Car of the Day - Ferrari 550 Maranello

Car of the Day - Ferrari 550 Maranello

Ferrari returned to its roots in 1996 with the re-introduction of the classic front engine V12 2-seat Berlinetta. The 550 Maranello ended the flat-12 boxer era that was introduced in 1973 with the 365BB.

After a thirteen year hiatus the 550 can be seen as a milestone model and is undoubtably already a highly desirable classic. It brought in a new era of supremely competent berlinettas that have evolved into the current 599 Fiorano.

The V12 Berlinetta pedigree is one area that sets Ferrari above all its competitors with a lineage going back to the 166 Touring Superleggeras, and continuing with such models as the 250 TDF, 250 SWB, 250 GTO, 250 GT/L Lusso, 275 GTB and of course the last of that era the Daytona. All are superb and Ferrari delivered a car that was every bit an undoubtable classic with the Maranello.
The 550 Maranello was unveiled by Michael Schumacher at the Nnrburgring and made its public debut at the 1997 Parisian Motor Show.

While the car used a modified chassis from the highly successful and much loved 456 it featured an entirely new 5.5 litre V12. Any significant change to a layout in a model range requires significant improvements to justify the change and avoid criticism. The Ferrari designers and engineers delivered in spades. The 550 provided more space, less road noise, and better visibility and comfort, all while improving the intangible “driver experience”.

The Maranello lapped Fiorano circuit 3 faster than the out going 512 M and sent a message to Lamborghini that the benchmark had changed.

Rod