Ferrari’s 550 Maranello, the revered 365 GTB/4 Daytona’s spiritual successor, proved to be a huge success for the company, recalling their early days of making fast and exciting grand tourers that had the looks to match their performance. As with the Daytona, Pininfarina brilliantly executed the design. Perfect for crossing states or continents at high speeds, the 550 Maranello had no problems doing so while indulging its driver and passenger, and leaving plenty of room for luggage in the trunk and on the rear parcel shelf.

Just five years after that car’s introduction, Ferrari unveiled the 575M Maranello, which offered a range of upgrades over its predecessor. The 575M Maranello represented the very pinnacle of the Ferrari front-engined sports berlinetta concept in regards of technology and performance. In fact, the 2002 launch of the 575M Maranello signaled a whole new level of achievement for one of Ferrari’s most traditional and favorite layouts.

As with all Ferraris, the heart of this model is the engine, in which the 575 is an abbreviation of the larger 5,750 cubic centimeters displacement which resulted in a subsequent increase in power (515 horsepower) and torque. In typical Ferrari terms, the M stands for “modified,” to signify that all round performance had been improved. Overall performance in particular was worked on, backed up by more advanced vehicle dynamics and the introduction of the F1-style gear change in a road-going Ferrari V-12 for the very first time.

The only modifications were as the result of the 575’s greater technical demands: newly-designed air intakes on the new front end for refined aerodynamic and fluid-dynamic efficiency, and a new treatment for the front spoiler. Lastly, the headlamp clusters were redesigned with a car-colored body and grey surround with xenon technology for the dipped beam as standard, and headlamp washers. Aerodynamically, the final embellishment was the refining of the air movement around the wheels and the addition of small fairings to reduce drag. Every last detail of the underbody was also devotedly shaped to generate downforce while cutting drag.

Equipped with the six-speed F1 paddle-shift transmission, this particular 575M Maranello is a captivating example that is uncommonly finished in the rich tones of Blu Pozzi with red leather interior. The headliner is also red, and the cabin also features black and aluminum-type trim finishes. The red accents are also under the hood, as well as the brake calipers. It is reported that there are few Blu Pozzi 575M Maranello’s that made it to the United States.

Luxuriously appointed, the Ferrari shows less than 11,000 miles on the odometer and looks meticulously cared for. Features include air conditioning, radio, Scuderia fender shields, factory alloy wheels, Pirelli P Zero tires; power steering, four-wheel disc brakes, windows, and seats. The 575M has recently been fully serviced, including belts, water pump, fluids, and PPI inspection.

The 575M Maranello was extensively revised to make it even sportier and more functional. In keeping with its boosted performance, there was also a focus on more efficient driver control. With the proper driving credentials, you’ll be able to run your Maranello up through the hills “faster than light.”