550 with curious spec, advice please..

Post pictures of the seats and wheels is the best way to get a sensible answer as to originality

Ah found it : http://www.autoscout24.com/Details.aspx?id=243752192&cd=635514128540000000&asrc=st

They look like Ferrari split rims and the seats appear to have the horse at the top

Photos seem to show lots of Ferrari stuff around - in a BMW dealer ?

Have any main dealer run the VIN - MODIS should be able to tell build spec & build date since June 03 is 575 territory

 

Where is the car? If it is in Madrid or Barcelona, have them take it to a dealer and do a PPI. That'll clear most if not all of your doubts.

 

The local Ferrari dealer in Marbella may be willing to print out a MODIS sheet for the selling dealer that would show the original specification and some dates. Looks nice with those seats and the Barchetta wheels!

The fact that it may have been first registered in June 2003 doesn't really tell you when it was built. Production of the 550 was wound down in late 2001 (as they had moved onto the 575M with some overlap) by this time so there's a chance that this car was built in 2001 - not that this should be of any particular concern if it is in great shape.

The UK has long had a pre-occupation with rigorous service histories and the importance of getting those stamps in the book but in Europe, everyone seems to be a bit more relaxed about it but given that it has been unused for some considerable time, it really should be treated to a comprehensive service including cam belts and all fluids and changing the coolant hoses would be a good thing to do on a preventive basis. Shock absorbers may need servicing too but perhaps all of this could be done in Spain at a good price (certainly cheaper than Switzerland!) The only issue longer term would be that if you eventually move it on again in the UK some muppets will invariably try to hold the gap in the service history against it and you can't win when faced with this kind of mentality and you'll have to go with the flow (or sell back into Europe of course if the economics are in your favour).

When I was looking at 550s what set apart the good from the bad was the cosmetic condition of things like rubbers and trim. The leather trim on these cars does not like to be left out in the sun and the rubber parts (door, windows and headlamp) seals aren't much better and some of these bits are increasingly hard to find at sensible prices. I have seen some very low mileage examples that have issues with sticky interior trim pieces but of course everything can all be redone beautifully if you are prepared to pay.

 

That would be a June 01 car, not 03. I have never seen OEM 3 point harnesses unless you a referring to regular seat belts. I have seen the 4 point harness as an option with the sport seats.

 

Three point (normal) and four point belts were available with the racing seats in Europe. The Barchetta wheels this one has were also an option when she was built. Late build and nice spec. Have her inspected and go for it if you like her. As mentioned, comprehensive service required.

Not sure how far back MODIS can go on build sheets and option sheets, but worth asking.

 

Those look like 575 sport seats, not 550.

 

those seats are not original 550 bucket seats
you can google a 550 WSR to have a look for Original Seats

 

By that late in production, may be the same seats.