This in my eyes is the ultimate Ferrari. When I hear the word Ferrari I think of this. Of course the supercars like the F40 or F50 are more iconic, but this is just such a timeless, perfect looking car and embodies the spirit of Ferrari perfectly.
The seat color kind of reminds me of an old-school baseball glove, like that option on the early Audi TT, with the same color, and baseball-type stitching.
too true, also 550/575m Maranello was probably the closest thing to an 'attainable' Ferrari one would want to own for their entire life. Had the looks, the sound, the gated shifter.... and the timeless appeal. Back in the late 2000s they were actually pretty in reach of upper middle class money on the used market. Though reliability and servicing was a big oof, it was still lot more 'attainable' than any mid engined italian sports car too.
I think my 18 y/o G35 Coupe (Sport) looks better and probably drives better (minus raw power, of course). We do share the fact that the wheels don't 'fill' the wheel wells stock.
So glad to see Doug reviewing my childhood classics! This used to be one of my favorite vehicles in NFS 3 (not so much in NFS 4, since it was easily overshadowed by McLaren F1 GTR and Ferrari F50)
Had a model of the 550M and some hot wheels of them as a kid. Between that and the F40 they will always be the most beautiful and best Ferraris ever made imo. Also the old Ferrari horn sound is the best. I wish they would bring it back
@@243wayne1 Yes, Beckers definitely could sound better. This now classic cars deserve nevertheless an authentic head to match the rest of the experience IMHO. Especially if you are planning to get the "classiche" certificate. Alpine from this era can do even if the blue buttons on the side look very "Golf GTI" alike. These are just purist thoughts! 😀
@JP1397cc it is completly tarded to xhange the head unit... you can get an anplifier with bluetooth build in bypassing the stock radio system all together (so its all there and fully functional, but you can just stream your phone directly to the amp)
I remember seeing a 550 Barchetta and an F50 at a dealership in Texas when I was about 13 and absolutely losing it. They even let me sit in both of them, and to this day they will always be two of my all time favorite cars.
My Saab 900 from 1997 had the same immobilizer setup. Basically if you dont start the car in 30 or so seconds you have to lock and unlock it again. If you break in the car and try to hot wire it it wont start, since its immobilized
The 550 Maranello is my all-time favorite Ferrari. I was 15 when it came out in 1997 and it was the ultimate grand touring Ferrari of my generation. It’s my dream car.
Fun Fact: In the 2000 Movie, "The Family Man", starring Nicolas Cage, the 550 Maranello he drives in the movie, was his ACTUAL personally owned vehicle prior to filming! I have loved this vehicle ever since! Great review!
I think I drove that car. I first saw it in a garage at an airfield, under a tarp after a drop test. The tarp only revealed the right rear tire and the right exhaust pipe. (I think she was flirting with me.) Being a car fan, I asked Jim..."Is that a 550 Maranello?" The look he gave me said that he was impressed. He handed me the keys soon after.
The fly away parking brake, also in the Aston DBS, is reverent of the original racers of the early 1900’s where the driver had to start from outside the vehicle (like Le Mans) and get into the car when starting the race, to avoid hitting themselves or slowing them down from getting in, the fly away was invented. Elegant and subtle, and manual, you should come review my 2009 Aston DBS manual. I would argue the DBS is a better V12 than the 550. You could also review my F430 manual 6 speed. Send me a message. Happy to work it out: just north of LA.
I remember this car when it was new, reading about it in Road & Track, and also from one of the Bad Boys movies, can’t remember if it was the first one or the sequel. Gorgeous design. This particular example’s unusual brown and grey interior is strange though. Not exactly a well complimented contrast, but to each their own.
I remember when these first came out, I only saw a couple. I thought they were really nice as well. It was really unique, front engine Ferraris never crossed my mind, as a kid.
The 550 Maranello always has been and always will be my all time favorite vehicle ever made. The #5 is my favorite number and it definitely has something to do with this Ferrari.
