The Ferrari grand-touring coupe, with its front-mounted V-12 engine and rear-wheel-drive configuration, has long been a staple of success for Ferrari and the stuff of legends. The formula first took shape in the mid-1950s with the 250 GT and continued its evolution through the 1960s with the impactful 365 GTB/4 Daytona. By 1996, Ferrari was ready to introduce the 550 Maranello. As with many of its predecessors, it featured chart-topping performance coupled with a spacious trunk and rear parcel shelf—more than suitable for a weekend road trip for two.

Building on the 550 Maranello, Ferrari would introduce the 575M six years later. The "M," for "Modificata,” signified both performance and design upgrades, including a more powerful 5.75-liter V-12 engine, larger brake discs, an adaptive suspension that minimized pitch during shifting, updated front fascia, and a refreshed interior. Possibly the most notable change was the introduction of a Magneti Marelli paddle-shifted “F1” transmission. Based on early F1 paddle-shift technology, the vast majority of buyers opted to outfit their 575M with this option. However, a small fraction of enthusiasts could not resist the ability to shift their own gears through Ferrari’s iconic gated shifter—its distinct “clink, clink” sound of metal on metal punctuating the V-12 engine’s rising revs.

Of the 2,056 575M Maranello examples produced from 2002 through 2005 model years, only 246 are understood to have been built with the coveted manual transmission. The 575M offered here today is one of those fortunate few.

Ordered new through Ferrari of Central Florida with a sticker price of $245,132, this example is cloaked in the classic shade of Rossa Corsa with a beautiful Cream leather interior. The window sticker copy on file further indicates a number of desirable options including interior carbon trim, “Daytona”-style seats, Fiorano handling package, Scuderia shields, leather-upholstered rear shelf, a Hi-Fi sound system with subwoofer, and interior stitching in red. After delivery, the Ferrari would remain registered in the state of Florida until 2011. At that point, new ownership had brought the car to the New York City area. Use remained limited, and at the time of cataloguing, 9,899 miles were recorded on the odometer. An owner's manual and warranty book in pouch, a spare key, and 2014–2015 service documentation, as well as a tool kit and tire inflator, will accompany the car upon purchase.

With the increasing scarcity of manual transmissions on new and late-model vehicles, this stellar and rare example of a highly regarded Italian V-12 grand tourer will surely appeal to purists who prize the added connection and driver involvement that comes with Ferrari’s iconic gated shifter.