In a spectacular auction event during Rétromobile, a 1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello, once owned by the iconic Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher, found a new owner.
The car was sold for an impressive €313,200, far surpassing the typical market value for this model. The reason for this extraordinary price lies in its undeniable connection to the seven-time Formula 1 world champion.
A Car with a Special Soul
Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors often attribute significant value to any item linked to the legendary driver, and this Ferrari 550 Maranello is no exception. With chassis number ZFFZR49B000105067, this particular vehicle was directly delivered by Ferrari to Schumacher himself and was part of the exclusive set of cars presented to the press in 1996 at the Nürburgring circuit.
The connection to Schumacher is solidified with a letter personally signed by the driver and an official statement from Ferrari. With only around 10,000 kilometers on the odometer, the car has been meticulously maintained and remains in pristine condition.
The Ferrari 550 Maranello: An Overview
The Ferrari 550 Maranello made its official debut at the "Ferrari Racing Days" event in June 1996, where it replaced the F512M, the last model in the iconic Testarossa line. The 550 Maranello’s front-engine V12 configuration marked a return to the roots for Ferrari, embracing a setup that had been a favorite of Enzo Ferrari himself.
The car's design, while modern, draws inspiration from the revered 365 GTB/4 Daytona. Though it didn’t entirely replace the Testarossa in the hearts of enthusiasts, it laid the foundation for the development of future V12 Ferrari berlinettas, leading up to the Ferrari 12Cilindri.
Performance and Features
Under the hood of the 550 Maranello is a 5.5-liter V12 engine that delivers an impressive 485 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and a torque of 569 Nm. These figures translate into exhilarating performance, with the car accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.4 seconds and reaching a top speed of 320 km/h.
The six-speed manual transmission and the transaxle configuration, with the engine positioned at the front and the gearbox mounted at the rear, provide an ideal weight distribution for an exhilarating driving experience, making it an exceptional choice for a driver of Schumacher’s caliber.
A Journey Across Japan and Europe
After its time with Schumacher, the car had several owners, including a Japanese collector who purchased it from Cornes, a renowned local Ferrari dealer. The car remained in Japan for several years before being sold to another enthusiast, who eventually decided to auction it.
Luxury and Unique Details
This Ferrari 550 Maranello stands out with its stunning Argento Nürburgring exterior, beautifully complemented by red Cartier leather upholstery inside. One of its most exclusive features is Schumacher’s signature inside the glove compartment, which adds significant historical and emotional value to the car.
The car has been meticulously serviced by authorized Ferrari dealers and was recently given a full check-up by Cornes, ensuring that its new owner will enjoy an impeccable driving experience. With its combination of luxury, history, and performance, this Ferrari 550 Maranello represents the pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship.