The flyaway handbreak isn't what I'd call odd. Quite a few cars over the years have had them. If you want odd Doug, review an LX or LH Torana from Australia.. They have both a dash mounted lever where the HVAC is, plus a floor mounted pedal, an absolute pain to disengage 😅
4:18 In fact the 550 Barchetta was sale with a manual removable soft top, but it was so uneasy to use and so ugly that no owner wanted to put it on this superb car.
i soo much agreet with Doug! the 550 is perfect, enough powerfu, elegant desighn classic, not screans tuch button and stuff first time i fall in nlove with that car is on the movie bad bodys
I have one of this amazing Ferrari in italy, the button STOP on clima control is for turn off the AC, so your engine is a little bit eco friendly and mpg is increase
Doug, just buy it for yourself, sir. Really. You’ve worked hard and this isn’t a huge cost as compared to your other vehicles. I think we ALL should do nothing but support you treating yourself!
Another quirk not mentioned here is the gas cap. In order to release open the flap, the ignition must be on... Great decision indeed. Hopefully, it is possible tu pull a cable inside the trunk to open it manually if the battery is flat or if you find all this process ennoying . But to open the trunk, it is another "enjoyable" process...😅
I fell in love with this car when I saw one in 2002. I stopped at a gas station in San Juan Capistrano and the owner was filling it up, I talked to him long enough to learn he built launch pads for rockets. I’ve learned, over the years how special it really is and it’s become a halo car for me
I was fortunate enough to buy one of these glorious cars 13 years ago when they were "cheap". I couldn't afford it today. It's a truly wonderful machine.
A great way of preventing people from using the horn. Placing a clown’s horn so every cool factor your car could have melt right in front of everyones eyes.
When people talk about “rev-match” means they grew up on automatic transmission… only those who grew up on manual stick shift this is not even a conversation. Its like saying when you walk you have to put one foot in front the other
"Sport" button in a V12 manual Ferrari - I know why. It's there because it's a front-engined GT: a comfortable cruiser first and foremost, just like what Enzo liked. The V12 alone doesn't make it a sports car -- take a look at Bentleys, V12 Mercedeses and BMWs. Why they made it manual-only - that's good question. But that manual doesn't instantly turn a GT car into a sports car.
Dunno - never really got this one (just in terms of styling). Testarossa stays better looking (and way cooler), and in terms of contemporary options, the 456 was much more beautiful and perfectly proportioned. Sounds tasty though.
Check out THIS incredible Ferrari auction here! crsnbds.com/ferrari-550m
Doug, I thought you were going to do a review of a brand new car made today.
Hey Doug, you forgot the 612 scaglietti manual exists!
Buy it Doug! You know you want it!!
Its always "just one more car" You are too young to swear off more cars Doug! I bet my collection you buy more than one!
Why didn't you just take 2 seconds to look in the owners' manual to see what the Stop button does?
Soon: "THIS is a Ferrari 550 Maranello, and it is MY Ferrari 550 Maranello!"
I thought the same thing. I'm not really sure why he plugged the auction, cos you know he's going to buy it.
"I once said I wouldn't buy any more cars but THIS changed my mind"
Nah, he would like the convertible
Accurate! Lol
And then a long explanation about why exactly he decided to add it to his “stable!” Gotta love Doug. 😂
First the Diablo SV and now this. Doug is reviewing the entire car list from NFS Hot Pursuit
He reviewed a Jaguar XJR-15 as well so yes he's getting there 😁
True. Sadly, I don't think we'll be getting an Italdesign Scighera review anytime soon
The only car missing is the italdesign BMW
@@C0LDMachineOr an El Niño lol
how about that Porsche pro cup car?
Idk why cars had to get so angular over the past 10+ years, the curves on this thing and a lot of 90s sports cars are still beautiful
I couldn't agree more, good call.
Yeah, I tend to like curvy, clean designs and it's hard for me to find much to like right now.
@@dftns19 Same here
Nobody seems to like curves anymore.
Kinda why I today's feel Aston and McClaren might age super well in 30 years. Except for that new Aston thing.
*Anytime I see this car, I think of the highway action sequence in "Bad Boys 2"*
And Miami Vice with Jamie Foxx from 2006.
@@bobhill3941 Never saw that movie lol
@@bobhill3941 they drove a F430 in Miami Vice though.
I can see Martin Lawrence accidentally shooting the dash 😂
NFS 3 n hot pursuit 2
Doug probably wears shorts to funerals
give up on your comedy dreams cupcake, huge fail
Ha!
