One to Buy: Rosso Fiorano 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello
When Ferrari unveiled the highly anticipated 550 Maranello at the Nurburgring in July 1996 it marked an unexpected return to a front-engined layout for the firm’s twelve cylinder two-seat series production offering.
The decision to switch back to this more traditional layout came after 23 years of mid-engined models, however, while it may have seemed a retrograde step, the 550 Maranello could actually lap Ferrari’s Fiorano test track three seconds faster than the outgoing F512 M.
A combination of this blistering performance with outstanding chassis dynamics and handsome Pininfarina styling ensured the 550 Maranello became a critical and commercial hit; 3083 were ultimately completed by the time production came to an end in late 2001.
One of the most desirable optional extras offered for the 550 Maranello was the rarely seen Fiorano Handling pack which comprised stiffer springs, uprated Pagid RS 4-4 brake pads, a thicker rear anti-roll bar, 10mm lower ride height, re-mapped steering and suspension software, adjusted toe-in and caster settings and red brake calipers.
Today, just such a machine, and one configured in a particular unusual colour combination, is residing at the Classic Throttle Shop in North Sydney.
Completed in 1999 and originally delivered to the UK, this fine example of the 550 theme was configured by its first owner with Rosso Fiorano paint over a duo-tone Burgundy and Crema interior with red contrast stitching.
The car, which may well be unique in right-hand drive trim, is currently showing a little over 28,000 miles and is being offered in immaculate condition throughout complete with a fully documented hsitory from new.
Reprinted below is Classic Throttle Shop’s description:
Rosso Fiorano
28,072 Miles
When the 550 Maranello was revealed to the world at the Nürburgring in 1996, it was quickly understood where Ferrari had looked for inspiration. The long, thrusting bonnet and short, clenched tail; the four round tail-lights; just two seats in a sumptuously furnished cockpit, and a big, naturally aspirated V12 engine up front. Spiritually, conceptually, and materially, the Maranello was the Daytona reborn!
The styling was by Lorenzo Ramaciotti at Pininfarina, and as well as borrowing cues from the Daytona, it also included a visual nod to that car’s predecessor, the 275 GTB, in the form of the gills in the front wings. This was Ferrari bringing back the spirit of its legendary 1960s berlinettas.
It was President Luca di Montezemolo who had decreed that Ferrari’s new series-production flagship should be front-engined, bringing to an end a 23-year-long line of flat-12 mid-engined supercars that stretched from Berlinetta Boxer through Testarossa to F512M. His reasoning was that a front-engined super-GT would be more usable, more drivable than a mid-engined exotic, and he was absolutely right. So right, in fact, that today’s 812 Superfast still follows the template set by the 550 Maranello more than 20 years ago.
Today we are proud to present and celebrate one of Ferrari’s greatest-ever manual Gran Turismos, it is this beautifully spec’d UK-delivered Rosso Fiorano Ferrari 550. It doesn’t stop with the stunning exterior; Rosso carries inside onto the dash and steering wheel but is complemented with Tan seats and accents.
When stepping inside, you are immediately taken back 20 years to the modern-retro designs of Pininfarina in the early 00s. The condition of the Sport Leather Seats is near perfect along with the rest of the surrounding leather interior and switches. The gorgeous silver gated gear-shift instantly entices you to strap in, switch on the Modena-built motor and come out to play.
Beautifully kept from the day it left Maranello, tool kit case untouched and the signature tan leather wallet holding all the manuals and books sits neatly.
Inside the service book writes the story of a very much loved Ferrari. The first page shows the official label and stampings from Maranello giving the car its authentication of origin. The service chapter is all stamped chronologically and clearly outlining the important particulars of the logging.
A separate red leather portfolio houses the paperwork from servicing and other information about this magnificent 550 Maranello.
The driving experience is everything you hoped for. Smooth but solid, raw but refined all helped by the factory Fiorano Handling Package. A Ferrari V12 at over 6000 RPM is one of the most special sounds ever heard in the world of automotive engineering.
