 at 41,000 kilometres.

In more recent times the 550 has formed part of a UK-based Ferrari collection, and has been used sparingly. With a mere 53,000 kilometres recorded and supplied with its original book pack and wallet, this straight and well presented example offers exceptional value in the current marketplace.