Chassis No. ZFFZR49B000118701
Engine No. 56288
Transmission No. 168634 (Internal No. 2859)

In the late 1990s, the dynamic Luca di Montezemolo reversed Ferrari's struggling fortunes in the wake of Enzo's passing. The all-new 550 Maranello, introduced in 1996, marked the beginning of Ferrari's renaissance. Looking to the future but with an eye to the past, Ferrari returned to a traditional front-engine V12 layout for its flagship sports car—not seen since the demise of the 365 GTB/4 “Daytona” in 1973. At the 550 Maranello's heart is a 48-valve, 5.5-liter V12 making 479 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The latest electronic engine management systems allowed for unparalleled flexibility at any speed while the chassis had all-independent suspension with selectable, adjustable damping, speed-sensitive steering, and powerful disc brakes.

Pininfarina's gorgeous styling is classically proportioned and emotive, yet carefully honed in the wind tunnel for aerodynamic efficiency. Styling details like the large hood air scoop and vents slash-cut behind the front wheel arches recall the great competizione Ferraris of the past, earning the 550 “future classic” status nearly from day one.

Finished in Blu Nart (523) over a Blu (4307) leather interior with matching Blu carpeting, chassis number 118701 wears one of the more uncommon combinations specified on the 550 Maranello, an exciting pairing far removed from the expected Rosso Corsa. Factory options include the three-piece Speedline wheels shared with the 550 Barchetta and the desirable quilted leather rear parcel shelf. The car was delivered new on 3 March 2000 through Loris Kessel Auto SA, the marque's agent in Switzerland's Italian-speaking Ticino. Its first recorded owner was Dottor Luca Fossati of Lugano, president of the Star group, the Agrate Brianza food company founded by his father and known across Italy for its kitchen staples. The original service booklet traces an ownership change that August to Augstoni Renato of Massagno, showing 2,850 kilometers at the time.

By 2005 the car had passed to its third recorded keeper, Olaf Schmidt of Oberägeri in the canton of Zug. A letter retained in the history file from the official Ferrari and Maserati agent Auto Pierre Sudan dated 2 August 2005 encloses the documentation for a one-year Ferrari Power extended warranty carrying coverage on the car through 2006. Today, the car retains its original set of manuals including its service booklet and Direct Line assistance booklet, together documenting its early Swiss life and recorded mileage.

In September 2024, chassis 118701 was granted Ferrari Classiche certification, its “Red Book” verifying that the car retains its matching-numbers engine, transaxle, and its rare original color scheme. Lovingly maintained and showing just 20,525 kilometers at the time of cataloging, this is a fantastic 550 Maranello to enjoy on the road, and a welcome addition to any Ferrari collector's stable, new or seasoned. Like the Daytona that inspired it, the Maranello is earning iconic status in its own right: A symbol of Ferrari's remarkable resurgence at the turn of the new millennium.