Front-engined V12-powered grand tourers from Ferrari always had quite a presence in the automotive landscape. The 575M Maranello is one of them and a pretty nice example is currently going under the hammer through the Collecting Cars website with the auction ending on January 4.
Surprisingly, I know many young people who would prefer to own the 575M Maranello over a 599 GTB Fiorano, an F12 Berlinetta, or a 812 Superfast at any day, although objectively speaking those models offer significantly better performance and sharper handling. There is something magical about the shark-like appearance and the sexy proportions of the older model that makes it a very classy option. At the same time, the improvements over the 550 Maranello might look subtle to the untrained eye but really do make a difference.
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The pictured 575M was delivered in Japan but it was later imported to Canada, was registered in Ontario, and is currently located in Toronto. The 20,115 km (12,500 miles) on the odometer are certainly not indicative of its age. There are no electrical or mechanical faults and the last – and likely expensive – service was completed last August.
The 5.7-liter V12 produces 508 hp (379 kW / 515 PS) and 588 Nm (434 lb-ft) offering a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 325 km/h (202 mph). While the acceleration figures won’t impress anyone in the electric era, the orgasmic sound of the V12 will make you forget about the numbers. This specific example might not have the rare and collectible gated manual gearbox, but the six-speed F1 automated manual with paddles sounds good enough for cruising around in your GT.
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The classic Rosso Corsa exterior paint with matching brake calipers behind the 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels make for bedroom-poster material. The bodywork looks great besides a few reported stone chips.
Inside, the original owner chose a combination of red and black leather with contrasting stitching and a little bit of carbon fiber on the shift paddles, door sills, lower center console, and instrument cluster. Equipment includes an upgraded sound system combined with an aftermarket Pioneer head unit, air conditioning, and electrically adjustable seats. You will also find the original handbook, service records, leather pouch, and tool kit that came from the factory.
Being a car from the early ’00s means that quality, fit, and finish are not on par with today’s Ferrari offerings. The seller suggests that there are no “sticky switches” but we can see signs of wear on both door latches and a few air bubbles on the leather upholstery covering the passenger’s airbag.
Setting aside those minor issues, a low-mileage Ferrari with a V12 under the bonnet is always an expensive treat. However, for anyone that has the option to bid, a trip inside this 575M could be the perfect way to start the new year.