2002 Ferrari 575M

With just one former UK keeper and in the care of the seller since 2016, ‘LA52 WKS’ is a left-hand drive Ferrari 575M Maranello that came to the UK via Belgium only a year before our man bought it.

Finished in Blu Swaters with a tan leather interior, it boasts the F1 gearbox, the leather cased-tool kit and Ferrari book pack, and a very impressive service history.

Only being sold because he’s just not using it, this is your chance to get your hands on what might be the nicest and best-spec’d 575 on sale today.

The paintwork, whose colour is named after former racing driver and Ecurie Francorchamps team owner Jacques Swaters, really pops in the sunshine, revealing subtle purple hues under the striking metallic blue.

And my, isn’t it gorgeous?

The classic five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels add to the Ferrari’s timeless elegance, as do the tight and consistent shutlines. There are no dents, dinks, or scrapes to ruin the mood either. No ripples on the doors either, nor rust on the ventilated brake discs.

Even the four corners and the mirror caps, the areas that betray a careless driver or an indifferent parker, are free of scuffs and scratches.

The lamp lenses are all free of damage too, the badges are bright and shiny, the mesh grilles protecting the various air intakes and outlets are straight, the window and door rubbers are supple, and the window glazing is free of chips.

This is a very well-presented example indeed.

And this extends to the tyres, which were new in 2024 and are matching Michelin Pilot Super Sport, in 255/40ZR18 on the front axle and 285/35ZR18 on the rear. They’re the very make and model that Ferrari recommend for the car too, which confirms our experience that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly.

As for flaws, our chap found the following: the usual small stonechips to the front and lower areas, some cracking to the plastics at the bottom of the front grill, a noticeable paint chip to the front edge of the bonnet, a small chip to the bottom of the driver’s door, some very light scuff marks to the lower rear bumper, and condensation in the high-level brake light.

Nothing much to worry about then, something he concurred with in his summary, saying “it is a very pretty car with very little in the way of cosmetic issues.”

The tan leather interior is every bit as attractive as the coachwork. Subtle and yet clearly designed to contribute to fulfilling the 575’s mission of providing high-speed transport for the wealthy, the leather looks more like that used to make a Hermes handbag than the sort of automotive-grade stuff other manufacturers use.

It's beautifully stitched too, and the pronounced side bolsters on the seats will keep you firmly in place if you’re running late for lunch at L’Auberge de la Mole.

The luggage space is just as exquisitely trimmed as the rest of the cabin. Almost unmarked and featuring some of the nicest luggage straps we’ve ever seen, the boot is also home to the original Ferrari tool kit in its gloriously OTT leather case.

As for the rest, the 575’s cockpit could never be accused of trying to hard. That might sound like we’re damning with faint praise, but we really aren’t; it’s a cabin where the driver and passenger have everything they need – and everything they need is laid out cleanly and ergonomically.

For example, the gearlever for the F1 ‘box might be tiny but this is a car that rewards precise inputs, which means it’s completely on-point.

The steering wheel is simple but lovely to hold, which is kinda the whole point, surely? There are a pair of alloy flappy paddles behind it too, and we all know flappy paddles make life better, eh?

As do drilled alloy pedals – and the fact there are only two of ‘em give big-footed folk a little more space, which can never be a bad thing.

The white-on-black instruments couldn’t be easier to read, and the minor controls couldn’t be easier to find; no need to take your eyes off the road to scroll through a series of touchscreens here…

The headlining is clean and taut and free of damage too. The door cards are also free of major flaws, the carpet is excellent, and the elasticated netting pockets are still tight.

There’s a Becker headunit in there too, plus a separate switch to control your phone.

Faults, therefore, are few. Apart from the usual sticky buttons and dashboard leather that has shrunk and creased slightly, overall, it is very smart inside with nothing more than the usual marks you’d expect to find on a car of this age.

The Ferrari’s service history is impressive:

• 13.06.2024 and 59,196kms – service by Valoroso including a new cambelt and tensioner, and an alternator, drivebelt, and pulley.
• 30.04.2023 and 58,798kms – service by Valoroso
• 14.06.2022 and 57,150kms – service by Valoroso
• 19.05.2021 and 56,001kms – service by Valoroso
• 01.07.2020 and 55,254kms – service by Valoroso including new cambelt
• 20.01.2017 and 50,792kms – service by The Ferrari Centre
• 09.05.2016 and 49,216kms – service by Rosneath Engineering including new cambelt
• 18.01.2016 and 48,762kms – service by QV London
• 18.03.2015 and 47,592kms – service by Lapre
• 14.04.2014 and 42,812kms – service by Ferrari Guns van Eijk
• 27.09.2006 and 23,280kms – service by Autobedrijf Monza
• 19.09.2005 and 9,887kms – service by Autobedrijf Monza
• 14.12.2004 and 5,800kms – service by Autobedrijf Monza
• 04.10.2002 – pre-delivery inspection by Autobedrijf Monza

And yet, for all its comprehensive nature, it was the cost of servicing that struck us; sure, it’s not going to be as cheap to service as a Ford Fiesta but the cost of most of what’s been done was far lower than we were expecting.

The battery was replaced in 2024 and as you can see, the V12 engine starts easily, idles quietly, revs like a demon, and does it all with good oil pressure, all the right noises, and no warning lights on the dashboard.

Mission accomplished.

The cosmetic condition is just as impressive. The engine bay is very clean and tidy, and the underside is both very clean and well protected by plastic trim; both, therefore, fulfil their roles to perfection too.

If you are looking for a job then some of the fasteners on the underbody have gone rusty and there’s a crack or two in the trim, but those really are jobs for Future You, assuming you can be bothered at all.

The quality of the 575’s curation since the seller bought it in 2016 can be judged by the fact that its MoT certificate, which is valid until June 2025, was issued with no advisories, just like every single one since he’s owned it.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and it comes with two keys and fobs, the Ferrari leather wallet and book pack (including the Ferrari-branded torch), and a bunch of invoices.

We’ve touched on the servicing costs, and while YMMV, we think they’ve been very reasonable so far, which further raises the appeal of an already very desirable car.

Because it’s the right colour inside and out, comes with the right service and MoT history, and is fitted with the right gearbox.

True, it’s left-hand drive but that won’t be an issue if you’re going touring in it – and if you aren’t then it just adds another level of intrigue, right?

Besides, that one disadvantage is reflected in our guide price of between £50,000 and £55,000.

Can’t say fairer than that, can we?

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