Replacing the Testarossa as Ferrari's flagship model in 1996, the 550 Maranello was a return to the traditional front-engined format last seen on the classic 365 GTB/4 Daytona.

The 550 was a grand tourer in the best sense, with plenty of interior space in the luxuriously trimmed cockpit and a decent boot capable of taking a set of golf clubs. Performance was a big step up from the outgoing F512M thanks to a revised version of the 5474cc 65-degree V12 first seen on the 456 2+2.

The F133 twin-overhead camshaft engine drove the rear wheels through six-speed transaxle, delivering a very healthy output of 485 [bhp] at 7.000 [rpm] yet was entirely tractable thanks to the latest Bosch Motronic M5.2 digital engine management system.

This all added up to scintillating performance, with the 550 Maranello capable of reaching 0-100 [km/h] in just 4.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 320 [km/h] - the new model even lapped Fiorano three seconds quicker than the mid-engined F512M.

The svelte light alloy bodywork was again styled by Pininfarina, harking back to its predecessors like the Daytona without being overtly retro, and was without doubt one of the best looking of all modern Ferraris.

The chassis was constructed of high tensile tubular steel with advanced suspension, including a variable damper control system with both Normal and Sport settings, speed variable power steering and 18-inch wheels.

Acclaimed at its launch, the 550 Maranello remained in production from 1996 until replaced by the 575M in 2002 and approximately 3.600 were made in this period.

Without doubt one of the most useable exotics built in recent years, the 550 Maranello is beautifully built, amazingly tractable missile and has the added advantage of becoming increasingly affordable.

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