Ferrari 550 Maranello: V12 Perfection | Catchpole on Carfection

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.

Don't forget to hit the 🔔

Follow us on our socials for additional exclusive content:

[markthibault]

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

[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.

[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. ❤️👏🏁🥇🇬🇧

[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.

[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.

[ASLUHLUHC]

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

[romanklisiewicz]

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.

[camerone]

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!

[billshoe]

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

[MarcSob]

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

[benkrapf]

RIP Carfection. My favorite YT channel for years.

[agentfaz]

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

[gtvchuck]

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.

[institutmorningkiss]

Thanks guys for all your fantastic videos

[rivenmotors]

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.

[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.

[Ani-rcyc]

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 YouTube. Quite sad that the channel has ended. Wishing all the best for your future endeavours.

[thetheeser]

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

[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 💪🏼💪🏼

[pso]

Thank you Carfection, wish you all best