The Ferrari (Type F133) is a front-engined V12 2-seat grand tourer built by Ferrari from 1996 to 2001. The 550 Maranello marked Ferrari's return to a front engined, rear-wheel drive layout for its 2-seater 12-cylinder model, 23 years after the 365 GTB/4 Daytona had been replaced by the mid engined Berlinetta Boxer
After 30 months of development, the Ferrari 550 Maranello was unveiled in July 1996 at the Nürburgring racing circuit in Germany. The model's name referred to the 5.5-litres total engine displacement in decilitres and to the town of Maranello , home to the Ferrari headquarters and factory. Pininfarina executed both the exterior and interior design. Frame and main engine components were shared with the 2+2 Ferrari 456, although at 2,500 mm, the 550's wheelbase was 100 mm shorter. In 2002 the 550 was replaced by the 575M Maranello, which was rather an all-around improved version (modificata in Ferrari parlance) of the car, fitted with a larger 5.75-litre engine. In total 3,083 units of the 550 Maranello were produced.
Photo Credit - Roman Rätzke