Ferrari 550 Maranello | Spotted
Three decades ago the Maranello marked a return to front-engined flagships for Ferrari - it hasn't looked back since
It’s funny how automotive trends come back around. When the Ferrari 550 Maranello was launched in July 1996 (yes, more than 30 years ago now), it was offered solely with a six-speed manual gearbox. This was the super-GT flagship after all, the driver’s V12, so it just made sense. The 456 was there for those who wanted an auto.
But by the time of the 575M update, the automated manual had begun to take hold, and it became the majority seller. For the 599 GTB Fiorano replacement, manual sales were miniscule. Then came the f12 berlinetta, with only a dual-clutch; that’s a lot of change in little more than a decade and a half. After a steady evolution of that technology over the past decade or so - and Ferrari’s DCT really is the best out there - another change: the 12Cilindri Manuale. Still an auto at heart, but with a clutch and a lever. That the die-hards are falling over themselves to pay through the nose for. Maybe the lesson was to just stick (no pun intended) with a manual gearbox throughout - for some, there really will be no substitute.
Still, the manual-only stance of the late 20th century makes searching for a 550 Maranello easier, and what better time than when hitting the big 3-0? Though subtle to look at by Ferrari standards, it was of course a hugely significant car for Maranello, returning the Prancing Horse to front-engined V12 flagships after more than 20 years away. It was met with a rapturous reception at launch, swiftly moving the brand on from the iffy F512M, and what a run it’s been since then: 575, 599, f12, 812, 12Cilindri have all been fabulous.
These days, the importance of the 550 Maranello in the Ferrari story is being better recognised. Once available from less than £40k (there’s a PH Buying Guide from 2012 to show it!), you’re now talking £100k-plus. What once looked old-fashioned - manual, no manettino, limited aero - now looks traditional, accessible and exploitable. Maybe the same happened with the Daytona once upon a time. Because let’s be honest, as a road car, 485hp and six gears will provide ample entertainment. Beyond 600hp and 700hp is exciting, no doubt, if of limited use in cars not explicitly designed for track.
This one isn’t 30 years old just yet, but it does have more than a quarter of a century under its Speedlines - this is what an early Daytona would have looked like when the Maranello came out. As is so often the case with front-engined Ferrari V12s, dark colours work so much better than rosso - here Tour de France Blue is paired with Sabbia/Blu Scuro leather and blue carpets, plus there's a luggage set. Maybe those Daytona seats would be better in one colour, but as specs go, it’s looking top notch from here.
With a little more than 50k covered, a thorough history (including lots of recent work with the selling dealer) and a desirable colour combo, the boxes are nearly all ticked. And while £100k makes this pricier than a newer, more powerful 599, it just goes to show what the market’s preference is for right now. Just as it was 30 years ago in fact, there’s not much in this world more glorious than a manual V12 Ferrari.
SPECIFICATION | FERRARI 550 MARANELLO
Engine: 5,474cc, V12
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 485@7,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 420@5,000rpm
MPG: 12 (!)
CO2: 530g/km
First registered: 2000
Recorded mileage: 53,565
Price new: £143,685
Yours for: £107,995
.The 550 was up for less than the Vantage. About £50k if memory serves.
550 will always be one of my absolute favourites Ferraris.
I remember when they were c.£45k. I wasn’t tempted then. For £100k I would far rather have the 599GTB Fiorano, but that’s just me.
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