Ferrari 550 Maranello by UT Models
The Ferrari 550 Maranello was introduced in 1996, and was designed as a grand tourer rather than an out-and-out sports car or supercar. Unlike the smaller, nimbler rear-engined Ferraris such as the F355, F360 and F430, the 5.5 litre V12 engine in the 550 is mounted in front of the driver. The interior is also designed with a little more emphasis on comfort over long distances, and there is even space in the trunk for luggage or golf clubs! However, this 'softer' Ferrari is not lacking in the performance department. The engine produces 485bhp, which is enough for a 0-60 time of around 4.5 seconds, and a top speed nudging the 200mph mark. To meet the needs of those who wanted to pose, get themselves a tan or simply make a mess of their hairstyle Ferrari introduced the Barchetta in 2000, with a convertible soft top which customers were advised not to use above 70mph!
In 2002 the car was updated and renamed the Ferrari 575M Maranello. The changes were considerable though - the engine was made larger and more powerful, and suspension, brakes and aerodynamics were all improved. A sequential 'F1 style' gearbox was also made available as an alternative to the 6 speed manual. As a final flourish, Ferrari announced the Superamerica version, which has an innovative glass roof that rotates through 180 degrees to rest flat on the rear boot lid. However, Barchetta and Superamerica versions aside, there is little to distinguish the 550 from the 575 aesthetically. The styling of the 550/575 is not, by all accounts, to everybodys taste, though I am personally a big fan. In 2006 the 575 was replaced with a brand new model, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to give it its full title. Though it is far from ugly, I must admit that the styling Ferrari adopted for this car is not quite so much to my tastes, and for me the 550 is still one of the most beautiful Ferrari designs of recent times.
The model is made by UT Models, who ceased to exist in around 2000. When this model was new it sold only for budget prices (perhaps around £20 in the UK), but at the time of writing this particular model is very desirable and a little rare, so I was happy to pick it up for £35. My model is from a later run of UT Models' 550s, which features improved detailing over the original release, and hence my review only reflects this version of the model. Older releases would likely not earn the same scores as this version. The model is packaged in a window box.
Exterior
To my eyes, the 550 is a beautiful car, and UT captured it just right. The shape and stance absolutely capture the essence of this car, and the scale is perfect 1:18. Panel gaps on the hood and the trunk are very respectable by any standards, but those around the doors, and particularly at the front edge, are not quite so good. The doors open on dog-leg style hinges, as might be expected from a model of this age. This model is sadly lacking in any perforations of openings in the bodywork, with the exception of the main grille. Vents, including the large one on the hood, are replicated only by black plastic, though the hood one does have some fine texturing. The main grille itself is nicely cut and fitted. One of the more apparent weaknesses with the exterior of this model is the replication of the lights. Starting at the front, the headlight ‘bulbs’ are made of simple chrome pieces which do little to replicate the appearance of the real things. The plastic lenses over the top are reasonably well fitted though a little loose, and the front fog lights are plagued by attachment stubs. The front of this model could be transformed by more realistic lights. Moving along the car, the side indicators are orange painted moldings, though very neatly done. At the rear, the main red light pieces are nicely done, but the painted orange indicators and white reversing lights again lack realism. Remaining at the rear, the exhausts look correct and are perforated more deeply than can easily be seen, though they should be a little less chromed in appearance. The famous prancing horse is a very nice separate piece, as is the Ferrari name on the boot lid, and the same applies to the badge adorning the front grille. The coloured badge on the hood is also a separate piece – very impressive. Other details such as wipers and mirrors look fine, and the door handles, though only molded in, also look the part. My only other small gripe is that, as an older model, there are no side windows, which would serve to really complete the exterior appearance. All in all then, not a bad effort. The lights are the only fault that I would really feel compelled to change, and the important thing is that the exterior of this model just looks right.
Score: 7/10
Paint
The paint on this car is fairly smooth and nicely finished, with no rough areas around edges or openings, and no apparent flaws. There is a very slight orange peel effect in places, but this is only visible on close inspection under bright lighting. Metallic flakes in the silver are very small, and there is no obvious mismatch between any painted areas. No real issues here.
Score: 8/10
In 2002 the car was updated and renamed the Ferrari 575M Maranello. The changes were considerable though - the engine was made larger and more powerful, and suspension, brakes and aerodynamics were all improved. A sequential 'F1 style' gearbox was also made available as an alternative to the 6 speed manual. As a final flourish, Ferrari announced the Superamerica version, which has an innovative glass roof that rotates through 180 degrees to rest flat on the rear boot lid. However, Barchetta and Superamerica versions aside, there is little to distinguish the 550 from the 575 aesthetically. The styling of the 550/575 is not, by all accounts, to everybodys taste, though I am personally a big fan. In 2006 the 575 was replaced with a brand new model, the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano to give it its full title. Though it is far from ugly, I must admit that the styling Ferrari adopted for this car is not quite so much to my tastes, and for me the 550 is still one of the most beautiful Ferrari designs of recent times.
