THINKING OF A V12 FERRARI?

[williamsmix]

Some of us were discussing this recently on another thread (which I can’t find now). My Auto Italia just arrived with a good article on the V12 range 400 series through to the FF. A useful read if you’re thinking of buying one, although there’s no mention of the valve guide problem in the 456, which is surprising. The 575 comes across as one of the more economic options vs 612 which they reckon is ‘potentially the most expensive to maintain’ …

 

[Ewan]

My 400i is going up for sale in a week or so. Just discussing terms with the specialist Ferrari dealer.
I’ve had it 9 years and fancy a change.
(Private deal available now, before it goes to the dealer.)

 

[urquattrogus]

Makes me wonder if an F1 gearbox 575 is as close as I could attainably get to the 550 Manual I would like.

But I don't think it would be the same/quite as good in several ways

 

[urquattrogus]

My 400i is going up for sale in a week or so. Just discussing terms with the specialist Ferrari dealer.
I’ve had it 9 years and fancy a change.
(Private deal available now, before it goes to the dealer.)View attachment 122761

I never used to like the look of these, but now I've seen some in the flesh they ooze a sophisticated sinister charm, lovely colour too

 

[williamsmix]

Makes me wonder if an F1 gearbox 575 is as close as I could attainably get to the 550 Manual I would like.

But I don't think it would be the same/quite as good in several ways

Yes, I’m leaning that way although I do like the elegance of the 456 but they seem to be plagued with problems and costs that don’t exist in the 575.

 

[philw696]

My first Ferrari was the 456 and I enjoyed it now 12 years ago and now as I approach 62 years of age the 400 has more of an appeal to me.
I see one locally on a regular basis and think they look really stunning.
It's a good job I'm chucking money into renovating my old house here though.

 

[zagatoes30]

My 400i is going up for sale in a week or so. Just discussing terms with the specialist Ferrari dealer.
I’ve had it 9 years and fancy a change.
(Private deal available now, before it goes to the dealer.)View attachment 122761

Some one has a great chance to buy a great car

 

[Ewan]

Makes me wonder if an F1 gearbox 575 is as close as I could attainably get to the 550 Manual I would like.

But I don't think it would be the same/quite as good in several ways

I don’t think you’d be disappointed with an F1 gearboxed 575. Okay, maybe not quite the same driving experience as a manual 550. But still fabulous compared to 99% of other cars.
You could have an 575 now and swap to 550 later if you wanted to. It’s not as if a car choice is for life.

 

[Ewan]

Yes, I’m leaning that way although I do like the elegance of the 456 but they seem to be plagued with problems and costs that don’t exist in the 575.

Having had both, I can confirm that a 550/575 is a better car than a 456, in terms of how they drive and their reliability and running costs.
But I prefer the look of the 456.

 

[Church of Noise]

Was checking the prices of 550s on the continent - is it me or have these gone up considerably? Only o e at around 100k euro, others up to almost double!

 

[Mattmaser]

456 is likely going to cost more to maintain but quite a bit less to buy.

Sensible buy maybe a 550 manual, with the thought you might recoup the buying price when you sell if bought wisely.

I’d be happy with any of the above or a 575 , with a 612 last

 

[williamsmix]

Was checking the prices of 550s on the continent - is it me or have these gone up considerably? Only o e at around 100k euro, others up to almost double!

575s with the F1 are quite a lot cheaper than 550s here in the UK. I suppose it’s the premium you pay for a V12 manual(?). Personally, I’d avoid a V12 manual with a clutch as, at some point, I know I’ll be stuck in stop/start traffic! More fun on a back road though but surely a front engined V12 is a GT car in the main, which is what I’m thinking of using it for.

 

[williamsmix]

456 is likely going to cost more to maintain but quite a bit less to buy.

Sensible buy maybe a 550 manual, with the thought you might recoup the buying price when you sell if bought wisely.

I’d be happy with any of the above or a 575 , with a 612 last

Yes, the main issues with the 456 seem to be, worn valve guides / valve oil seals, which is a costly heads off job. Also, the 48 valve shims take an age to do! Apart from that, there’s the window regulator problem and the unreliable self levelling rear shocker system.

The V12 in the 550 / 575 is different and Ferrari installed sintered steel valve guides in that with hydraulic tappets … so generally a lot cheaper to maintain.

 

[philw696]

Was checking the prices of 550s on the continent - is it me or have these gone up considerably? Only o e at around 100k euro, others up to almost double!

Not just Ferrari most cars are worth lots more over on this side of the Channel.
I'm looking at prices daily over here and Big difference in prices.

 

[Felonious Crud]

Save big! Umm...

 

[Nayf]

Makes me wonder if an F1 gearbox 575 is as close as I could attainably get to the 550 Manual I would like.

But I don't think it would be the same/quite as good in several ways

For me the 550’s manual box is what makes it engaging. However it’s not a great shift, especially when pressing on and you need to change quickly. However, that adds to the character of the car…

But the 575M F1 is still engaging and much easier to use when driving slowly. I think that unless you’re in love with the 550’s gearbox and all its foibles, a 575M is a fine option.

 

[DLax69]

A 456 just sold on Bring-A-Trailer here, yesterday, for 39K USD. Granted, it was F1 and not a three-pedal car. But still. Mondials are the only others that sniff that end of the price ranger here. Less than $40K for a V-12 Ferrari...

Would love your car, Ewan. Sadly, I am a poor public servant...

 

[philw696]

A 456 just sold on Bring-A-Trailer here, yesterday, for 39K USD. Granted, it was F1 and not a three-pedal car. But still. Mondials are the only others that sniff that end of the price ranger here. Less than $40K for a V-12 Ferrari...

Would love your car, Ewan. Sadly, I am a poor public servant...

That 456 will be traditional Automatic not F1 mate.

 

[DLax69]

That 456 will be traditional Automatic not F1 mate.

Ah, you're correct. I even saw the skinny stalk in the pictures, so clearly my brain is offgassing.

Guess the QPV is still in my head.

 

[urquattrogus]

Is it the same slightly weird BTR auto as the 3200 that is used in the 456??