Last Great Ferrari

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【Summary】The Ferrari 550 Maranello is hailed as the last truly great Ferrari and the only modern Ferrari the author wants to own. The car is described as pleasant, with a comfortable interior and classic sports car proportions. It offers good visibility and a smooth engine. The ride is described as "taut" and the car is considered a grand touring car rather than a sports car. Despite not having impressive horsepower by today's standards, the car still feels fast.

FutureCar Staff Aug 16, 2023 4:19 PM PT

The 550 Maranello is often considered the last truly great Ferrari. With its gated manual transmission and powerful V12 engine, it's a car that many car enthusiasts have dreamed of owning. However, not all modern Ferraris live up to these expectations. The 488 Spyder, for example, may be fast but lacks the exhilarating feeling that is often associated with driving a Ferrari.

Despite this, the 550 Maranello has remained a favorite among car enthusiasts. Unlike newer Ferraris with their high power outputs and futuristic interiors, the 550 Maranello is a simple car with a clear purpose. Recently, there was an opportunity to finally drive one, thanks to RM Sothebys.

If there's one word to describe the 550 Maranello, it would be "pleasant." From the sound of the engine to the comfortable interior, everything about the car is pleasant. Its presence on the road is undeniable, with classic sports car proportions and a beautiful Tour De France Blue paint job.

The car's design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical. It has good visibility, which is a major advantage in traffic. The interior is luxurious yet basic, with analog gauges and comfortable leather bucket seats. It's a car that is meant for long drives and offers a level of comfort that seems to defy the laws of physics.

Driving the 550 Maranello is a unique experience. The engine starts smoothly without any loud noises, and the powertrain is exceptionally smooth. The ride is taut but not harsh, thanks to the springs and dampers that keep the body controlled. While it may not be a sports car in stock form, it excels as a grand touring car.

The 5.5-liter V12 engine produces 478 horsepower, which was impressive when the car debuted in the mid-nineties. The engine revs to around 7,500 rpm, and peak power comes in at 7,000 rpm. It may not have the highest horsepower figures by today's standards, but it still feels fast.

Driving the 550 Maranello is an experience that makes you feel good and cool. It's a Ferrari for connoisseurs, not for those who want to show off. It's a car that reminds you why you used to get excited about Ferraris as a kid.

While these cars have significantly increased in value over the years, they offer an experience that can't be replicated with any modern Ferrari. With its great color combination and low mileage, this particular 550 Maranello is expected to sell for a substantial price at auction. It may be a lot of money for a car from 1999, but it's a perfect Ferrari that offers reliability and affordable servicing.