Firmly placed in Ferrari's history as one of its finest modern-era grand tourers, the 550 Maranello’s combination of elegant lines and legendary front-mounted 12-cylinder engine ensured these cars had the potential to become instant classics.

Following in the footsteps of, and sharing its DNA with, the 365 GTB/4 ‘Daytona’, the 550 Maranello is inevitably compared to its forebear.

However, few front-engined Ferraris have justified that comparison quite like the 550.

Styled by Pininfarina, as was its illustrious predecessor, the 550 Maranello adopted similarly classical proportions, with a long bonnet, compact cabin and truncated tail.

Traditional Ferrari design cues include a bonnet air scoop and hot air outlets behind the front wheel arches, recalling the great ‘Competizione’ Ferraris of the past, whilst the rear incorporates Ferrari’s characteristic twin circular lights.

At the heart of any Ferrari lies its engine, and the 550 Maranello’s 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 produces 485bhp a...