In the world of front-engine V12 Ferraris, few names stir the soul quite like the 550 Maranello. Launched in the late '90s, the 550 marked a celebrated return to grand touring form—a naturally aspirated V12 up front, power to the rear wheels, and a gated six-speed that demands engagement. For collectors and drivers alike, it’s not just a Ferrari—it’s a moment in Ferrari history.
When one of these machines pulls into a Palm Beach driveway, it deserves more than a basic wash. It calls for reverence, craftsmanship, and an expert who understands what’s beneath the paint. That’s where Gavin of Felmet Detailing enters the story.
For the Love of the Drive—and the Details
“The 550 Maranello has this perfect blend of mechanical simplicity and elegance,” Gavin says as he inspects the car’s paint depth with a gauge meter. “It’s one of those cars that reminds you why you fell in love with driving in the first place.”
High-performance exotics like the 550 demand a different level of care than your average luxury daily. Hand-finished paintwork, carbon fiber accents, vintage leather interiors—every surface tells a story and needs to be treated accordingly. Gavin starts each job with a paint correction process that involves multiple polishing pads, each carefully selected based on the paint’s thickness and condition. “We’re chasing that glassy, swirl-free finish,” he explains. “And with the right technique, we always get there.”
Interior Therapy for Automotive Royalty
Inside, the 550 reveals a cockpit steeped in craftsmanship. Italian leather with decades of life, Alcantara that still grips, and subtle carbon fiber accents. Gavin takes a preservation-first approach. “Alcantara can’t be scrubbed. You use soft brushes and balanced cleaners. With leather, it’s about gentle nourishment—clean, condition, and never overdo it. Carbon fiber? Microfiber only, and the right pH cleaner to keep that satin look without micro-marring.”
It’s less about cleaning—and more about curating the car’s original character.
Coastal Armor: Ceramic Coating for the Connoisseur
In a place like Palm Beach, where ocean air is a double-edged sword, ceramic coatings are more than just a luxury—they’re essential. “Ceramic coatings have really changed the game for collector cars,” Gavin says. “They resist salt, UV, grime, and make maintenance way easier. Plus, they give the car that ‘wet’ look even when it's dry.”
Felmet even includes an undercarriage rinse system designed to blast away corrosive salt and sand—something most detailers overlook. “That stuff eats away at bushings, bolts, and brake lines. If you want to preserve performance, you have to protect what’s underneath.”
More Than a Wash—It’s a Ritual
Gavin’s 12-step detailing system includes everything from decontamination washes to overlooked spots like mirror visors and rear headrests. “These are high-touch cars. You have to earn the right to work on them by being obsessive,” he says. “It’s not just about how it looks under sunlight—it’s how it feels to open the door and know someone cared.”
Felmet offers weekly and monthly maintenance programs, especially popular with collectors juggling several cars in rotation. “You don’t need to worry about the schedule. We’re there. Rain or shine.”
Beyond the 550
While this shoot spotlights the iconic 550 Maranello—still a favorite among purists—Felmet Detailing's expertise spans the spectrum of modern performance. From the futuristic aerodynamics of the McLaren 720S to the thunderous presence of a Lamborghini Aventador, every detail is tailored to the car’s unique personality.
And yes—newer Ferraris, with their hybrid powertrains, sculpted forms, and modern materials, are very much in the mix. “Ferrari continues to push the envelope,” Gavin says. “It’s an honor to work on anything wearing that badge.”
Because whether it’s a Maranello from the ‘90s or a 296 GTB fresh off the transporter, true car care isn’t about the decade—it’s about the drive, and the hands that keep it looking and performing like day one.
Every pass brings it closer to what it was meant to look like when it left Modena.