And weddings
Hopefully he attended J. O. Williamson II funeral in shorts too!
jesus
This in my eyes is the ultimate Ferrari. When I hear the word Ferrari I think of this. Of course the supercars like the F40 or F50 are more iconic, but this is just such a timeless, perfect looking car and embodies the spirit of Ferrari perfectly.
To me, the F355 is the best looking ever; the maintenance though. My pockets aren't that deep or I'd drive it daily.
I only like 4 Ferrari models, this, 355, 360 and 430. I think they look great without being over the top.
@@RetroMMAthe sound of F355 car both in F355 Challenge, the underrated Dreamcast game, and the real life, are equally fantastic.
Doug the type of guy to buy a Ferrari 550 3-4 weeks after posting this video
The 458 Italia as well.
The seat color kind of reminds me of an old-school baseball glove, like that option on the early Audi TT, with the same color, and baseball-type stitching.
Man this car is 24 years old and it still looks great and timeless today. It's aged very gracefully.
too true, also 550/575m Maranello was probably the closest thing to an 'attainable' Ferrari one would want to own for their entire life. Had the looks, the sound, the gated shifter.... and the timeless appeal. Back in the late 2000s they were actually pretty in reach of upper middle class money on the used market. Though reliability and servicing was a big oof, it was still lot more 'attainable' than any mid engined italian sports car too.
It blows my mind that this car will qualify for historic license plates in most of America next year.
Just like me
I think my 18 y/o G35 Coupe (Sport) looks better and probably drives better (minus raw power, of course). We do share the fact that the wheels don't 'fill' the wheel wells stock.
@@anasevi9456Yep also the 360 is attainable imo and looks a hell of a lot better than the f430
The 550 Maranello is the V12 Ferrari of my childhood, I’ve always loved it! Timeless design and charisma for ages!
A blue over tan 550 Maranello is one of my absolute dream cars
That interior is stunning....retro yet timeless, amazing!
Last time I was this early we were still asking for the Clio V6
Doug is too cheap to import one
It's not easy getting a Renault Clio in the US unless he goes to France himself to review one
he’s literally reviewed one but if you’re asking for a re-review then i wish you luck
@@MarloSoBalJrit would be easier to find one in Mexico
So glad to see Doug reviewing my childhood classics! This used to be one of my favorite vehicles in NFS 3 (not so much in NFS 4, since it was easily overshadowed by McLaren F1 GTR and Ferrari F50)
THIS was my favorite Ferrari growing up - such a classic body line and it just looks so damn subtle compared to all the other expensive cars.
Had a model of the 550M and some hot wheels of them as a kid. Between that and the F40 they will always be the most beautiful and best Ferraris ever made imo.
Also the old Ferrari horn sound is the best. I wish they would bring it back
The radio is a Becker Mexico. Only very high end vehicles of this era featured this electronic marvel.
They're complete garbage. Which is why of course the owner opted for an Alpine head unit. Class dismissed.
@@243wayne1 Yes, Beckers definitely could sound better. This now classic cars deserve nevertheless an authentic head to match the rest of the experience IMHO. Especially if you are planning to get the "classiche" certificate.
Alpine from this era can do even if the blue buttons on the side look very "Golf GTI" alike. These are just purist thoughts!
😀
@JP1397cc it is completly tarded to xhange the head unit... you can get an anplifier with bluetooth build in bypassing the stock radio system all together (so its all there and fully functional, but you can just stream your phone directly to the amp)
One of the true “Driver’s cars”. Beautiful.
The brown leather seats, gauge cluster and the metallic gear shifter makes this car so good looking and also very comfortable + the N/A V12 of course!
I remember seeing a 550 Barchetta and an F50 at a dealership in Texas when I was about 13 and absolutely losing it. They even let me sit in both of them, and to this day they will always be two of my all time favorite cars.
F350 in your dreams lol. Ive literally jumped them
@@macbook802 Haha, it was supposed to be F50, Google hit me with that autocorrect
My Saab 900 from 1997 had the same immobilizer setup. Basically if you dont start the car in 30 or so seconds you have to lock and unlock it again. If you break in the car and try to hot wire it it wont start, since its immobilized
Doug low-key readjusts all underrated gems of the market through his channel
Love, love, love the 550 Maranello!!! Always have and always will. Absolutely beautiful car!
7:25 I think the F355 has the same horn
I used to press the horn a lot in My 550 I used to own in 2001, in NFS Highstakes!
