Ferrari 550 Maranello

Why it matters

Unveiled at the Nürburgring in July 1996, the 550 Maranello marked Ferrari's decisive return to the front-engined two-seat V12 formula for its flagship production sports car, more than two decades after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Pininfarina wrapped its compact wheelbase and wide track in a restrained aluminum body with a long bonnet, fixed covered headlamps and functional front-fender outlets. The 5,474 cc, 65-degree F133 V12 used four valves per cylinder and Bosch Motronic management to produce 485 hp at 7,000 rpm and 569 Nm of torque. A six-speed gated manual transaxle mounted at the rear helped create near-even weight distribution, while double-wishbone suspension, electronically adjustable dampers, speed-sensitive steering and ventilated disc brakes gave the 550 remarkable composure at both road and circuit speeds. It reached 199 mph and accelerated from rest to 100 km/h in approximately 4.4 seconds, yet offered generous luggage space and genuine long-distance comfort. Ferrari produced 3,083 examples before the 575M Maranello succeeded it. The 550 established the architecture followed by every subsequent front-engined Ferrari V12 berlinetta, making it one of the most influential modern Ferraris.