The 2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello marked the triumphant return of the front-engine V12 grand tourer, successfully succeeding the mid-engine Testarossa series with improved balance and classic proportions. While Ferrari produced a limited run of 33 “World Speed Record” (WSR) editions to celebrate its 1998 record-breaking run in Marysville, Ohio, this particular car holds a unique position as a factory-authorized 34th example. Built with extreme urgency for a Swedish VIP client who missed the original allocation, it features the exact mechanical and aesthetic upgrades of the WSR cars, making it one of the most compelling manual V12 Ferraris available today.
Rosso Corsa Paintwork and Fiorano Chassis Tuning
Retaining its iconic factory combination of Rosso Corsa, this 550 Maranello presents the classic silhouette that defined Ferrari’s turn-of-the-century design language. Unlike the standard model, this car was specified from the factory with the Fiorano handling pack, which lowers the ride height and stiffens the suspension for a more aggressive, track-oriented stance. The exterior remains understated and elegant, eschewing heavy wings for sophisticated underbody aerodynamics and a clean, long-hood profile. This build highlights the functional beauty of the Pininfarina-styled body, perfectly suited for high-speed continental touring and spirited driving.
Beige Connolly Leather and Carbon Racing Buckets
The interior is a masterful blend of grand touring luxury and motorsport intent, featuring Beige Connolly leather accented by Castoro light brown carpets. Stepping inside reveals the most significant WSR-spec upgrades: carbon-fiber full bucket seats and four-point racing-style harnesses. Perhaps the most striking feature is the factory-installed, leather-trimmed roll cage, which adds structural rigidity without sacrificing the cabin’s refined atmosphere. Although it lacks the commemorative plaque of the initial 33 units, the presence of these racing components confirms its unique status as an “Urgent Car” build requested directly by the factory’s most valued clientele.
Front-Engine V12 Power and Manual Engagement
Power is delivered by a 5.5-liter 65-degree V12 engine, a masterpiece of engineering that provides effortless acceleration and a legendary acoustic signature. This naturally aspirated heart sends its energy to the rear wheels via a traditional six-speed gated manual transaxle, a feature that has made the 550 Maranello a blue-chip collector favorite. The power delivery is linear and authoritative, offering the kind of mechanical feedback that modern paddle-shift supercars often lack. With a recent service in July 2024 and 62,228 kilometers on the odometer, the mechanical vitals are well-preserved and ready for high-speed use across the European landscape.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.5L V12 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Gated Manual |
| Exterior Color | Rosso Corsa |
| Interior Hide | Beige Connolly Leather |
| Handling Package | Factory Fiorano Pack |
| Seat Type | Carbon-Fiber Buckets |
| Safety Equipment | Leather-Trimmed Roll Cage |
| Odometer | 62,228 km |
A Unique Footnote in Maranello History
In the current market for modern classic Ferraris, the 550 Maranello is frequently compared to the later 575M or the more extreme 590 GTO. However, the 550 remains the purist’s choice due to its lack of electronic driver interference and its strictly manual gearbox. This WSR-specification example holds a distinct advantage over standard cars, as it offers the track-ready hardware of the limited edition without the extreme price premium often associated with the 33 “numbered” units. Its history, documented by factory build records explicitly stating its “Urgent” status, provides a level of provenance that collectors prize for its rarity and character.
Authentic Performance Ready for the Road
Located in the Netherlands and accompanied by its owner’s guides, Warranty Card, and build records, this 2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello is a turnkey investment in Italian performance. It represents a rare moment in Ferrari history where the factory bypassed standard production numbers to satisfy a dedicated enthusiast. For the driver seeking the ultimate 550 specification, complete with racing seats and a tuned chassis, this car offers an unrepeatable combination of luxury and speed. It remains a fascinating footnote to the Maranello story, ready to be driven and enjoyed as it was intended on the open road.
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Source: rmsothebys.com
