As it entered production in 1996, the Ferrari 550 Maranello had great shoes to fill. The new model effectively replaced the final iteration of the fabled Testarossa as Ferrari’s flagship 12-cylinder, two-seat grand tourer—albeit with a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration replacing the prior midengined setup. The 5.5-litre V-12 was rated to produce 485 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque, while a manual six-speed gearbox was the only transmission offered.

The 550 Maranello’s chassis featured a two-setting electronically variable suspension, ventilated disc brakes at all four corners, and 18-inch five-spoke wheels. The 550 Maranello soon became known for its performance potential, setting three production car speed records in 1998: covering 100 miles at an average speed of 190.2 mph; 100 kilometres at an average speed of 188.9 mph; and driving one hour at an average speed of 184 mph—all of which would stand until 2002. The 550 would achieve 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds, 100 mph in 10.2 seconds, and 150 mph in 23.5 seconds, pulling hard all the way to 199 mph.

Inside, a luxuriously appointed interior lives up to the high expectations that Ferrari had become known for, fit for a state-of-the-art grand tourer that could be driven across continents with comfort and ease. The 550 Maranello featured a full leather interior with air conditioning, further to electric seats, windows, and mirrors. A metal gearshift gate enhanced the feel of a true driver’s Ferrari, and this metal effect was complemented by a metal-balled lever and drilled pedals.

This example, chassis number 120641, was delivered to its first owner on 26 January 2001, finished in the traditional colours of Rosso Corsa over a crème leather interior, matched by red brake callipers. Most recently, the 550 Maranello has been part of a display at the Cayman Motor Museum located in West Bay, Cayman Islands, from which it is now offered for sale.