The front-engine, two-seat, V-12 grand tourer has long been a vital part of Ferrari’s DNA. The 1980s saw a gap in Ferrari’s lineup for such a model – with the acclaimed 365 GTB/4 Daytona being phased out in the early 1970s. That was until the introduction of the 550 Maranello at the Nürburgring in July 1996 some 23 years later. The heritage would live on, thanks to a stunning design penned by Pininfarina, a naturally aspirated, 5.5-liter V-12 engine, and a gated six-speed manual gearbox. This endearing formula allowed the car to reach 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds and was good for a top speed of 199 mph. Quicker-shifting F1 semiautomatic transmissions and turbocharged powerplants would both soon be on the horizon, making the 550 Maranello a sweet spot that melded technological advancement with driving engagement.

A true modern driver’s Ferrari, the 550 Maranello is complemented by a luxurious cabin, fully trimmed in high-quality leather and complete with a large parcel shelf well-suited for grand touring escapades. This example is finished in Rosso Corsa (Racing Red) and trimmed with a full beige leather interior. Daytona-style seats, a quilted leather parcel shelf, and velour carpeting complete the interior, while 18" five-spoke alloy wheels allow for a sporting appearance on the exterior.

Purchased new in 2000, the original California-based owner would go on to own and maintain the car for over 20 years. During this period, a mere 7,300 miles would be added, within the dry climate of the California desert. Accompanying service records depict faithful preservation, the most recent of which being a major service in February 2022. Most notably, its timing belt, fuel pump, and alternator were replaced. Before being sold later that same year, a new set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires were mounted and, on the interior, sticky switches – a common issue with Ferraris of this era – were refinished. For the last two years, under the care of its current owner, it has been kept in a climate-controlled garage with minimal mileage added to the odometer.

A true two-owner time capsule, this classically specified example is ready to be enjoyed by its next enthusiast owner. It is accompanied by service records, factory manuals and leather case, car cover, and its tool kit. Do not miss this opportunity to acquire an experience that modern supercars simply cannot deliver: a truly analog, driver-oriented V-12 grand tourer, complete with a desirable ownership history and only 7,985 miles at the time of cataloguing.