Ferrari 550 Maranello: beautiful in any color (16 photos)

It took more than 20 years for Ferrari marketers, if such people basically exist in Maranello to realize that mid-engined layout is only suitable for top-end supercars, requiring special driving skills.





There is a special irony here, Enzo Ferrari once believed mid-engined supercars are too dangerous for ordinary customers and refused to release them, and then Ferrari concentrated all their efforts only on these vehicles. Fortunately, in the mid-1990s, Italians created one of the most beautiful cars of all time - the Ferrari 550 maranello.



Ferrari "reinvented" Grand Tourer - two-seater front-engined supercar with a V12 engine that offered great performance in a body that is comfortable for everyday use! Power, spacious interior, roomy (relatively, of course) trunk, stunning Pininfarina design - what else do you need to worthy meet old age?





5.5 liter V12, four camshafts, four valves per cylinder, Bosch Motronic injection - 485 hp Acceleration to "hundreds" - 4.3 seconds.





The car was named after the city where the headquarters is located Ferrari rather presented with great fanfare on the famous track Nurburgring. In 1998, 550 Maranello showed off their opportunities, setting a track record in American Ohio for the average speed on a segment of 100 kilometers - 304 km/ h. Why in America set a record in the metric system?! Big question!





The car was offered only with a six-speed "mechanics", placed in one block with a limited slip differential. IN standard equipment included electronically adjustable shock absorbers, stabilization system (completely switchable!), anti-lock braking system braking, speed-sensitive power steering, two airbags security, air conditioning, power windows and stereo system. Full set.





In fact, it was the successor to the iconic Ferrari Daytona! AND buyers appreciated the car at its true worth. During the production period from From 1996 to 2002, more than 3,000 cars were sold, which for Ferrari is very serious number!



The one in the photo with just over 11,000 miles is on sale in America for $315,000. Gotta take it!



The prototype is being tested by a Ferrari recruit, a certain Michael Schumacher...





The car still looks great today! What can not be said about the jackets of Ferrari functionaries ...



Red is still better...