Replacing the legendary Testarossa was always going to be a hard job, but Ferrari's 1996 550 Maranello was universally well-received - and also marked a return to a front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout.
Not a bad way to return to front-engined V12s!
Launched at the Nurburgring, the 550 Maranello was Ferrari's answer to those who believed a front-engined V12 car could not beat the performance of a mid-engined supercar. The 550 Maranello not only proved quicker but also a good deal more practical. The car's 5,474cc V12 motor produced a heady 485hp at 7,000rpm and propelled the 550 Maranello up to 199mph, smashing the 62mph benchmark in a mere 4.4 seconds.
In 2000 Ferrari launched a 550 Barchetta Pininfarina, a limited production barchetta version of the 550 which came with a basic factory soft-top. Built and designed by Pininfarina, and commissioned to celebrate the 70th anniversary of Pininfarina, a total 448 of the 550 Barchettas were produced - each one individually numbered with a plaque displaying the car's serial number and Sergio Pininfarina's signature.
A total 457 right-hand drive Ferrari 550s were produced, as well as 48 UK-bound 550 Barchetta Pininfarinas, before Ferrari replaced the 550 with the upgraded 575M Maranello in 2002. Featuring minor styling changes from Pininfarina, the 575's V12 produced 515hp at 7,250rpm and could top out at 201mph. The official 62mph time came down to 4.2 seconds whilst updates from the 550 included a renewed interior, bigger brake discs, refined aerodynamics and an adaptive suspension set-up. Two six-speed transmissions were available, a conventional manual gearbox and, for the first time on a Ferrari V12, Magneti Marelli's semi-automatic F1-style transmission.
Paddles introduced for 575...
The 575M received a mixed review with some feeling that Ferrari the handling was too soft compared to the 550, despite giving the 575 more power. A Fiorano handling pack initially helped to address some of these concerns and in 2004 Ferrari went further, launching a revised GTC Handling Pack.
For super-wealthy gentleman racers Ferrari then released a 2003 track-prepared version called the 575 GTC, whose V12 engine delivered 605hp at 6,300rpm, with 538lb ft of torque at 5,200rpm. The 575M was eventually replaced by the 599 GTB in 2006, but not before Ferrari had launched a final 533hp 575M Superamerica convertible in 2005, featuring a glass panel roof which rotated 180 degrees to lie flat over the boot.
With similar UK prices at the moment the 550 may prove a wiser buy than an early 575M. With something like 160 550s and 575s currently registered in the UK a few come up for sale each month - but only consider the best examples as some have signs of rust, and there were a few recalls too. Some enthusiasts won't buy a 575 without either the Fiorano or GTC Handling Packs.
Prices have climbed, but still looks good value
Quite a few 550 owners have taken their car track and been impressed with its ability against rear-engined opposition, with the manual gearbox holding significant appeal. "In terms of value for money the 550/575 is in a league of its own, the matrimony of the manual gearbox option paired with the front engined V12 is not to be trifled with," Macari's Dylan Morris emphasises. "They mark a relatively affordable access point and these cars are set to appreciate as manual gearboxes fade away." As Ferrari's last manual V12 we'd heartily agree.
Don't rule out a 575 HGTC either if you've got deep pockets. "This car is simply the most accomplished V12 of the 550-575 era and a league apart," one lucky owner told us. But whether you prefer the 550 or the 575 you will enjoy a most involving driving and ownership experience.
"The 550 and 575 were rather more popular during their lifecycle, and so have started from a stronger baseline," Glass's Robert Redman points out. "But the 550 Barchetta and 575M Superamerica are the ones most likely to gain substantial value in the future."
Buy if: You fancy a taking your V12 on track, make it a 550 or a 575 GTC
Don't buy if: You're hoping to make a quick profit (manual 550s aside)
We found: 1998 550 RHD UK Car, Silver with Bordeaux hide, full service history, 55K miles, £99,900
Price Guide
Poor: Under £80,000 (550 and 575)
Good: £80,000 to £120,000 (550) and £140,000 (575)
A1: £120,000+ (550) £140,000+ (575)
Special Editions: Low-mileage 550 Barchettas can fetch well over £250,000, as can 575 HGTC