FERRARI - 550(1996-2002)

Caratteristiche

Descrizione

Ferrari 550 Maranello 1997

- Original verifiable mileage of only 46,115 km
- Kroymans maintenance invoice of over €10,000 in 2024
- Original German delivered
- Complete with original booklets
- Full (service) history is known
- Rare 'Blue Swaters Mica Metallic' paintwork
- 5.5 litre V12 engine with manual transmission
- Matching numbers

This 1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello is beautifully finished in the rare 'Blue Swaters Mica Metallic' colour combination with 'Tan' beige leather upholstery. Approximately 10% of all 550 Maranello's produced came in blue. That amounts to some 350 examples, even fewer of which are in 'Blue Swaters Mica Metallic'. A stylish combination with the black leather dashboard and dark blue carpets, while the tan leather seats and headlining give it a warm touch. The paint has recently been professionally polished and is still in nice condition.

On 18 April 1997, this Ferrari was delivered new in Germany. Here it was delivered and serviced by Ferrari dealer 'Eberlein Automobiles'. In 2002 or 2003, it came into the hands of an enthusiast in Monaco. In the sunny Côte d'Azur, the car was serviced at Ferrari dealer 'Cavallari' until 2014. The car then went to Calcatoggio: a municipality on the French island of Corse-du-Sud. This island does not have a specialised Ferrari dealer, so it was maintained at DPM Motors in Monaco during that time - until 2023. In the Netherlands, the car has had major (preventive) maintenance worth over €10,000 at authorised Ferrari dealer Kroymans in 2024: timing belts, V-belts, filters have been replaced and all fluids changed. Preventive items were also replaced such as engine and gearbox mounts, power steering hoses, rear brake pads, petrol hoses, fuel pump covers and the heater unit. The full specification of the servicing is described on the invoice. So technically, too, the Ferrari is completely roadworthy for its next owner. Thanks to the extensive documentation, the fully performed maintenance is clear and the mileage logical.

In the original tan leather folder you will find a wealth of authentic Ferrari documentation including the completed service booklet, the manual for the Becker radio, the Owners Manual handbook, the delivery and warranty booklet, the alarm manual and even the warranty booklet for the Hi-Fi system. All these original and valuable booklets have been carefully preserved. Besides being a fast sports car, the Ferrari is a comfortable long-distance car and comes with options like electric seats, windows and mirrors, automatic air conditioning and a Becker radio with navigation. 'Sport Mode' makes the ASR less active and adjusts the dampers more rigidly, for more feel in sporty driving.

Under the bonnet lies perhaps the most important thing: a 5.5-litre V12. This 48-valve delivers some 485 hp at 7,000 rpm. It therefore covers 0-100 in an impressive 4.4 seconds. Top speed is 320 km/h: extremely fast for a youngtimer. Paired with this iconic engine is the well-known 'H-gate' 6-speed manual gearbox. Ferrari has long said goodbye to the manual gearbox these days. This is precisely why these examples are becoming increasingly sought-after by collectors. The chassis, gearbox and engine numbers match, making this example 'Matching Numbers'! With the Tubi-Style exhaust, the sound of the engine is wonderfully reproduced, making every drive an exhilarating experience. The 550 still has its original 18-inch 'Star' rims. The window codes match and have therefore never been replaced.

In short: A stylish and manual V12 Ferrari in original, honest and excellently maintained condition with a rare low mileage!

General information about the Ferrari 550 Maranello
In 1996, after 23 years of absence, a traditional Ferrari was finally introduced again with the engine at the front, rear-wheel drive and a V12 engine. This engine produces 485 hp (at 7,000 rpm) and 568 Nm (at 5,000 rpm). It is an atmospheric 5.5-litre DOHC 65° V12 with Bosch Motronic injection, which is always mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The limited slip differential is mechanical. The F133 engine would eventually win an award for Engine of the Year twice in the category above 4.0-litre. Thanks to its aerodynamic bodywork - drawn by renowned designer Pininfarina - with an air resistance coefficient of just 0.33 Cx, the 550 Maranello.reached a top speed of a whopping 320 km/h. A feat that is still very impressive today. And that gave driver Montezemolo the idea of the Maranello competing for the world speed record title. So in October 1998, Modena sent a slightly modified version to the 12-km oval circuit of Columbus, Ohia in the United States. A few hours later, the 550 Maranello had three records in its pocket including an average speed of 306 km/h on 100 miles (160 km) in one hour respectively.
The 550 Maranello was succeeded in 2002 by the 575M Maranello: this model was hardly changed in appearance and was produced until 2006. A timeless model, then, as we have come to expect from Pininfarina.