Used Ferrari 550 Maranello 1996 - 2002 review
More a superfast tourer than a genuine sports car
- Ferrari 550 Maranello (96 - 02)
What's the used Ferrari 550 like?
If you were unsure about the definition of a Grand Tourer, you'd only need to look at the 550 to instantly understand - a front-engined, rear-wheel-driven V12 powerhouse with a Ferrari badge on the front.
Granted, this isn't Ferrari's sharpest-handling car. It has massive ability, but lacks the effortless control of a 360 if you try to push on down a twisty road.
Pros
- It's comfortable and luxurious, with stunning speed
- and makes a wonderful noise
Cons
- The handling is a bit mushy for a supercar
However, that isn't the point of a GT. Cruising ability is the key factor here, and that's where the 550 excels. The ride is absorbent over most surfaces, and although there's a bit of tyre noise at speed, refinement is excellent.
The cabin is beautifully made and gives a feeling of luxury worthy of a Ferrari GT. There's also a huge list of standard equipment, but then again, for this sort of money, there should be.
Our recommendations
Which used Ferrari 550 should I buy?
Buyers of the 550 can have the car in two forms, the Maranello coupe, or the Barchetta open-top. There's no contest. The Barchetta is vastly more expensive, and Grand Tourers don't really work when they haven't got a roof.
The coupe body suits the car's character much better, and it's faster, too. The Maranello has a 485bhp 5.5-litre V12 engine, and knocks off the benchmark 0-60mph sprint in 4.3 seconds. The Barchetta takes slightly longer because the extra weight of the roof-folding mechanism makes it a little heavier.
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