Fantasy Junction

Description

1997 Ferrari 550 Maranello

VIN – ZFFZR49B000105909
Exterior Color – Red
Interior Color – Cuoio Leather
Engine – 5.5 Liter Quad-Cam V12
Transmission – 6-speed manual
Current Miles – 23,850 miles
Current Owner – Purchased in 2001 with 17,008 miles

Highlights of this Car

-Ferrari SpA letter indicating this car was driven by legendary F1 driver Michael Schumacher during first 90 days after delivery
-Displayed at German press debut events by Ferrari before offered to Schumacher
-Original European delivery with EPA letters and US compliance approval in 2001
-Single California ownership for the past 21 years

General Overview

Introduced in 1996 as the flagship of the Ferrari line, the Maranello became a powerful statement echoing a legacy of V12 front-engine cars that had been set aside during the development of mid-engine cars. Though it was clear that Ferrari was still heavily invested in the mid-engine platform, the Maranello was designed to capture the glory days of Ferrari’s legendary front-engine sports cars, most notably the 275GTG and 365 GTB/Daytona. The Maranello greeted an enthusiastic public who welcomed this powerful and elegant performance car as a striking statement particularly so as a company that had grown significantly as a leader in performance technology just in the previous two decades. The Pininfarina styling evoked all the grace and muscularity of the legendary Ferraris without becoming overstated or burdened with excessive luxury appointments. The clean and beautifully proportioned body draped over the 485 hp V12 engine and 6-speed transaxle created a delightful harmony of power and elegance. Today these cars are becoming even more sought-after by collectors who recognize their unique design, reflective of the last analog series cars, particularly those configured with the desirable gated 6-speed manual gearbox.

History of This Car

According to documentation supplied by Ferrari historian Marcel Massini, this beautiful Maranello was displayed at the press conference “Ferrari Racing Days” event in Nurburgring July 20, 1996, and “Ferrari Deutschland GMbH”, Wiesbaden, Germany, August 1996. Shortly after this event, as confirmed by a letter from Ferrari dated June 9, 1998, the car was made available to Ferrari Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher who drove the car as part of his public relations promotions. Schumacher reportedly drove the car for an additional three-month period. Shortly after Schumacher’s use, this Maranello was offered for sale at S&T Sport und Tourenwagen, Munich, Germany. In 2001, the car was imported to North America and certified for US emissions on July 24, 2001. California emissions compliance included TWC, Cannister, ECU, PCV, Fuel Restrictor, HO2S Air Pump, and Diverter Valve. Shortly thereafter, the car was represented for sale by Fantasy Junction when two new tires and a battery were installed, and some interior details refined. In October 2001, the car was serviced by Veloce Speedesign, Campbell, CA where a new clutch release bearing and clutch assembly was installed, and an oil and filter service, brake fluid flush, and new transaxle oil change performed. The current owner, a class winner at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has enjoyed the car since his purchase from Fantasy Junction in 2001.

General Condition

Today this striking Maranello exhibits a strong visual presentation with excellent paint, beautiful gloss, and uniform coverage throughout. The finish is deep and smooth and digital meter readings taken on all metal body surfaces return numbers between 3.9 mil - 9.8 mil consistent with numbers found on factory applied paint. Panel fit is excellent throughout with clean edges and corners, proper fit, and crisp operation to all opening features. All lighting, lenses, and emblems remain in excellent condition. The wheels are in very nice condition overall with one wheel displaying moderate edge marks of the rim perimeter. The tires, while suitable for display, are showing signs of age. The various trim, glass, and detailed features are all consistently nice overall. Visually the car retains the factory stance, proper suspension height, and correct features often found on low mile original cars.

The interior of the car appears very well cared for with only minor signs of age to just a few surfaces. The Cuoio leather seats are in excellent condition, stitched with Daytona inserts, and embossed prancing horse on the headrests. The rich color and supple feel of the leather material is very nice throughout, however the driver’s left side seat bolster would benefit from leather dye to restore some of the wear this area typically earns even on low mile cars. The instruments are clear and in excellent condition as are the various console switches, rotating knobs, and beautiful aluminum 6-speed manual switchgear plate. Unlike many cars of this vintage this example has no sticky switches or tacky knobs. Carpeting is in very good condition along with the factory headliner and delightful leather luggage straps on the rear package shelf. The car is outfitted with a Ferrari 6-disc CD stereo unit, factory mounted inside the trunk.

Under the hood, this 550 continues to impress with alloy castings in excellent condition displaying the amazing V12 engine as its own work of mechanical artistry. All factory fittings, components, and fasteners remain as assembled by Ferrari with the exception of an Optima spiral cell battery, installed in January 2021. The underside of the car exhibits further evidence supporting the low mile history, showing excellent metal suspension components, correct alloy engine pan, proper exhaust, and aerodynamic pans. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the floor pan or suspension mounting points.

This Maranello starts, runs, and drives as one might expect from a low-mile example. Driving manners are very satisfying offering excellent suspension and powerful acceleration from the high revving V12 engine. Overall, the driving experience is quite gratifying, engaging, and a satisfying reminder of the days when manual shifting represented sports car driving at its best. Particularly this example, driven by one of the most celebrated Formula 1 drivers in the world.


Items Included with the Car

This beautiful Ferrari is accompanied by the original factory owner’s manual book set and leather case, the original leather tool case and tools, a car cover, a battery charger, and a spare pair of black front floor mats.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608