1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello

1999 FERRARI 550 MARANELLO V12 – VIN ZFFZR49B000113792
13,000 miles

A car that honored its origins by carrying the name of its hometown for all to see and the displacement of its 5.5-liter engine, the 550 Maranello was momentous. It replaced the mid-engine F512R in 1996 and thus marked the return of a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive, two-seat grand tourer to the pinnacle of Ferrari’s regular production lineup. The clean, elegant lines of its sultry aluminum body, designed by Pininfarina, bely the aerodynamic complexities that enabled the 550 Maranello to set multiple speed records. Certain stylistic details recall earlier Ferrari grand tourers: Twin exhaust air slots behind the front wheels are reminiscent of those on the 250 GTO and 275 GTB of the 1960s, while quad taillights evoke the 365 GTB/4 “Daytona.”
The 5.5-liter V-12 engine was rated to produce 485 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual was the only transmission offered. With a wheelbase nearly four inches shorter than that of the contemporary 456GT, the 550 Maranello’s chassis featured a two-setting electronically variable suspension, ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, and 18-inch five-spoke wheels. Its uncompromising performance and superior aerodynamics quickly quashed any doubts that a front-engine layout might be a disadvantage relative to mid-engine supercars of the day. Ferrari claimed 0 to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. Indeed, the 550 Maranello set three production-car speed records in 1998, covering 100 miles at an average speed of 190.2 mph, 100 kilometers at an average speed of 188.9 mph, and driving one hour at an average speed of 184 mph.
The 550 Maranello’s record-setting performance was even more impressive considering how comfortable the car was to drive daily and over long distances. The luxurious interior, with Ferrari’s iconic metal gearshift gate as centerpiece, was equally elegant and accommodating for two occupants, with a generous leather-lined luggage shelf behind the seats.
Finished in eye-catching Rosso Corsa over Nero leather, this Euro-spec example was acquired by the actual owner in late-2000 and imported to the United States. Ex-NART originator Fritz’s from Amerispec Corporation, Connecticut, carried out the official U.S. conversion, according to documents on file and a card affixed to the driver-side door jamb. Documents from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and U.S. Customs Service attesting to the car’s compliance with federal laws also accompany the sale.
Dick Fritz and Amerispec Corporation, one of a handful of importers, the Danbury, CT-based company, claimed to be the first firm to specialize in taking the finest Ferrari models, originally delivered in Europe, and federalizing them for American roads. Though heavy demand in the United States allowed for several of these importers to carve out a niche for themselves, Amerispec was considered to be one of the most meticulous of the bunch.
Today, with the passage of “Show and Display” laws and the 25-year import exemption, the debate has been at least partially settled. Some enthusiasts have even concentrated specifically on pursuing so-called “grey market imports,” as any cars not originally sold in any given country inherently carry a high degree of desirability among collectors there.
Benefitting from single ownership over the past 20 years, this 550 Maranello showed just under 21,000 kilometers or 13,000 miles on the odometer. Service within the past two years has been said to have included refurbishing the fueling system by replacing the fuel tank and fuel filters, rebuilding both fuel pumps, and professionally cleaning the fuel injectors. The cam belts with their respective tensioners and bearings, and accessory belts were replaced as well, along with the engine oil and filter. A brake-system overhaul is said to have included flushing the fluid and replacing the hoses, while the hydraulic clutch system fluid and engine coolant were reportedly flushed and replaced. On the interior, sticky switchgear—a common issue with Ferraris of this era—was cleaned and refurbished.
Presented with its factory manuals and leather case, tool kit, tire inflator, car cover, importation documentation, and three key fobs—including the master red fob with digital security PIN—this 550 Maranello is an exemplary, low-mileage example of one the greatest grand tourers in history.
For Ferrari aficionados, this example benefits from a history of considerate ownership. With its recent service, this front-engine 550 Maranello is an intriguing prospect for any Ferrari collector who wishes to capture the brand’s twelve-cylinder heritage.