Following the end of production of the F512 M, Ferrari’s final iteration of its mid-engined, flat-12 cylinder platform, the company turned back to its roots with the all-new 550 Maranello. Introduced at the Nürburgring in July of 1996, this front-engined two-seater was a grand touring berlinetta in the finest sense, harkening back to the 365 GTB/4 of the 1970s and its predecessors from the ’50s and ’60s. Like the Daytona, this was a car that was not only at the cutting edge of performance, but also comfortable and practical enough to be used on a daily basis.

Powered by an all-new 5.5-litre V-12 engine with an output of 485 bhp, the 550 Maranello could sprint from 0–100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, leading to a top speed of 320 km/h. The car’s stunning bodywork was crafted with aerodynamics in mind, undoubtedly helping the 550 Maranello to reset production car speed records, covering 100 kilometres at an average speed of 304.1 km/h and 296 km/h in one hour. With a spacious boot and a parcel shelf behind the seats, this world-beating performance car could easily be used for trips to the shops or on a weeklong jaunt across the continent.

According to a copy of its warranty card, this particular 550 Maranello was delivered to its first owner on 5 January 1998 through Ferrari Deutschland. It was finished new in a striking and desirable colour combination of Grigio Titanio over a Bordeaux leather interior. By June 2001, the 550 Maranello had been exported to the United Kingdom, where it remained with at least two owners before being purchased by its current owner and returned to Germany. It presently shows just 31,600 kilometres on its odometer and has been recently serviced, remaining ready for the road. Furthermore, it is important to note that the car retains its original books and tools.

The 550 Maranello is a landmark car for Ferrari, as it took the company back to its roots. Two-seater, grand touring berlinettas had always been Ferrari’s most iconic cars, and it was a natural fit to bring that body style back over 20 years after production ceased on the Daytona. Considered by many to be one of the last great “analogue” Ferraris, the 550 Maranello still remains just as beautiful and exciting to drive today as it was nearly 20 years ago. The example presented here is an excellent Ferrari in all regards and would surely be enjoyed by its next owner as a high-speed continental grand tourer, as intended.