Ferrari 550 Maranello: V12 Perfection | Catchpole on Carfection

Having looked at the Ferrari 365 GTB/4 (otherwise known as the Daytona) in the first film (see it here • Ferrari Daytona 365 GT... ) , this time it’s the turn of the 550 Maranello. Once again, it was sourced by Bell Sport & Classic and seeing the two cars parked up outside their showroom I was surprised that the 550 didn’t look vastly bigger than the Daytona given the decades between them. To my eyes it’s not as attractive as the earlier front-engined, V12 supercar, but as soon as you get into the Maranello it is obvious how much things moved on between 1973 and 1996.
The whole interior is vastly better laid out and the car feels smaller and more intimate as a result. Get going and the 550 immediately feels possessed of a totally different level of performance, too - right up there with more modern machinery, in fact. It might have ‘only’ 478bhp and 420lb ft of torque (131bhp and 102lb ft up on the Daytona but 134bhp and 141lb ft down on the current junior Ferrari, the Roma) but the 550’s 5.5-litre V12 has an incredible muscularity and flexibility to it. I was genuinely stunned by just how strong it feels.
Like the Daytona, the Maranello has wishbones all round with anti-roll bars front and rear. However, the trick up the 550’s more modern wheel arches is the electronically controlled variable dampers. There are only two options, Normal and Sport, but the change in character when the firmer setting is selected is noticeable and welcome. It’s still not that firm by 2022 standards, but with a bit of extra support and control in the corners the 550 really comes alive, feeling as playful and easy to drive as an M2 CS. The fact that you can currently get one for similar money to the BMW makes it an absolute bargain in my eyes.
The Daytona is undoubtedly the more iconic car, but I think we have a huge amount to thank the 550 Maranello for. It successfully brought back the front-engined V12 Ferrari supercar at a time when mid-engined really seemed to be the only way forward. Without the huge success of the 550 we wouldn’t have had the 599, F12 and 812 Superfast and I think the motoring landscape would be a slightly poorer place as a result.
Subscribe for more Carfection videos: / carfection
Don't forget to hit the 🔔
Follow us on our socials for additional exclusive content:
👥 Facebook: carfection
🐦 Twitter: carfection
📸 Instagram: carfectionfilms
♪ Tiktok: tiktok.com/@carfection?

[@markthibault8579]

Farewell, Carfection. Your content was some of the best around. Best of luck to the presenters and crew on their future endeavours.

[@ryanjonathanmartin3933]

They went bankrupt?

[@williamhunt2647]

What happened?

[@jamiljafri4841]

Thank you Mark 🙏

[@Jay-jb2vr]

What happen to this channel?

[@Akuretaki_Nikolay]

what happened

[@Theoriginalramjammer]

I am absolutely gutted this channel is ending 11:22 One of my favourite automotive channels on any media outlet in the world. Followed it since the xcar days. Quality, content and presenting first class. Farewell @Carfection , your genuine passion for our world will be sorely missed. ❤️👏🏁🥇🇬🇧

[@ThePikmin18]

Wtf it’s ending?

[@atharvaatre3273]

me too absolutely gutted

[@playtimehulot7383]

@@ThePikmin18 yes

[@1revwilly]

You can find Henry's content on the Hagerty KZbin channel now

[@narrowistheway77]

Catchpole is on Haggerty now, so really he just got a bigger budget for his films, so it’s no real loss

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Great to see Henry finally behind the wheel of a 550, I also had no idea he hadn't tried one before! His thoughts align pretty much with mine - it plays the role of both GT and sports car surprisingly well, and feels half the size of its successors the 599 and F12. Thankyou for drawing attention to what I consider to be a criminally underrated Ferrari.

[@Danny1282]

Bet it's not done as many miles as urs jay

[@noelstevens6190]

You just need Chris Harris to do a rave review and you'll be quids in!!

[@Birmingham_racing]

Your one is driven and enjoyed properly

[@sirmurf]

550s have been resolutely refusing to climb in value, despite the best efforts of the industry. A few years back, a all-known dealership was offering a low mileage 550 for £175k. They didn’t get it. However, there are relatively few of them coming up for sale. For years, auto trader would have a dozen, and often many more, listed. Today? Four.

