The 550 Manarello was Ferrari’s first two-seater, front-engined V12 car since the demise of the 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’ in 1973. Unveiled in 1996 at the Nürburgring circuit in Germany, the Marenello featured a traditional Ferrari recipe: two seats, smooth styling by Pininfarina, a 478hp V12 powerplant sending power to the rear wheels, and the usual melodic exhaust note that is expected from the marque of the Cavallino.

As far as numbers, 0 to 100kmph was done in a smudge under 4 seconds, and top speed was achieved at the 320kmph (199mph) mark. The car’s performance, despite its origins as a grand tourer, earned it some wins at the FIA GT championships from 2001 to 2005.

A few special editions were made on this basis; amongst the most famous ones were the 550 Barchetta (a roadster version) and the 550 GTZ coupé, styled by Zagato.

This particular 550 Maranello left the factory in April 1998, and was delivered to Loris Kessel Auto S.A. near Lugano, Switzerland. The car left for Japan seven years later, where it was wrapped in Grigio Titanio and customized with aftermarket equipment. Under our ownership, we have returned the car to its original Rosso Corsa configuration by removing the vinyl wrap, repainting the bumpers, replacing the wheels with original units, restoring parts of the interior, removing all aftermarket electronics, and servicing the car meticulously, including timing belts. As it is, this car is an excellent driver-quality 550 Maranello with aftermarket suspension and exhaust, both an improvement over the originals.