The model is made by UT Models, who ceased to exist in around 2000. When this model was new it sold only for budget prices (perhaps around £20 in the UK), but at the time of writing this particular model is very desirable and a little rare, so I was happy to pick it up for £35. My model is from a later run of UT Models' 550s, which features improved detailing over the original release, and hence my review only reflects this version of the model. Older releases would likely not earn the same scores as this version. The model is packaged in a window box.
Exterior
To my eyes, the 550 is a beautiful car, and UT captured it just right. The shape and stance absolutely capture the essence of this car, and the scale is perfect 1:18. Panel gaps on the hood and the trunk are very respectable by any standards, but those around the doors, and particularly at the front edge, are not quite so good. The doors open on dog-leg style hinges, as might be expected from a model of this age. This model is sadly lacking in any perforations of openings in the bodywork, with the exception of the main grille. Vents, including the large one on the hood, are replicated only by black plastic, though the hood one does have some fine texturing. The main grille itself is nicely cut and fitted. One of the more apparent weaknesses with the exterior of this model is the replication of the lights. Starting at the front, the headlight ‘bulbs’ are made of simple chrome pieces which do little to replicate the appearance of the real things. The plastic lenses over the top are reasonably well fitted though a little loose, and the front fog lights are plagued by attachment stubs. The front of this model could be transformed by more realistic lights. Moving along the car, the side indicators are orange painted moldings, though very neatly done. At the rear, the main red light pieces are nicely done, but the painted orange indicators and white reversing lights again lack realism. Remaining at the rear, the exhausts look correct and are perforated more deeply than can easily be seen, though they should be a little less chromed in appearance. The famous prancing horse is a very nice separate piece, as is the Ferrari name on the boot lid, and the same applies to the badge adorning the front grille. The coloured badge on the hood is also a separate piece – very impressive. Other details such as wipers and mirrors look fine, and the door handles, though only molded in, also look the part. My only other small gripe is that, as an older model, there are no side windows, which would serve to really complete the exterior appearance. All in all then, not a bad effort. The lights are the only fault that I would really feel compelled to change, and the important thing is that the exterior of this model just looks right.
Score: 7/10
Paint
The paint on this car is fairly smooth and nicely finished, with no rough areas around edges or openings, and no apparent flaws. There is a very slight orange peel effect in places, but this is only visible on close inspection under bright lighting. Metallic flakes in the silver are very small, and there is no obvious mismatch between any painted areas. No real issues here.
Score: 8/10
Interior
UT have modelled this car with a red and black interior colour combination, which I think sets off the silver paintwork fantastically. I was afraid that UT had made a major error, as most photographs that I found of the red interior had red carpeting also. However, I did find one photo of a car with the black and red combination seen on the model, and based on that (plus the fact that I imagine Ferrari will do any colour scheme you choose!) I will not mark the model down. There are no soft touch materials; the seats are hard plastic, as is the ‘carpet’. The detailing is largely molding and painting rather than separate parts, but once again UT has ensured that everything inside is accurate and correct, which is in my view more important than simply crafting the details well. In fact, the only thing I can see that has not been replicated is one small seat adjustment lever! Everything from the air vents, to the steering wheel, to the shape of the pedals, is faithful to the real car, and for that you can forgive the fact that the detailing may not be the best. That said, the detailing is still decent, and very neatly done throughout. In all, a good result.
Score: 6/10
UT have modelled this car with a red and black interior colour combination, which I think sets off the silver paintwork fantastically. I was afraid that UT had made a major error, as most photographs that I found of the red interior had red carpeting also. However, I did find one photo of a car with the black and red combination seen on the model, and based on that (plus the fact that I imagine Ferrari will do any colour scheme you choose!) I will not mark the model down. There are no soft touch materials; the seats are hard plastic, as is the ‘carpet’. The detailing is largely molding and painting rather than separate parts, but once again UT has ensured that everything inside is accurate and correct, which is in my view more important than simply crafting the details well. In fact, the only thing I can see that has not been replicated is one small seat adjustment lever! Everything from the air vents, to the steering wheel, to the shape of the pedals, is faithful to the real car, and for that you can forgive the fact that the detailing may not be the best. That said, the detailing is still decent, and very neatly done throughout. In all, a good result.
Score: 6/10
Engine
The engine in this model is relatively basic, consisting of only a couple of plastic pieces with the different components and details painted on. These plastic parts also look a little rough, with molding seams evident in places. However, all the major visible parts are where they should be and in the correct colour, with the exception of a few very small details such as filler caps. Larger pipes and hoses are replicated, albeit still as details on the large plastic pieces, and some ‘wiring’ is in evidence, although once again it is only raised and painted detail, which fails to convince. Although lacking in fine detail, UT have remained faithful to the real car in reproducing this engine, and much can be said for that. Whilst every tiny component may not be present, the engine bay is instantly recognisable when compared to a photo of the real car, and the overall effect is pleasing.