Doug: I bought thiiisss Ferrari 550 Maranelloooo and I'm going to tell you why, oooohhh yeeeesss....
The 550 Maranello is my all-time favorite Ferrari. I was 15 when it came out in 1997 and it was the ultimate grand touring Ferrari of my generation. It’s my dream car.
I have a 575 GTC Maranello in 1:18 scale. I'm not a fan of most front-engine cars, but that car as a racecar looks so cool.
Fun Fact: In the 2000 Movie, "The Family Man", starring Nicolas Cage, the 550 Maranello he drives in the movie, was his ACTUAL personally owned vehicle prior to filming! I have loved this vehicle ever since! Great review!
My all time favourite Ferrari. The absolute best for me is the Superamerica, based on the 575, only shame is that came only with F1 transmission.
One of my all time favorites. I still have my 1:18 in this color from when I was a kid, the only one I ended up keeping.
i think it is the best looking ferrari ever build , and the 456 gt . 😍so happy you made a review video about it 👍
I like that description. A modern day Daytona. Beautiful sound and cool styling.💜❤️👌😎
I think I drove that car. I first saw it in a garage at an airfield, under a tarp after a drop test. The tarp only revealed the right rear tire and the right exhaust pipe. (I think she was flirting with me.) Being a car fan, I asked Jim..."Is that a 550 Maranello?" The look he gave me said that he was impressed. He handed me the keys soon after.
The fly away parking brake, also in the Aston DBS, is reverent of the original racers of the early 1900’s where the driver had to start from outside the vehicle (like Le Mans) and get into the car when starting the race, to avoid hitting themselves or slowing them down from getting in, the fly away was invented.
Elegant and subtle, and manual, you should come review my 2009 Aston DBS manual. I would argue the DBS is a better V12 than the 550. You could also review my F430 manual 6 speed. Send me a message. Happy to work it out: just north of LA.
Lovely to see a 550 in anything other tan resale red
And now everyone saving for one will have to save even longer. Thanks Doug.
Buy it Doug, you can’t take your money with you when you’re gone and you’ll always think of what could’ve been.
Instantly thought of Bad Boys II with this
This car and myself go hand in hand as it's One of many infamous cars I've driven in NFS High Stakes.
Yup the 550 and the 911 Turbo back in 1999 !!
I adore this car. Doesn't look aggressive and still has sporty personality.
Doug's the kinda guy that reviews a car, advertises the car on his car auction website, and then ends up buying it himself.
Doug, this always has and will remain my favorite Ferrari. I still have a model of it in my home and got to sit in one when I lived in Miami.
21:49-51 a truck appear... do we live inside a video game and this is a bug? 🤣
I remember this car when it was new, reading about it in Road & Track, and also from one of the Bad Boys movies, can’t remember if it was the first one or the sequel. Gorgeous design. This particular example’s unusual brown and grey interior is strange though. Not exactly a well complimented contrast, but to each their own.
This has always been my favorite car.
That is a beautiful interior just everything about the vehicle from the engine to the dynamics is craftsmanship
I literally just finished watching Bad Boys 2 and Doug uploads this video 😊
For me it was the 612 that was peak elegance
I remember when these first came out, I only saw a couple. I thought they were really nice as well. It was really unique, front engine Ferraris never crossed my mind, as a kid.
The 550 Maranello always has been and always will be my all time favorite vehicle ever made. The #5 is my favorite number and it definitely has something to do with this Ferrari.
This car is the definition of the "just one more score" in a heist movie for Doug. You know he might just pull it off.
…. Drives like Grandma
8:10 C4 Corvette has the flyaway parking brake too
456 and 550 are my fav. Ferraris ever
Fine.. I'll go watch bad boys again
The flyaway handbreak isn't what I'd call odd. Quite a few cars over the years have had them. If you want odd Doug, review an LX or LH Torana from Australia.. They have both a dash mounted lever where the HVAC is, plus a floor mounted pedal, an absolute pain to disengage 😅
I just seen one in traffic mint condition , absolutely beautiful car!
4:18 In fact the 550 Barchetta was sale with a manual removable soft top, but it was so uneasy to use and so ugly that no owner wanted to put it on this superb car.
Having a metal plaque with your own signature on it in your Ferrari is narcissism at it’s finest.
