Introducing the Ferrari 550 Maranello Veloce12: A Coachbuilt Gem
As automotive design houses continue to search for hidden treasures in the annals of automotive history, Milan’s Touring Superleggera has taken the lead by reviving the iconic Ferrari 550 Maranello with their Veloce12. This stunning creation pays homage to Ferrari’s new 12-cylinder engine and brings new life to the timeless design of the 550 Maranello.
The Rebirth of a Legend
The process begins with a donor car entering the Touring workshop, where it undergoes a complete transformation. Additional stiffening is added to key areas of the chassis, ensuring optimal performance. To achieve this, Touring Superleggera employs finite element analysis, meticulously examining every load-bearing component. The result is a restored vehicle with torsional stiffness comparable to that of the F12berlinetta, the 550’s successor.
A Reshaped Silhouette
The Veloce12’s bodywork adds a touch of modernity to the classic lines of the 550 Maranello. Taking inspiration from the work of Callum on the silhouette of the 355 by Evoluto, Touring enhances the car’s curves. The front receives substantial sculpting, transforming the lower front intakes into larger channels that sweep air around the front wheels. Wider and taller than the original, the grille is flanked by new, multi-element LED headlights. The bodywork swells from front to back, with fenders gracefully arcing over the front wheels, a beveled design on the doors, and a shoulder line that dips at the greenhouse before rising over the rear fenders.
Power and Performance
The original 550 Maranello was renowned for its exceptional performance, making it a favorite among racing teams and daily drivers alike. The Veloce12 maintains this legacy by improving the car’s 5.5-liter V12 engine. After a complete teardown and rebuild with new components and an upgraded cooling system, the Veloce12 boasts 503 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque. While these figures represent a modest increase over the original, the Veloce12’s performance remains on par, achieving a sprint to 62 miles per hour in just 4.4 seconds. The sound has also been enhanced, thanks to a freer-flowing Supersprint Exhaust.
Precision Engineering
To further enhance the Veloce12’s capabilities, Touring collaborated with U.K. suspension company Tractive. Using a multi-axis G-force sensor, Touring’s engineers developed a set of active dampers, ensuring optimal handling and control. For the braking system, Touring turned to renowned Italian manufacturer Brembo, fitting six-pot calipers on 15-inch discs in the front and four-pot calipers on the rear.
Sumptuous Interior
While details about the Veloce12’s interior are scarce, the pictures reveal a luxurious cabin. With ergonomically sculpted seats and precision-machined controls, Touring has created an environment that exudes elegance and comfort. The use of high-quality leather further enhances the interior, making it a space that would make even a cow jealous.
Limited Availability
Ferrari produced just over 3,700 examples of the 550 Maranello from 1996 to 2001. Touring Superleggera plans to convert only 30 of these iconic cars into the Veloce12, available in both left- and right-hand drive. Each conversion comes at a price of €690,000 ($761,120 U.S.), not including the cost of the donor car or taxes. Deliveries are expected to commence in the middle of next year.
The Veloce12 by Touring Superleggera offers a rare opportunity for Ferrari enthusiasts to experience the timeless beauty of the 550 Maranello with modern enhancements. With its striking design, improved performance, and meticulous attention to detail, this coachbuilt masterpiece is sure to captivate automotive aficionados around the world.
