Ask even the youngest petrol heads to describe a supercar and they would probably list three things: crazy design, really fast, and an engine in the middle. However, when it comes to Ferrari — arguably the greatest supercar manufacturer of them all — their cars have long followed the tried and tested formula of placing a great big engine ahead of the driver, otherwise known as a berlinetta.

However, following the end of production for the iconic 365 GTB4 Daytona in 1973, prancing horses abandoned the V12 berlinetta format for a time in favour of the then-cutting edge mid-engine arrangement, with models like the Testarossa assuming the halo car mantle. That is, until 1996, when Ferrari honoured their racing heritage with a berlinetta designed for the new millennium. 

The stage for the new car’s unveiling was the legendary Nürburgring, where on July 20th 1996, Ferrari summoned no less than 8 Formula One drivers to welcome their first berlinetta in over 20 years: the 550 Maranello. Among them were names like Lauda, Scheckter, Irvine, Fisichella, Papis, and even a young Michael Schumacher, who lead a few demonstration laps at the wheel of the F310 F1 racer. However, it was Papis who took the wheel of this car, chassis #105067, finished appropriately in Argento Nurburgring over a stunning Cartier Red leather interior. 

Only a few days after the unveiling, chassis #105067 was being put through its paces by Italian magazine Quattroruote, who were stunned by the 550’s incredible speed, accelerating from 0-100 kph of just 4.4 seconds. Truly the 5.5-litre, 485 horsepower V12 would go down in history as one of the greatest engines of all time, and in its heyday it must have felt like quite the monster. While Ferrari’s latest berlinettas boast practically double the 550’s output, they can’t match its weight or relatively compact dimensions. Couple the 550's approachable power-to-weight ratio with not only one of Pininfarina's greatest modern designs, but also a glorious gated six-speed manual gearbox, and you have what is arguably the pinnacle of V12 Ferraris for the everyday driver. 

Following its victory lap through Europe’s automotive magazines, chassis #105067 was retained by Ferrari, who decided to entrust it to Michael Schumacher for his personal use, as is confirmed by a letter signed by himself which reads “I am pleased to confirm that 550 Maranello chassis no. 105067 is the car I drove on many occasions. I hope that its next owner will enjoy this car that I have loved for a long time.” 

The letter was dated February 10th 2003, at which point the car's previous owner had accumulated five F1 world championship titles and chassis #105067 was exported to Japan, where official importer Cornes & Co. awaited its arrival. By late June, it had been put up for sale, which prompted a flood of no less than 165 purchase requests. During its time in the land of the rising sun, chassis #105067 was cared for by two custodians, before returning to Europe with its odometer reading just over 10,000 km. 

Despite its supremely low mileage, this 550 has been treated fittingly for a car with such a fascinating history, being regularly maintained including a timing belt change in March 2019. Now what is undoubtedly one of the greatest examples out of the 3,083 Ferrari 550s built is heading to Aguttes’ Tour Auto sale on April 7th. Currently showing just 10,008 km, the car currently holds a temporary import certificate, waiting to be cleared through customs in the country of its future custodian. Estimated to fetch between 200,000 and 250,000 euros at auction, it seems this 550 will be an excellent buy, especially considering its fabulous spec and unique provenance. 

Nürburgring period photo: Cyrile Jacquinot

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