Worth going down the Ferrari route?

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
I should add, ownership of the 550 is now over 15 years. The 599 lasted less than a year.
 

DavidL

Member
Messages
214
Bit of thread resurrection, the car I keep coming back to is the 550.

But left wondering how I'd feel if I px the GTS and then feel that the 550 isn't a sufficient upgrade.

Thoughts?

Also, does anyone know anything about the car at Justin Banks?

I appreciate it's done some miles, but as a driver, it's something that I'd virtually use as a daily, a bit like I do with the GTS.

Thoughts welcome...

I wondered that on PH a while back and it was considered waaay overpriced, granted by one person but they seem informed. They also pointed out that this car

is the same price and I'd have to admit was the better buy all things being equal as a ferrari at 100k + miles is always going to be a tough sell. You're going to have to keep it.

ETA the JB car has been reduced another 5k since I asked at the end of April.
 

AT3200AC

Junior Member
Messages
73
Lavazza,

Justin Banks was selling his personal 550 (I presume it’s this car) and I am sure if you google it a few Pistonheads threads have passed comment. It failed to sell when marketed last year and looked a little tired in some of the photos. I recall it was up for £50k at the time so definitely the cheapest out there. I would have no concerns about a 100k 550 as that engine is pretty robust but you are going to want to do all the usual checks and see what needs doing. Condition is king.

I have done 2000 miles in a 575 F1 and they are wonderful GT cars. The 550 will always be the preferred V12 choice from that era and I think prices long term will only go one way. I would be shopping with a £75k budget to give yourself a chance to find the right car.

if you use it mainly for B road blasts the 360 manual is best vale for money at the moment and that’s where my cash would go. Probably not as good as an investment but better fun to drive one would imagine.

Good luck.
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,756
The fun comparison is the Strad v the 550. Both big, front engined 2 seat sports cars that are verging more towards the GT side of the sports car envelope. Take this back to the 70’s and it was the Ghibli v the Daytona. All 4 are fabulous.

The Strad is and feels more modern. But on the charge, I’d say the 550 is quicker. (If that matters.)
 

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
I don’t think you can go wrong w a well sorted 550 w mid 40k miles at around £70k - which is what you can expect to pay at the moment.
Have you ruled out mid engine V8? I think the f430 offers strong value in that space - I really like the 360 as well but lacks a bit of power. The 458 is a wonderful car, but a bit too quick, too smooth and full of electronics (will also be very leggy for your £80k budget even in LHD)
 

Bebs

Member
Messages
3,266
Bit of thread resurrection, the car I keep coming back to is the 550.

But left wondering how I'd feel if I px the GTS and then feel that the 550 isn't a sufficient upgrade.

Thoughts?

Also, does anyone know anything about the car at Justin Banks?

I appreciate it's done some miles, but as a driver, it's something that I'd virtually use as a daily, a bit like I do with the GTS.

Thoughts welcome...
You need to drive these cars to make an informed decision.
 

Swedish Paul

Member
Messages
1,807
Driven 550’s. They are lovely. Haven’t driven a GT but have a GS. I think the 550 is overpriced in the current market to be fair, and the incredible price increase from 5 years ago is not based on the 550 is that much better a car. Seen some dodgy build quality and aluminum corrosion. Like the snick of the gear lever but don’t use second for the first 15 mins. Lovely engine. Horses for courses, and it does have that prancing horse.