05/12/2023
Jodie Kidd-owned Ferrari 550M WSR for sale
With the introduction of the 550 Maranello in 1997, Ferrari returned to its custom of building front-engined V12 sports cars, reviving a style that had remained dormant since the demise of the 365GTB/4 'Daytona' in 1974. The 550 Maranello's 48-valve, 5.5-litre V12 developed 485bhp at 7,000rpm, some 100-or-so horsepower more than the Daytona's. Ferrari had discovered that providing optimum balance in a front-engined sports car necessitated the use of a rear transaxle, and the Maranello's came with six speeds. The power train was contained in a tubular steel chassis, to which was attached aluminium coachwork, while the all-independent suspension incorporated dual-mode (normal/sports) damping, switch-selectable by the driver, which was complemented by speed-sensitive power-assisted steering.
Looking to cement the new 550 Maranelloβs performance credentials, Ferrari took a lightly modified 550 to the Transportation Research Center in East Liberty, Ohio, in October 1998 and broke three records; 100 miles at an average speed of 190.2 mph, one hour at an average speed of 184 mph and 100 km at 188.9 mph. To celebrate their achievement, Ferrari created a limited-edition run of uniquely equipped 550 Maranellos. Each example was equipped with the Fiorano handling pack, a leather trimmed roll cage, an Alcantara steering wheel and carbon bucket seats with four-point race harnesses. Dubbed the 550 Maranello WSR, for βWorld Speed Recordβ, 33 examples were built worldwide, with just 10 being delivered to the United Kingdom in RHD.
The WSR offered for sale was supplied new via Gelvarigill Ferrari of Edinburgh in March, 2000. It is finished (as are the majority of WSRs) in Grigio Titanio over a Bordeaux Leather interior with Bordeaux carpets. In 2004, it was purchased by British supermodel and automotive aficionado Jodie Kidd who cherished it for 7 years and has since described it as the car she most regrets selling!
The car was sold to its current owner in 2011 and has been used sparingly since, forming part of a Ferrari collection in the U.K. It has been well maintained over its life with 15 service stamps all from main dealer Ferrari agents. It was most recently serviced in May, 2023 where HR Owen South London carried out a major service including cambelts, fitted a new battery, and replaced all four tyres.
The ultimate edition of the 550 Maranello, Ferrariβs last front engine all-manual transmission GT car. This rare RHD example would make a fantastic addition to any Ferrari or modern performance car collection.
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