Chassis No. ZFFZR49B000105811

For nearly two decades, it seemed the days of the traditional front-engine, rear-transaxle layout employed in such celebrated flagships as the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona and 250 GTO were behind the Maranello-based marque. However, in 1992, a front-mounted V12 once again graced a Ferrari GT in the all-new 456 GT 2+2. A revised version of its potent 5.5-liter V12 joined to a six-speed manual transaxle reappeared four years later in 1996 in the two-seater 550 Maranello, picking up where the treasured Daytona had left off.

Though mechanically similar to the 456 GT, the 550 represented a step forward in every aspect. The two-seater coupe was shorter in overall length while having a 10-cm longer wheelbase, with its stunning aluminum bodywork designed by Pininfarina evoking the long-hood, short-deck proportions of the Daytona. Under its scooped hood rested the same V12 cylinder block of the 456 GT, albeit with an entirely different intake system and cylinder heads, titanium connecting rods, Mahle pistons, and a lightened crank. These alterations amounted to an enormous 485 horsepower and 569 nm of torque and enabled a top speed of 320 km/h-just shy of the 325-km/h Ferrari F50.

This spectacular 550 Maranello was completed as a left-hand-drive, European-market example, classically finished in Rosso Corsa over Beige leather and Castoro (light brown) carpets. Its first Swedish owner, Leif Wahlström, purchased the car directly from Scandinavian Ferrari importer Damgaard-Nielsen. Wahlström was formerly a team member of Ferrari's Formula One team, and likely leveraged his contacts in Maranello to secure what is believed to be the earliest delivery of a 550 to Scandinavia. He exchanged his red Mercedes-Benz SL 600 for the Ferrari and enjoyed it for a number of years, accumulating approximately 9,900 kilometers before de-registering the car and preserving it in a museum. Since being acquired by the consignor, the car has remained unregistered and shows just 9,951 kilometers at the time of cataloging.

The 550 is resplendent in its timeless original color combination, complemented by a well-preserved interior and engine bay. It is also accompanied by its original owner's manuals, including its service book, and its Schedoni leather tool kit. The car also benefits from a recent service at an authorized Ferrari Classiche workshop, which included a timing belt and water pump replacement among other items. This 550 Maranello embodies the pinnacle of Ferrari's front-engine grand touring philosophy, marrying Pininfarina's elegant styling with exhilarating V12 performance to deliver a driving experience that remains as captivating today as it was when new.