Used by Ferrari as a development car for the 550 and 575 Maranello. Internally designated the F133, this 550 Maranello was built in 1996 and used as a development car for the production model. Over the course of its life, it was modified by Ferrari on several occasions, to test a number of different ideas and concepts for forthcoming front-engine, twelve-cylinder Ferraris.

Looking to harken back to the Ferrari racing cars of the ’50s and ’60s, this example was fitted with a side exhaust which would have offered an increase in performance through the use of larger diameter, free-flowing components. To do so, Ferrari stretched the car’s wheelbase by 200 mm over the standard 550 Maranello wheelbase (2,500 mm). Furthermore, the absence of a normal exhaust within the chassis allowed room to stiffen the chassis with the installation of up to two additional cross members. This made the chassis 10% stiffer than those in regular-production 550 Maranellos, despite its longer wheelbase. In an effort to keep the same visual proportions, the added length was addressed by moving the cowl back and lengthening the hood and front fenders.

Other special features on this car include a system of air ducting on the right rear down past the fuel tank in an effort to provide fuel cooling. The car also boasts a unique system of moving pedals and steering column, allowing for the driver seat to remain fixed in an effort to accommodate taller drivers.