Ferrari 575 M Maranello (2003)

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 Maranello. 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.

Please note, this vehicle is no longer for sale.

Known for his life-long love affair with the Ferrari marque, this example is one of two 575s supplied new to Eric Clapton. Whilst the other car, a yellow F1-gearbox example, has changed hands on numerous occasions, this example has remained with the second keeper to date.

Without doubt the keeper of a very busy calendar, three-time Rock’N’Roll Hall of Famer Clapton reputedly ‘forgot’ he already had this example on order with both cars being originally supplied to him just 7 days apart on the 14th and 21st of March 2003 respectively.

Clapton retained this example for just 4 days short of a year before the car passed to its second owner on the 8th March 2004.

Optioned new in Argento Nurburgring over Nero hide, complimented by optional Rosso piping on the seat edges and carpets in Rosso. Further options on this example include road navigation system, leather rear parcel shelf and Hi-Fi system. The outside sees Scuderia Shields and Rosso brake callipers. The original service book accompanies this example, complete with Eric Clapton’s name on the first page. His original purchase invoice remains in the file and the car retains its original ‘Built for Eric Clapton’ plaque on the dashboard.

Unusually for a 575M, this example has remained in the care of its second owner for 19 years. Shortly after purchase in 2004, this example was sent to Maranello of Egham for a dealer upgrade to Fiorano Handling Pacakage, including full geometry update. Used sparingly as part of a significant collection, this 575 has covered just 16,100 miles from new.

This elegant 575M Maranello will be serviced as part of the sale is available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately, accompanied by its history file, original book pack and full key set.