If the 1960s represented a golden age for V-12-engined Ferrari GT car design, then the ensuing two decades were characterised by a remarkable volte-face. The company focused on mid-engined flat-12 and V-8-powered cars from the mid-1970s onwards, meaning the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1996 represented the first all-new, two-seater V-12-engined Ferrari GT car for more than a quarter of a century. With its 5.5-litre V-12, tubular chassis, rear-mounted transaxle and Pininfarina styling, the 550 Maranello drew inspiration from legends of the past. These key selling points were instrumental in the uptake of more than 3,000 berlinetta versions between 1996 and 2001.

In late-1998, Ferrari prepared a 550 Maranello to attempt a series of speed records at the Transportation Research Facility, near Columbus, Ohio. Finished in Grigio Titanio with Bordeaux leather interior, the car featured modified suspension and steering, as well as a roll cage, racing seats, and a quick-fill refuelling system. Journalists Csaba Csere and Duilio Truffo were retained as drivers and the pair subsequently averaged 190.2 mph and 188.9 mph for 100 miles and 100 kilometres, respectively, and 184 mph over a one-hour period.

Ferrari duly announced a limited-edition, road-legal version of the car dubbed the 550 Maranello WSR. Just 33 examples were produced, of which only 10 were specified in right-hand drive. Each boasted the desirable Fiorano handling pack, carbon fibre bucket seats, competition-style four-point safety harnesses, and a leather-trimmed roll cage—thereby broadly replicating the specification of the WSR car—while the majority were finished in an identical contrasting colour scheme.

Imported into the UK by Maranello Concessionaires, chassis 117671 was distributed by Ferrari agents Mortimer, Houghton and Turner to first owner, Terry Lister, on 5 May 2000. As Chairman of Listers Group—one of the largest family-owned automotive businesses in the UK—Mr Lister appears to have kept the car with fastidious care. This was underlined by the Ferrari being entrusted to supplying dealer MHT in February 2003 for a cambelt change and service at just 12,409 miles.

In 2005, the car benefitted from further work at Graypaul Ferrari at a cost of some £13,000, prior to entering long-term single ownership until 2017. After receiving a further service and cambelt change at 33,844 miles by Ferrari specialist Keys Motorsport Silverstone in February 2017—at a cost of £2,772—the 550 Maranello was acquired by the vendor, in whose ownership it has covered just 106 miles. In August 2023, Autostore Europe Ltd of Cambridge performed a timing belt service, which alongside other tasks, amounted to £3,704. At the time of cataloguing, the odometer read only 33,950 miles. Bidders should note that its current "550 WSR" registration is not included as part of the sale.

Accompanied by a Ferrari wallet and full set of manuals, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly original, low-mileage example of one of the most exclusive road-legal Ferrari grand tourers of recent times—one which has already been justifiably elevated to the pantheon of Maranello greats.