[@Sum_Ting_Wong]

That 550 looks so well kept. They're usually very ropey with shrunk leather on the dash and the buttons are all sticky too. Whoever owns it has a 100/100 example.

[@skorpinox]

He must have used proper protectant and moisturisers for the leather. The things like cars and shoes aren't used, they dry rot away, main reason why a car with 3k miles on the odo shouldn't be worth a monsterous amount of money. This 550 is worth, every peny.

[@AlexSami-qw4qu]

Looks like it just rolled out of the factory.

[@chappardababbar]

True, they usually are ropey. Puts me off

[@ASLUHLUHCE]

RIP. Some of the best cinematography on KZbin, particularly the Requiem for a V10, the Land Rover in Namibia, and the recent Lotus Emira review.

[@camerone397]

If this is really it, then thanks for everything. Been watching since the XCAR days. Really glad Henry got to drive this car as the last dance for this channel. Very sad to see it go but we'll always have a stellar library of videos to binge!

[@romanklisiewicz1736]

So sad that the Channel has uploaded it’s last video. Carfection for me is one of the greatest car content makers and will be very much missed. Always enjoyed Henry Catchpole’s perspective and potrayal of the cars’ character as well as the cinematography of the videos.

[@MarcSob22]

The most gorgeous "modern" GT ever made!! With straight pipe it has classic F1 sound

[@jazzyonno]

Having done over 50k miles in 550's and just returned from a 3000 miles run to Spain, I can definitely say that they are fantastic for road trips. They are modern(ish) but feel classic, have fantastic balance, sound glorious when revved but love pottering around too, (just) enough luggage space for two people.

[@benkrapf]

RIP Carfection. My favorite YT channel for years.

[@billshoe22191]

What a great car. That V12 with the gated manual transmission is perfection. Also looks fantastic and timeless

[@gentnextdoor]

Anyone else getting anxiety from Henry's blue jeans on the crema leather?

[@Just_Pele]

Back 10 years ago I was shopping for a 550 and ended up finding a 575M, for not too much more money, and it's one of the cars I regret not keeping (a friend badgered me until I sold it to him). I had it for 4 years, put 10k miles on it, and I loved it. It was a car that did everything right. Someday, in the not too distant future, I'll get another one, and this time it's staying.

[@agentfaz8759]

Carfection has given me the viewing pleasure of so many great videos over the years. Thank you so much gentleman.

[@subarnosinha8042]

The 550 Maranello has aged like Monica Bellucci. It looked fantastic then, it looks great now, and it'll look great 25 years from now. My favourite Ferrari GT of all time. The Ferrari I'll buy when I'll eventually have enough money to afford one.

[@PistachioVentures]

The gated 550 was and still is a dream car for me. Manual, v12, rwd. Sounds like a party!

[@thehighwaychild]

I’ve heard rumors that Carfection will be wrapping up soon?? I suppose it’s just a matter of time. These films are so good, it will be a real blow to lose them. It’s a shame it has to be all or nothing. Keep up the good work team, wherever you may end up 💪🏼💪🏼

[@Ani-rc6yc]

Thank you so much Mr. Henry Catchpole for your reviews over the years. Carfection was one of the best-presented and detailed car review channels on KZbin. Quite sad that the channel has ended. Wishing all the best for your future endeavours.

[@thetheeser659]

Absolutely love the 550 Maranello. To me it is one of the most wonderfully looking vehicles ever produced. The proportions, tamed lines yet there are no mistakes what this car is. Never driven one, seen maybe two in real life tho :_D

[@pso142]

Thank you Carfection , wish you all best

[@tayyebshabir177]

I've been watching the old videos again and I was unaware of the channel coming to a end. A sad sad day for me.

[@cumnmrmptaaa4234]

Shame to see some awful creators headlining KZbin earning a stupid amount of money for awful vids, and one of greatest car channels ever isn't able to keep going

[@gtv6chuck]

One of my most intense, brief memories of my vacation to Italy in 2001 was driving from Monaco to Milan when I was passed at speed by a 550 in a tunnel. Such a beautiful sound and car.

[@csllover]

Was probably me and my dad

[@justdriveit7434]

Rwd V12 manual red Ferrari…what else we need? Timeless machine!!!

