Is it worth a punt?

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Seems like it sold for £60k!

I wonder how long this will last... perhaps it's not a dip in the market but more price correction as I believe some of these prices have been rather inflated for a while.

5-6 years time I really want to be in a front engined Ferrari. Dream of a FF or 599 but more likely to afford a 612 or 550/575 - ideally manual gearbox

I think there’s a dip in the market overall that’s for sure.

However that one in particular had a patchy history as discussed before, but after doing a bit of digging, it turns out the owner “lost” the original service book, and a duplicate book was issued in 2014 when the car was imported in the UK. The stamps pre 2014 were retro-actively stamped based on supposedly paper invoices that were kept from inception of the car (while the service book on the other hand was lost...)

That was the last thing I heard before I started running away :)
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
But the 612 looks so elegant

550 has aged much better than I expected, when I was growing up it was not the prettiest of cars but as modern cars have got much uglier it has definitely stood the test of time

Wild card for me is the AMG GT, they have got ridiculously cheap used considering they are a much improved SLS underneath... would much rather have it over a Ferrari California (either one) or even the Portofino. Not hating on the modern Ferraris though, I have seen a few 812's on the road and they are utterly stunning but majorly out of my league even the FF is more likely

Anyway so much for saying I would never have an F car to lusting for one after owning a Maserati for a few years. I still wouldnt have one of their mid engined cars, not because I dont like them but it's the dimensions, I don't find them comfortable inside due to the chassis configuration they are more suited to people who have shorter legs than me

You’re legs aren’t that long wee man!

The FF rocks, I think quite a few Le Mans nutters where taken by the sound, actual looks (doesn’t photo well for some reason), weird usability and practicality etc. I like the 612 but that gearbox really is old tech these days. The 599 is cool but only 2 seats. If I was to choose 2 seats it would be an F12 for me, the 812 is just too expensive and a bit flashy. I prefer the more subtle hence I like a black 4 seater, hatchback Ferrari that most people don’t understand.
 

outrun

Member
Messages
5,017
I think there’s a dip in the market overall that’s for sure.

However that one in particular had a patchy history as discussed before, but after doing a bit of digging, it turns out the owner “lost” the original service book, and a duplicate book was issued in 2014 when the car was imported in the UK. The stamps pre 2014 were retro-actively stamped based on supposedly paper invoices that were kept from inception of the car (while the service book on the other hand was lost...)

That was the last thing I heard before I started running away :)

The market is dipping, it’s just folks waiting out uncertainty. Can’t blame them. Makes it a good time to buy though for the brave. In the end, there are only so many older model Ferrari around and they will always ultimately increase in value. It’s just a question of how long that takes. Could be a decade or more.
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
The market is dipping, it’s just folks waiting out uncertainty. Can’t blame them. Makes it a good time to buy though for the brave. In the end, there are only so many older model Ferrari around and they will always ultimately increase in value. It’s just a question of how long that takes. Could be a decade or more.

Imagine how horrible it would be to drive a 550 for a decade waiting for prices to firm up :) I call this a win win lol
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
You’re legs aren’t that long wee man!

The FF rocks, I think quite a few Le Mans nutters where taken by the sound, actual looks (doesn’t photo well for some reason), weird usability and practicality etc. I like the 612 but that gearbox really is old tech these days. The 599 is cool but only 2 seats. If I was to choose 2 seats it would be an F12 for me, the 812 is just too expensive and a bit flashy. I prefer the more subtle hence I like a black 4 seater, hatchback Ferrari that most people don’t understand.

I am not calling myself tall, just saying my legs are longer than my torso... barely a complement to myself is it? Lol

Yes definitely swept back by it. The looks, sound and practicality make it probably the best "Grand Tourer" on the road trip... you and Gary always looked quite well rested when you stepped out of it so it must be super comfortable.

I don't think I am quite ready to have a V12 in my life. Going to stick with the 4200 for as long as possible (hopefully be able to keep it). In 5-10 years time look at adding another "special" car to the stable - hopefully have a bigger stable to fit it all in too. This time I am not buying a project car... F that!

