Ferrari 575M Maranello F1 (2004)

Having been launched back in 1996, the years that elapsed until 2002 allowed manufacturers like Aston Martin to close on Ferrari's 550. However, although it was still a superior car to Aston's all-new Vanquish, Ferrari upped the stakes with their revamped 575M. A sharper, faster and lighter GT, set up wise, the 575 features an advanced electronic adaptive damper control system that instantly configures itself according to road conditions. Weight was reduced to 1730kg and special attention was paid to improving the brakes with bigger Brembo cross-drilled and ventilated discs. Redesigned lightweight wheels improved brake cooling along with supplementary ducts carved out from each corner of the front bumper.

Otherwise, the 550's shape had been subtly tweaked here and there, but more wholesale changes were made to the cabin including an all-new dash, instrument binnacle, door panels and seats. 575's boast an impressive 203mph top speed, 4mph up on the outgoing 550, which made them Ferrari's first front-engined production cars capable of exceeding 200mph - acceleration takes just 4.25 seconds to sprint to 60mph. Another benefit of the 575 is the superior build quality over a 550 coming as result of a number of successive F1 world championships. As a result, this is reflected throughout the car and truly appreciated when looking at drastically reduced servicing costs in comparison to a 550. Not only did the 575M prove to be a worthy successor to the 550, but it also ended up being another excellent addition to the fabled family of grand touring cars. As these cars are capable of topping 200 mph, they are still very quick by modern standards and reliable enough to be driven on a daily basis, making them one of the best Ferraris of the Montezemolo era.