[@rivenmotors7981]

As always Henry, you and your talented team at Carfection bring to us such a high standard of presentation that merits your audience size. I love the 550 and appreciate any chance of vicarious experience in one.

[@Dharshanth.k]

the cinematography makes absolute justice to the beauty of the Ferrari 550

[@nathanb2100]

This 550 looks just as stunning now as it did originally 😃🤩

[@armands3863]

I always watch car content, I love Henry catchpole and the people from evo, how is it that I never heard about this channel, never appeared in my recommendation and I hear about it now, when they stop the adventure...

[@coachalexwagner]

Thanks guys for all your fantastic videos

[@ozeskiman]

Another great review of a modern classic Ferrari. I've had my 575M for 8 years and love it. You picked out all its classic design cues.. the rear view, the shark gills, the long nose. Even the bonnet intake is reminiscent of a 250SWB. On a long drive it's extremely comfortable but get it into the mountains to really experience its strengths. Wonderful steering weight, and the engine is sublime and mated with the F1 gear box its superb. I got to drive the new 296GTB the other day. Unbelievable car, but who needs all that power and tech. The Maranello has enough power at 515hp, plus it looks so wonderful in your videos. . I think they are relative bargains. Mine is just going through Classiche Program.

[@shinji112]

I remember seeing the 550 Maranello in a magazine as a kid and ABSOLUTELY falling in love with it. Without that bonnet nostril, it would've been perfect. 😂

[@easygoingdude9990]

Thank you guys so much for all the fun videos 🙏

[@horsepower523]

The 550 Maranello is an absolutely stunning masterpiece of a car. One of my most favorite Ferraris of all time. It was a really great race car too as the 550 GTS Maranello by Prodrive, winning basically everything in the FIA GT Championship, 24h of Le Mans, and the Spa 24h back in the early 2000s. So it's a fantastic all round GT car with a brilliant racing pedigree.

[@GordonJones88]

Thanks and goodbye Carfection.

[@bend1483]

I’ve lusted after one of these for as long as I can remember. It’s so great to hear that it was just as good as it looks.

[@bastiaanstultjens]

Carfection, thank you so much. I have enormously enjoyed your beautiful content. I hope you loved the ride as much as I loved watching it and that all employees will land somewhere good.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Henry‘a reviews are such a treat for me. His choice of words are always creative and clever and different from others. And the voiceovers have an ASMR-like quality to them. How fortunate we are when he shares his take on what he’s driving at the moment.

[@Nord_Mann]

What a way to end his career at Carfection🤩 I’ve always lusted for a 550 Maranello! One of the prettiest Ferraris of all time❤

[@TheKiteless]

I'm reminded of that epic scratch between Messrs. Metcalfe and Meaden back in EVO days. Harry in a 550 and Dicky in the then new 599 GTB in the Tuscan hills.

[@officialmichaeljnr]

Bring this channel back!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@550panerai5]

I love the multi-function wheel on my 550. It manages to combine steering AND a horn in one place......

[@deldridg]

Outstanding technology. My 964 had similar advanced technological innovations, such as a L/R mirror switch under the dash with the left hand while manipulating the adjustment lever with the right, somewhere near the driver's door (RH drive here in Aust). From memory I think the little Porsche also managed to combine horn and steering! What will they think of next eh? 🙂

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Reminds me of how cars used to make me feel, back when driving was still a novelty and most cars in my life were front engine rear drive. Had to make do with a 4 cylinder soundtrack though! Thanks for vicarious thrills Henry

[@AlexSami-qw4qu]

This is truly an icon. Value will keep going up. Beautiful.

[@renjamun]

Thank you for your continued use of the metric system.

[@derrickallen2054]

I've said it before but will say it again, Henry, I am extremely envious of your job. You're a lucky dude. Great review btw 💪🏻

[@captainofiron]

I had always loved the Daytona and growing up I had a poster of the Daytona on one wall, and when the 550 came out when I was in college, I fell for it immediately. Now that you mention the design similarities or homages if you will, I totally see its heritage and what they were thinking, great video

[@pezzonovante888]

Love to see videos of these older cars. So much more interesting than the modern stuff.

[@WolfsburgSlim]

550s have aged so well. So classic

[@luisag763]

One of the most beautiful Ferrari!

[@VK6AB-]

Great content put together by a range of excellent presenters. Hopefully those involved will move on to bigger and better things. Vale.