If you are going to keep it for a while then perhaps I can be the next custodian... Although the other half doesn't want any more black/black cars... I have not seen many in colours other than red black or silver/grey. Blue would be awesome I do quite like Verde :)
 
Last edited:

ian roberts

Member
Messages
70
Hi Rivarama
I would like to shed some light on the 550. I imported it from Germany in late 2014 from a specialist dealer in Dortmund. I did look at quite a few in Germany and France and this one really stood out condition wise. The car was owned in Italy and then sold to the German owner before me. Yes the Italian history was patchy from new but to be honest the German history was fine, it was stored in the guys collection for a few years (gap in history) and effectively came out to be prepared for sale when I bought it. I have worked in Germany for years and to be honest it seems across Europe they dont get caught up in the religious yearly main dealer servicing and stamping as some people do in the UK. Non of the cars I looked at had what we world call a complete 100% history. I bought on condition and recent history. It had the front spoiler / bonnet painted because of a few stone chips, the complete dash had been re-trimmed beautifully and a full service + belts before I bought it and by far it was the best. The dealer specialised mostly in 911's but had other Ferrari's and Bentley's etc. I visited the garage where the work was done and it was a fantastic place with cars much more costly than mine being worked on. The guys were real professionals. In any case I had the car for about 2 and a half years, used it at least one a week. Rob at Grimaldi did the main servicing and I have a local garage friend who did some of the niggly quick fix things, window not working, charged the air con, power steering little leak etc. He has worked on all my Italians so knows their ways.....all Italian car owners will have someone like this. Then I saw a 612 in the flesh at the London Classic car show and really was impressed. It had the bigger wheels, which I think settles the slightly awkward under tyred look styling wise. As usual, got home....autotrader.... and the Kent Ferrari Centre had a Blue/Cream 1994 model.......went to look........test drive.........good offer on the 550 from James........and after 2 and a half years of happy V12 550 ownership was into a V12 612........and a very happy family as we can all go out now.
So thats the history, yes very early in Italy it was patchy, later in life it was properly serviced, fettled and tweaked really properly, used regularly, garaged all the time, anything that needed doing was done, no problems at all when I sold it, thats why it was an easy PX for them. It sold quickly after they had it and now its up again, I must admit seeing it again I felt a pang of regret as it was an epic car.......but so is the 612.
I would say go and look at it & drive it......and be prepared to buy because it will charm you.
Good luck
Cheers Ian
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Hi Rivarama
I would like to shed some light on the 550. I imported it from Germany in late 2014 from a specialist dealer in Dortmund. I did look at quite a few in Germany and France and this one really stood out condition wise. The car was owned in Italy and then sold to the German owner before me. Yes the Italian history was patchy from new but to be honest the German history was fine, it was stored in the guys collection for a few years (gap in history) and effectively came out to be prepared for sale when I bought it. I have worked in Germany for years and to be honest it seems across Europe they dont get caught up in the religious yearly main dealer servicing and stamping as some people do in the UK. Non of the cars I looked at had what we world call a complete 100% history. I bought on condition and recent history. It had the front spoiler / bonnet painted because of a few stone chips, the complete dash had been re-trimmed beautifully and a full service + belts before I bought it and by far it was the best. The dealer specialised mostly in 911's but had other Ferrari's and Bentley's etc. I visited the garage where the work was done and it was a fantastic place with cars much more costly than mine being worked on. The guys were real professionals. In any case I had the car for about 2 and a half years, used it at least one a week. Rob at Grimaldi did the main servicing and I have a local garage friend who did some of the niggly quick fix things, window not working, charged the air con, power steering little leak etc. He has worked on all my Italians so knows their ways.....all Italian car owners will have someone like this. Then I saw a 612 in the flesh at the London Classic car show and really was impressed. It had the bigger wheels, which I think settles the slightly awkward under tyred look styling wise. As usual, got home....autotrader.... and the Kent Ferrari Centre had a Blue/Cream 1994 model.......went to look........test drive.........good offer on the 550 from James........and after 2 and a half years of happy V12 550 ownership was into a V12 612........and a very happy family as we can all go out now.
So thats the history, yes very early in Italy it was patchy, later in life it was properly serviced, fettled and tweaked really properly, used regularly, garaged all the time, anything that needed doing was done, no problems at all when I sold it, thats why it was an easy PX for them. It sold quickly after they had it and now its up again, I must admit seeing it again I felt a pang of regret as it was an epic car.......but so is the 612.
I would say go and look at it & drive it......and be prepared to buy because it will charm you.
Good luck
Cheers Ian
Ian - I completely missed your response. I cannot believe you managed to find that thread! Fantastic.
I have spoken to James a couple of times at TFC and I am due to go see the car next week end.
I will PM w a few additional questions if you don’t mind
Thanks a bunch