New stable mate

rivarama

Member
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1,102
Here are a couple of pictures of my new 550... got it back home yesterday.
What an incredible drive. The manual v12 is quite an experience. The car is effortless and so alive and engaging. I am in LOVE.
 

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iainw

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3,386
Could I ask what may me a silly question. Agreed they won’t depreciate too much.. but considering the insurance costs, servicing and maintenance etc. Why didn’t you consider a 458? I’ll get my coat...( They are lovely classic Ferrari’s by the way- love the colours and the V8/V12 combo)
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Well - all personal preferences I guess, but I love my 430; as it was my first Ferrari and it took me a while to find it so I intend to keep it a long time - so that’s the V8 box checked for now.
If I had to go for an upgrade of the F430, I’d go for a 430 scuderia over a 458 any day of the week. The scud is what a Ferrari should stand for: raw, brutal, amazing sounding and a little bit scary. The 458 doesn’t check any of those boxes for me, although it looks gorgeous and is probably a little bit faster on everything technically. Tech will age too.

As for the V12 - I hesitated between a 550 and a 599 (as a 812 was outside my budget and I don’t want to use finance). I went for the old school timeless classic. I am so glad I did. It feels so special !
 

Nayf

Member
Messages
2,734
Congrats, a fabulous car. How’s first-second, second-third? ;)

And agree about the 458. It’s also rather large...
 

Nayf

Member
Messages
2,734
It’s “Click Click”, and “Click Click”... love that shifter.
And so much torque... back wheels spinning easily on wet :)
Ha. Someone once said that Ferrari manual gearboxes can be like moving a canoe paddle in a vat of glue. It’s not quite that bad but it takes determination when cold...

Glad you’re enjoying it though - it took a while to warm to the one I borrowed for the mag, but boy, when I did...
 

iainw

Member
Messages
3,386
Well - all personal preferences I guess, but I love my 430; as it was my first Ferrari and it took me a while to find it so I intend to keep it a long time - so that’s the V8 box checked for now.
If I had to go for an upgrade of the F430, I’d go for a 430 scuderia over a 458 any day of the week. The scud is what a Ferrari should stand for: raw, brutal, amazing sounding and a little bit scary. The 458 doesn’t check any of those boxes for me, although it looks gorgeous and is probably a little bit faster on everything technically. Tech will age too.

As for the V12 - I hesitated between a 550 and a 599 (as a 812 was outside my budget and I don’t want to use finance). I went for the old school timeless classic. I am so glad I did. It feels so special !

I agree about the F430 - Love the look of it and did consider one - but the RHD ones are too pricey, and I dont want to risk a LHD. I just hope one doesn't come up for less than 170 in the neat future :D
812 is ludicrous money! Its a nice combination there is no doubt.
Would love to see more pics, and a review of the 550!
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
I agree about the F430 - Love the look of it and did consider one - but the RHD ones are too pricey, and I dont want to risk a LHD. I just hope one doesn't come up for less than 170 in the neat future :D
812 is ludicrous money! Its a nice combination there is no doubt.
Would love to see more pics, and a review of the 550!
Will do - I am now waiting for a bit of sun over the next 2 weeks so I can take it for a proper drive :) looking at the forecast 2 weeks out, it might get tricky!
 

Doctor Houx

Member
Messages
791
Always the model used in back to back tests with my Vanquish SDP that was the AML press car back in 2004. Most concluded the Vanquish looked and sounded better but the 550 beat it dynamically. A future classic for sure.
 

BuckRog64

Member
Messages
334
Congratulations on the purchase of a fabulous car. I'm contemplating buying once next spring and would welcome any tips based on your search and buying experience. Running reports would also be most welcome please and how you find the ownership experience compared to the 430.

I was encouraged to read Ewan's post that a nice one recently sold for £60k as most rhd examples seem to be £80k plus with the dealers. Does anyone know what the Silverstone ones were bid to and whether they were good examples?
 

Scaf

Member
Messages
6,512
Congratulations, a V12 Ferrari GT is on my bucket list ........... one day ......
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
Always the model used in back to back tests with my Vanquish SDP that was the AML press car back in 2004. Most concluded the Vanquish looked and sounded better but the 550 beat it dynamically. A future classic for sure.

Weeeeeeell - put it this way I bought the 550 with its original exhaust - but the OEM boxes were in the boot; I am keeping them in case I am selling the car one day :)
That V12 now sounds a.m.a.z.i.n.g!!