[@konrad6995]

Still looking great after so many years

[@telemaster]

My fav presenter reviews my fav car from childhood for carfection’s last vid? Wish I could like it twice. Good luck with the new endeavours, mate 🍻

[@OctavChelaru]

Brilliant videos, hope you start posting again. ❤

[@mortierautomotive]

My dream car, thanks for the review!

[@ratankevinpeter3794]

Love the high revving v12 on this bad boy

[@mabitselamaubane4097]

I am totally happy you’re still with us here.

[@apancher]

What a lovely review of a car I've loved for a long time. I really enjoyed the comparison to the F40, which is and always will be the top of my list. In a perfect world, a blue 550 would be parked next to an F40 in my garage.

[@CoolCoyote]

Introduced in 2005, the Ferrari Superamerica was a convertible version of the 575M Maranello; it featured an electrochromic glass panel roof which rotated 180° at the rear to lie flat over the boot taking 60 seconds for operation. Patented Revocromico the roof incorporates a carbon-fiber structure that is hinged on the single axis with a luggage compartment lid, allowing access to the latter even with an open roof. The roof was manufactured in collaboration with French glass specialist Saint Gobain.

[@Gorbyrev]

Can't help noticing Harry let you drive his Zonda but not his Barchetta! Cracking video.

[@adamschaeffer3614]

I think the 550 may be peak Ferrari. Just enough tech to make it plenty capable, but understated and much simpler than the modern cars. The clean wheel, analog dash, smallish rims/tires, low hood line, and gated shifter all create the perfect blend of heritage and performance.

[@johnsim3722]

Surprised Henry hadn't tried a 550 before! Wonder what other cars as good as this one he's missed out on?

[@CTFlyer7]

I hate the modern world. I loved this channel.

[@mattdedasc]

I love the gear change sound

[@Tarek_ElMaddah]

Me 17 years old buying every car magazine and loving the Ferrari’s

[@ole-martinlundefaret5876]

Was an auto journalist a long time ago and was in Maranello and tested the 575 GTB, 612 Scaglietti, 430 and 430 Spider. Was underwhelmed with the 575, maybe too high expectations? And maybe I was too immature? Was categorically against open cars for obvious reasons, but had to admit that it was the 430 Spider that overwhelmed me. Later I tested the 599, and absolutely loved it. Had enough power, drove great, and I actually loved the M5-esque gearbox. Thanks for great content :)

[@mx19idlewilder]

Lovely. Just lovely.

[@matthewlange8616]

My credit card certainly does believe that the Daytona has a 128-liter tank :( Great video, I love the 550 which I always said was my favourite modern Ferrari, except now that the newest are over 20 years old it isn't really modern anymore!!

[@darticulate8751]

Smart looking car , love the station wagon iteration of it too! Rare mind!

[@richardsmith9509]

Henry, it is an absolute BEAUTY.......simply gorgeous

[@SMlFFY85]

The interior is so much better than most of Ferrari's 21st century offerings.

[@ShannonSouthAfrica]

Beautiful

[@Mitsume.63]

that clicky sound from gear shift is goat.

[@chesspiece81]

Ferrari has certainly perfected making items of lust for the masses over their existence. I didn't realize until today that this was the end of the line for Carfection. The end of the video wasn't a 10 year anniversary screen it was a in memory of. I hated to hear this bit I hope the talent goes on and continues doing what they were so good at on this channel.

[@lavidawithjoey]

Was this the end of Carfection! Worried we haven't seen any updates in months.

[@phillipmitchell5879]

Beautiful. Perhaps the epitome of a GT. I believe the 550 was the last V-12 Ferrari that one could get w/ manual transmission - what a delight!

[@coachalexwagner]

The rare 599 manual was the last manual V12 Ferrari. Hence they are fevorciously expensive...

[@Kamukix]

Still in my top 3 favorite Ferrari cars of all time. (F50, F355, and this beauty) It is such a perfect looking and balanced design of a car. Absolutely amazing 😍👌

[@dream_supercars_daily]

Such a stunning car 😍

[@michaelsummerell8618]

Seems like Carfection videos are becoming a lot fewer these days - which is a real shame as they're the best on KZbin. Still, good to see a new, especially with Henry at the wheel.

