The Ferrari 550 Maranello is more than just a car; it’s a legend. Born from a desire to reclaim the “front-engine, V12 grand touring” throne, the 550 marked a return to Ferrari’s roots, and what a return it was. In our review of the 550 Maranello, we find out why this super GT is termed as one of the greatest.
History
The 550 Maranello succeeded the iconic Testarossa, inheriting its aggressive stance and raw power while refining it for a new era. Unveiled at the 1996 Paris Auto Show, the 550 was the brainchild of design maestro Pininfarina and Ferrari legend Luca di Montezemolo.
It breathed a new life into the front-engine V12 lineage. Produced from 1996 to 2006, the 550 witnessed over 4,800 units built, a testament to its enduring appeal. With such a rich history, the 550 Maranello has become a collector’s classic.
Feature Model History
Our particular review unit features a silver paint finish that adds to the smooth body lines of the Maranello. It also comes with red interiors and has clocked just 49,000 odd kilometres on the ODO. Find this particular 1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello listed for sale on DubiCars by Top Line Motors.
Design
The 550’s Pininfarina-sculpted body is a masterclass in elegance. The long hood, sweptback cabin, and short rear end exude a timeless beauty. Except for the quad-tip exhaust and the hood scoop, the 550’s design is nothing like the aggressively styled Ferraris of the past.
Its design personally reminds us of a modern-day rendition of the Ferrari Daytona. The 5-spoke 19-inch alloy wheels add to the car’s smooth contoured body panels, while the signature prancing horse badge proudly adorns the bonnet.
Interior & Features
Stepping inside the 550 is like entering a luxurious cockpit. The leather-clad interior is a blend of comfort and performance. Gauges are clear and concise, while the gated shifter begs to be manhandled. Though lacking the modern tech of today’s Ferraris, the 550’s charm lies in its analogue purity.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the beast is a naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V12 engine, churning out 480hp and 569Nm torque. The 6-speed manual transmission provides a tactile connection to the car, while the rear-wheel-drive layout guarantees pure, unadulterated driving pleasure.
Performance
- 0 to 100km/h: 4.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 320km/h
Driveability
Unlike modern electric power steering, the 550 Maranello boasts a pure hydraulic steering system. This translates to an unfiltered connection between the road and the driver’s hands, providing direct and communicative feedback.
The 550 Maranello employs a sophisticated double-wishbone suspension setup on both axles. This provides excellent control over the car’s body movements, minimizing dive under braking and squat under acceleration. The car feels planted and composed even when pushed hard, inspiring confidence in the driver.
The 550 Maranello is an old-school super GT. Its raw power and sharp handling requires respect, but reward skill with an intoxicating driving experience. The car begs to be pushed, carving through corners with precision and responding instantly to driver inputs.
550 Maranello At Hollywood
The 550’s Hollywood pedigree is undeniable. From Nicolas Cage’s iconic drive-in “Gone in 60 Seconds” to its appearances in “The Transporter,” “Miami Vice,” and countless others, the 550 has cemented itself as a pop culture icon. Its sleek lines and menacing presence make it the ultimate silver screen stunner. Here is our list of the top 10 car movies to watch.
Ferrari 550 Maranello Review Verdict
The Ferrari 550 Maranello is more than just a car; it’s a rolling piece of automotive art. It’s a testament to Ferrari’s rich heritage and a reminder of the visceral thrill of pure driving.
Owning a 550 is a privilege, and driving one is an experience that will stay etched in your memory forever. Find this particular 1998 Ferrari 550 Maranello listed for sale on DubiCars by Top Line Motors.
