Ferrari 575 MM (2002)

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 car 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.

Just 246 Manual 575s were built worldwide, strangely the UK appetite for these cars was very strong and over a quarter of the production were UK supplied cars. 69 manual transmission examples were delivered to the UK (28% of all produced, whereas UK market allocation is usually closer to 5%). This means that in European specification a Left hand Drive car is as rare as a Right Hand Drive car. The Manual 575 was the last effective production 2 seat Ferrari GT car and prices of manual examples have soared as people start appreciate the 575's important place in the history of the marque, their desirability and their collectability.

This LHD example was first delivered to Raaphorstlaan, in the West Netherlands in September 2002 by Ferrari dealer Kroymans Hilversum. Presented in its original and extremely smart colour combination of Verde Zeltweg over a Dark Tan Hide with embossed Cavallinos on each headrest and most important having a Manual gearbox. Externally the car benefits from Argento Brake Calipers situated behind the 18" 5 Spoke Alloys.

The car remained in the Netherlands until January 2015 where it was subsequently exported and registered in the United Kingdom. Until 2010 the car was maintained by the original Ferrari dealer Kroymans Hilversum where it received routine periodic servicing. In December 2014 the car received a major service including cam-belts carried out by well-respected Gipimotors located in Brussels. More recently the car has been fitted with the essential Fiorano Handling Pack by Meridien Modena.

Today the car is presented in superb condition covering just 32,900 Miles from new. Accompanied by its original spare key and fobs, all original books and tools, Ferrari torch and a supporting history file. This "collectors preference" 575 is located in our showrooms just outside London and available to view immediately with DK Engineering carrying out a comprehensive annual service prior to its sale.