[@jryalls]

Looks like the company has dissolved if you look on companies house.

[@simmyt10]

My ideal driving experience summed up by Mr Catchpole to a T,front mid layout for agility and perfect turn in feathering away through rotation from the rwd with a gentle but charismatic v12 in a car that shrinks and sheds its weight. 🤗🤗

[@simmyt10]

@Carfection another bot 👆

[@F1Kamel_1992]

The 550 Maranello is an absolute modern classic. 😍💖💯👍

[@BlitzkriegRap]

Beautiful car!

[@rexseven6907]

There is something special about the simplicity of sports cars from that era. Really both those eras. New cars are more appliances. I don't know if I'll ever really enjoy what new cars have become.

[@assombrosooficial]

I LOVE THIS TYPE OF CONTENT, CONGRATULATIONS. BRAZILIAN FOLLOWER

[@fritz_rides6298]

I used to have a 550 as a 1:18 Model and stuffed small action figures and toy luggage into it and played "roadtrip". I've idolised this car so much that today i probably would be afraid of driving it because of that never-meet-your-heroes-effect.

[@longtailgt]

I still think that even after 25+ years, this is the most beautiful modern GT Ferrari ever made. The next closest ones are the 456 and 612.

[@jafu745]

Such a different design language to today's offering. Simplicity and elegance inside and out in a way they cannot match today.

[@johnstoner2384]

Henry i love the the Ferrari 550 Maraenello is my favourite Ferrari v12 , and so is the 365 daytona .I have driven a 365 but never drove a 550 .I love your show about Ferrari's

[@LaudaMaestro]

Surprised at Henry’s thoughts on the design but, it is the department people disagree on the most in cars. I think it is one of the best looking Ferraris ever.

[@RedC220]

I wanted one of these for 20 years. Or a 575. I still love the design, it's timeless. When I eventually arrived in a position to own one I couldn't find anything decent. I drove quite a few 575's and they all drove different, I then tried a 550 and it was an absolute dog. Low mileage, big money but clearly unhealthy. In the end I bought an FF which I'm delighted with. But I still love these a great deal, I was in my mid 20's when they were released and this car was the turning point for Ferrari, everything before these were delicate toys with impractical service schedules. The 550 could be worked on with evertyhing in situ, it was designed to be used. Yet here's Henry driving a 10,000 mile example that's probably 25 years old. That's kind of sad. (I daily drive my FF).

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Marvelous!!!!

[@disturbed250]

Catchpole and a 550..perfect dinner time viewing

[@user-gl1uk9uc9o]

Hi Henry, just completed 4500km in a 550 driving the length of New Zealand and back. It could just be the perfect car for such a trip. Something you should try one of these days...I'm ready to go again!

[@timallsopp8656]

I really enjoyed that and one of the very best so far! I guess this car didn’t really grab the headlines as much as the 355 did back in the day. It does have some of the same front end design as the 355, which makes it just as beautiful to look at. I’d take one of these 550’s over a 355… and I think I’d gain more ‘street cred’ for doing so!

[@LoveMyZJ]

I'm surprised how long it's taking for these cars to really rise in value...same with the Diablo. The sound of that gated shifter...*chef's kiss*

[@rogeradshead7345]

Thanks for a very affirming review Henry. I'm surprised you never got to drive Harry's car. It's ability to shrink around the driver is one of the things that really makes the 550 Maranello so special: A stand-out quality that most testers and owners agree on. Speaking of owners, I know of at least three in New Zealand that have owned them, sold them, and bought them back...in two of those cases, twice over. Two of the three said cars are also back in the hands of their new owners. This apears to be a common theme among the comments below. Given that they are under-valued, and truly like nothing else you can buy, would you put one in your garage?

[@diethersantos6404]

I saw this one for the first time on the public road while we are going to the museum and this car just came outta nowhere and wow this is my first time seeing a Ferrari 550 in 2000s

[@mohammadalfattal2902]

i love 550 m, one of my favourite cars ever since i played with it in NFS high stakes

[@crsantin]

If I had the money this is my daily vehicle with an SUV for ugly weather days. Such a beautiful classy vehicle. Very understated.

[@Don1Gibson]

A dream car here as well....

[@GiovanniiRosa]

Where did you guys go?