Conceived and executed by Red Racing in France in 1999, this 550 GT was at the cutting edge of Ferrari racing berlinetta evolution. Given complete racing preparation and development, its weight was eventually cut by 400 kg to just over 1,200 kg. Development was managed by Michel Enjolras, who had maintained Peugeot’s rally cars. Assembly was in Mario Cavagnero’s Italtecnica shops. A complete roll cage was fabricated by Matter, then modified and strengthened by Enjolras to meet the dual goals of safety and giving the chassis structure the absolute rigidity upon which good chassis setup and performance depends. This structure was then homologated by the A.C.O. for Le Mans, IMSA for U.S. races and the FFSA for the French National GT series, the first 550 Maranello to be homologated by international sanctioning bodies.

The Ferrari 550 Maranello GT body was recreated in carbonfibre for lightness and incorporates a number of aerodynamic improvements. Great care was taken in managing air flow to minimize drag, maximize aerodynamic downforce and dissipate the heat generated by the 550 GT’s high performance engine operating at maximum power. Extractor vents behind the wheels dissipate both brake and engine heat. The rear underbody was modified, as permitted under the GT category rules, to create a diffuser to enhance ground effects aerodynamics. This in turn necessitated refining and strengthening the Maranello’s standard flat floor underbody structure to meet the demands of the 550 GT’s increased ground effects and to insulate the cockpit from exhaust heat. Even the Maranello’s nose was modified, both to accommodate the widened front track and to provide better airflow to the engine radiators and front brakes. The engine has been reworked by RPM and now gives some 600 horsepower without air restrictors while producing 63 mkg torque (455 lb-ft).

Bonham’s Sale of Chassis #106404