To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' The Petersen Automotive
Museum Auction event, 8 December 2018.
Estimate:
$250,000 - $300,000
- Desirable six-speed manual transmission; one of only 246
factory examples.
- Under 13,000 miles from new
- Previously owned by noted Ferrari collector Brandon Wang
- Seldom seen Azzuro California over Sabbia color scheme
The introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1996 proved to be a smash
hit with enthusiasts of both new and old Ferraris alike. Reviving
the company's fabled line of two-seater, front-engined V-12 grand
tourers, the 550 Maranello proved that Ferrari was both in touch
with its past and willing to push its performance into the 21st
century.
The first major update to this platform was the 575 Maranello,
introduced in 2003. This new model increased the V-12's
displacement by 250 cc, which brought a healthy increase in both
power and torque, resulting in a top speed of 202 mph. Revised
headlights were fitted along with a restyled air intake in the
front, as well as a new front spoiler, and larger brake discs.
Weight distribution was further improved to offer a perfect 50/50
balance. Finally, the interior was modernized with an updated
dashboard and trim. Unlike the 550, buyers of the 575 Maranello
could choose between Ferrari's F1-style transmission or a
traditional, gated six-speed manual.
Equipped with the rare and desirable six-speed manual transmission,
this 575 Maranello is tastefully finished in Azzurro California
over Sabbia leather upholstery. Sold new through Ferrari of
Washington in Sterling, Virginia, the car's first owner was
Laurence Abramson of West Palm Beach, Florida, who took delivery in
September 2003. Subsequently shipped to Florida, the car was sold
to Frederick Scott, also of Florida in May 2004 with only 800 miles
on the odometer. He kept the car for the next year and drove it
regularly, putting nearly 7,000 miles on the car over the next 18
months.
The 575 then moved to San Francisco where it was purchased by James
Marchi in January 2006 and remained with him at least through 2014.
The car's next owner would be the noted Ferrari collector Brandon
Wang who imported the car to the UK for use there and on the
continent in January 2016. It has remained there ever since. It is
worth noting that the car's last cambelt service was undertaken in
February 2017 by Dick Lovett Ferrari. Sold to its current owner
about a year ago, the car has remained in the UK and was only
recently shipped back stateside.
Truly a highly capable 21st century grand tourer, a manual
transmission 575 Maranello is practical enough to be driven
regularly yet is never a disappointment in terms of performance.
Presented in a beautiful color combination, this example would be a
brilliant addition to the garage of any collector.To view this car
and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM
website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ca18.