Highlights

Well presented in popular dark blue metallic with matching blue leather
Iconic front-engined V12 Ferrari, reviving the traditional Daytona look and layout
5.5-litre V12 engine producing 485bhp with 6-speed rear transaxle
Under 60,000 miles from new
Recent £5,000 of work since April 2025 by current keeper
MOT to October 2026
Private registration included

The Appeal

The 456 was a mere warm-up for the main act. The 550 Maranello fully revived the Daytona’s aesthetics and its classic front-engined, rear-drive transaxle two-seat layout. Equipped with the firm’s sonorous 5.5L V12 F133 485bhp engine and a 6spd manual box, the 550 was one of the greatest GTs of its era - and it still it.

Just 3,083 were built and this 1997 car is one of the earliest. We understand that it was first registered in Germany before arriving in the UK with its first keeper in 2016. We are told that it has been well maintained since, including £5,000 invested by the vendor since April 2025. It will be sold with MOT to October 2026.

Thanks to their Daytona-esque lines and that F116 powerplant, the 550 is one of the most collectible of modern Ferraris. This well-specified and very tidy car is a chance to discover what all the fuss is about.

History and Paperwork

First registered 26th February 1997
Believed originally registered in Germany
Fist UK registered July 2016
Two registered UK keepers
Private registration included
Vendor acquired car earlier this year
£5,000 invested since he acquired the car
Current odometer reading shows 95,594 kilometres (59,399 miles)
Accompanied by service history documentation dating back to 1997
Comes with expired MOT certificates
Current MOT to 16th October 2026 with minor advisories
Includes a comprehensive list of parts purchased during the car's lifetime
V5C registration document present
Dry stored in a carcoon in recent years

The Condition

Dark blue metallic paintwork in good condition as shown
Some stone chips to front of car as shown
Bodywork presents well with no accident damage reported
Five-spoke alloy wheels in good order with matching Michelin Pilot Sports
Advisory for tyre on MOT
Blue leather interior in good order with little wear to high-traffic seat areas
Retains its original Blaupunkt Indianapolis sound system with 6CD changer
Switchgear and surrounds shows light wear in photos
Slight distortion to cover of the passenger airbag
Fitted with a period Nokia car phone

Classically finished in dark blue with a matching blue leather cabin, this 550’s colour scheme is one of the most popular for this model. The paintwork remains in good order and the leather seats with their embossed headrests show little wear. The switchgear, a common weakness of this model, displays light marks that would likely respond to refurbishment if required.

The car appears to be highly original, including the factory Becker Indianapolis high-end stereo with its 6CD boot-mounted changer.

The smart five-spoke alloys are shod with matching Michelin Pilot Sports.

The Mechanics

5.5-litre F133 48V 485bhp V12 engine
6-speed manual transmission with rear transaxle configuration
All-independent suspension with dual-mode (normal/sports) selectable damping
Speed-sensitive power-assisted steering
Described by seller as well-maintained with good history file
Recent £5,000 of maintenance since April 2025 advised by seller
No mechanical advisories on MOT

The 5.5L F133 engine evolved the earlier F116 into a more performance-oriented car. In the 550 it is good for close on 500bhp, naturally delivering truly epic performance. The 6spd gearbox with its transaxle layout provides the necessary engagement and balance that press-on drivers will expect.

This car has covered fewer than 60,000 miles from new. In recent years there has been sparing use but we are told the service records are comprehensive. The car recently received £5,000 of work prior to sale. It will be sold with a new 12-month MOT.

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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