Score: 6/10
The engine in this model is relatively basic, consisting of only a couple of plastic pieces with the different components and details painted on. These plastic parts also look a little rough, with molding seams evident in places. However, all the major visible parts are where they should be and in the correct colour, with the exception of a few very small details such as filler caps. Larger pipes and hoses are replicated, albeit still as details on the large plastic pieces, and some ‘wiring’ is in evidence, although once again it is only raised and painted detail, which fails to convince. Although lacking in fine detail, UT have remained faithful to the real car in reproducing this engine, and much can be said for that. Whilst every tiny component may not be present, the engine bay is instantly recognisable when compared to a photo of the real car, and the overall effect is pleasing.
Score: 6/10
Wheels and Tyres
The wheels on this model are a reasonable replica of those on the real car. However, the shape is not quite correct. The five spokes appear a little too thin, and perhaps not quite the right shape, and as a result the overall appearance of the wheel is not exactly as it should be. However, I only realised this issue when I did a close comparison with a photo of the real car for this review, and it really isn’t sufficient to spoil the model for me. That aside, they are nicely made, with the five wheel nuts and a Ferrari badge in the centre. The biggest issue with the wheels is in fact nothing to do with their shape. Over time, the paint on the wheels has ‘melted’ and become very sticky, and as a result, it is easily marked and even smeared onto the tyres. This problem is unfortunately present on a range of UT models, and the only real solution aside from repainting them seems to be to try and avoid making any contact with them. The tyres on the model are pretty standard fare, and I wouldn’t bet against finding them on a few other different models. There is a realistic looking tread, but no sidewall markings, and a small molding seam can be seen around the tyre. Overall, not the model’s best area but not disastrous either.
Score: 5/10
Brakes
As this is one of the later releases of UT Models’ Ferrari 550, it features calipers, rather than just brake discs. The discs themselves though, are not all that realistic. It is obvious that they are only silver plastic, with nothing to try and give them a metallic finish. The drilling on the discs is present and in the correct pattern, but the ‘holes’ are in fact only marked on, rather than actually drilled. They do turn within the calipers though. The calipers themselves are quite nice. They are simply black plastic pieces, but the shape looks good, and the Ferrari name is also present on them, as it should be. They are also correctly positioned to the rear of both front and rear brake discs. I have found photos of the real car with both red and black calipers, and I don’t know whether this was an option, or associated with the body colour. Either way, as I have seen silver cars with black calipers, I shall assume that the model is correct. Although the brake discs themselves are not great, the overall appearance of the brake setup still displays nicely.
Score: 6/10
The wheels on this model are a reasonable replica of those on the real car. However, the shape is not quite correct. The five spokes appear a little too thin, and perhaps not quite the right shape, and as a result the overall appearance of the wheel is not exactly as it should be. However, I only realised this issue when I did a close comparison with a photo of the real car for this review, and it really isn’t sufficient to spoil the model for me. That aside, they are nicely made, with the five wheel nuts and a Ferrari badge in the centre. The biggest issue with the wheels is in fact nothing to do with their shape. Over time, the paint on the wheels has ‘melted’ and become very sticky, and as a result, it is easily marked and even smeared onto the tyres. This problem is unfortunately present on a range of UT models, and the only real solution aside from repainting them seems to be to try and avoid making any contact with them. The tyres on the model are pretty standard fare, and I wouldn’t bet against finding them on a few other different models. There is a realistic looking tread, but no sidewall markings, and a small molding seam can be seen around the tyre. Overall, not the model’s best area but not disastrous either.
Score: 5/10
Brakes
As this is one of the later releases of UT Models’ Ferrari 550, it features calipers, rather than just brake discs. The discs themselves though, are not all that realistic. It is obvious that they are only silver plastic, with nothing to try and give them a metallic finish. The drilling on the discs is present and in the correct pattern, but the ‘holes’ are in fact only marked on, rather than actually drilled. They do turn within the calipers though. The calipers themselves are quite nice. They are simply black plastic pieces, but the shape looks good, and the Ferrari name is also present on them, as it should be. They are also correctly positioned to the rear of both front and rear brake discs. I have found photos of the real car with both red and black calipers, and I don’t know whether this was an option, or associated with the body colour. Either way, as I have seen silver cars with black calipers, I shall assume that the model is correct. Although the brake discs themselves are not great, the overall appearance of the brake setup still displays nicely.
Score: 6/10
At the time of writing, I think it is eight years since the release of this model, but it still stands up well, certainly against any budget opposition from the likes of Hotwheels, if not against a modern Autoart or Kyosho. It is a prime example of why UT Models were popular amongst collectors, and by all accounts this is still the best model available of the 550 Maranello, if you are lucky enough to find one in good condition. I may be biased by my love for the real car, but although this model doesn’t represent the pinnacle of diecast manufacturing it is still one that I am very happy to have in my collection.
Overall Score: 6.3/10
Overall Score: 6.3/10