Congrats on the new car Doug😀
Doug reviewed this car 7 years ago but now again to promote CARS AND BIDS 😮
Doug is pretty scummy these days
That was before he reviewed cars as he does now.
@lewisburt3750 bad excuse, only reason he's doing it again is CARS AND BIDS
@@somebody9785then he should review the Cybertruck...
@@somebody9785
Aids?
Yes. Always like this one since younger. Wish I was just a couple years closer to retirement. 😢
God that thing is gorgeous! Perfect. Perfect color combo too IMHO.
Like the one in Bad Boys II and Family Man.
Every time. Every time I forget these videos have become a sales video for a cars and bids auction.
I miss the old days.
Would love to see a Kennan review of it.
i soo much agreet with Doug! the 550 is perfect, enough powerfu, elegant desighn classic, not screans tuch button and stuff first time i fall in nlove with that car is on the movie bad bodys
I have one of this amazing Ferrari in italy, the button STOP on clima control is for turn off the AC, so your engine is a little bit eco friendly and mpg is increase
First seen the 550 Maranello on Bad Boys 2. Looked nice and sounded great.
Doug, just buy it for yourself, sir. Really. You’ve worked hard and this isn’t a huge cost as compared to your other vehicles. I think we ALL should do nothing but support you treating yourself!
Another quirk not mentioned here is the gas cap. In order to release open the flap, the ignition must be on... Great decision indeed. Hopefully, it is possible tu pull a cable inside the trunk to open it manually if the battery is flat or if you find all this process ennoying . But to open the trunk, it is another "enjoyable" process...😅
This was always my favorite Ferrari, together with the Berlinetta Lusso. Great video!
Always loved a front engined V12 Ferrari
I think I saw one today sounded great
Should have pressed that Sport button while driving. It turns suspension to hard setting.
Understated elegance. Beautiful.
I fell in love with this car when I saw one in 2002. I stopped at a gas station in San Juan Capistrano and the owner was filling it up, I talked to him long enough to learn he built launch pads for rockets. I’ve learned, over the years how special it really is and it’s become a halo car for me
I was fortunate enough to buy one of these glorious cars 13 years ago when they were "cheap". I couldn't afford it today. It's a truly wonderful machine.
Truly an iconic car. If I could have a Ferrari I'd want a 550 no doubt. Hell I'd want 1 maranello and 1 barchetta
Doug always be talking about the parking breaks
One of the most beautifulest cars ever made.
I really love the simple and elegant design of this car, right down to the interior. But, I feel that way about a lot of cars from this era.
Always was and still is one my fav Ferrari
The greatest modern Ferrari GT. Needs an aftermarket exhaust, but once done it is the essence of Ferrari, distilled into one car.
A great way of preventing people from using the horn. Placing a clown’s horn so every cool factor your car could have melt right in front of everyones eyes.
Beautiful car,wish I had it,the stop button turns of the ac compressor.
Miss California drove one of these, someone once sang.
Doug why do you like the 550 better than the 575? Because of the automatic is my guess 🤔
Having owned both this and the 575 I prefer the 575 as it's more efficient as a grand tourer, specially in Superamerica guise.
Doug should go review DDE’s 550
This was my dream car growing up
I have been waiting for years for the first review of the Ferrari 456...
When people talk about “rev-match” means they grew up on automatic transmission… only those who grew up on manual stick shift this is not even a conversation. Its like saying when you walk you have to put one foot in front the other
I had a hard time understanding what it meant before. But I realized it just means drive like normal lol
Slightly beautiful car.
Gorgeous at any age…timeless
PLEASE UPDATE THE DOUGSCORE SPREADSHEET. THANKS!
"Sport" button in a V12 manual Ferrari - I know why. It's there because it's a front-engined GT: a comfortable cruiser first and foremost, just like what Enzo liked. The V12 alone doesn't make it a sports car -- take a look at Bentleys, V12 Mercedeses and BMWs. Why they made it manual-only - that's good question. But that manual doesn't instantly turn a GT car into a sports car.
Doug single handedly rasing the price of this one to double its value
Dunno - never really got this one (just in terms of styling). Testarossa stays better looking (and way cooler), and in terms of contemporary options, the 456 was much more beautiful and perfectly proportioned. Sounds tasty though.
Every time I see this car I think of that BAD BOYZ movie when they where speeding in traffic