2002 Ferrari 550 Maranello Coupé
Registration no. RV52 YNF
Chassis no. ZFFZR49C000125187
Engine no. 62178

With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1997, Ferrari returned to its tradition of building front-engined V12 sports cars, resurrecting a line that had remained dormant since the demise of the 365GTB/4 'Daytona' in 1974. The heart of any Ferrari is its engine, and the 550 Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm, some 100-or-so horsepower more than the Daytona's. Ferrari had discovered long ago that providing optimum balance in a front-engined sports car necessitated the use of a rear transaxle, and the Maranello's came with six speeds. 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.

Styled by Pininfarina like its illustrious 'Daytona' predecessor, the 550 Maranello was similarly proportioned, adopting the classical combination of long bonnet, small cabin and truncated tail. The body's aerodynamics were developed in the wind tunnel, where hours of testing ensured that the minimum of drag was combined with constant downforce regardless of set up, an important consideration in a 200mph road car. Styling details such as the bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheelarches recalled the great competizione Ferraris of the past, in particular the immortal 250GTO, while the tail incorporated Ferrari's characteristic twin circular lights.

This example was purchased from Dick Lovett in 2007 and is the late owner's second 550 Maranello. Its owner was a Ferrari enthusiast having previously owned a 400 GT, a 365 GTB/4 Daytona, an F355, and his first Maranello. This second Maranello was his pride and joy and is in immaculate condition.

The car has had only three previous keepers, although one is the deceased (the current registered keeper is his wife) so effectively only two. 'RV52 YNF' has been looked after meticulously by marque specialist Bob Houghton for the last 15 years and comes with a stamped service book (Maranello Concessionaires, Graypaul, Dick Lovett) and all MoTs dating back to 2007, contained within a comprehensive Ferrari folder. Finished in Tour de France Blue with Navy Blue/black leather interior, this wonderful 550 Maranello displays a total of only 28,700 miles on the odometer, and is offered complete with tool kit, the above mentioned book packs and spare key.

The 550 is a car for the cognoscenti. It has become an icon of its generation, summoning the spirit of the legendary 1960s Berlinetta's known for their performance and style. Inspiring delight and known for its highly useable and fulfilling driving experience the 550 seamlessly blends both speed and comfort. There can be few, if any, better examples available on the market today.