Is it worth a punt?

rivarama

Member
Messages
1,102
I have been considering adding a 550 to my stable for a while now, and just saw this car on PH


It looks in great condition from the picture and the dealer is a well respected Ferrari specialist.

The fact that it’s a LHD doesn’t bother me at all.

I got a copy of the service history - patchy at best, especially the first 3 years of its life... doesn’t seem to be any documented service between inception and the first 18k Miles major service - see picture.

Would that history be a complete show stopper? Or would you consider that car on the basis of its actual condition, recent service history, the fact that cam belts were changed regularly and the reputation of the dealer? Obviously a throrough PPI would be in order?
 

Attachments

  • 02CB8D6D-6AD0-4944-B622-24B3B87B67EF.png
    02CB8D6D-6AD0-4944-B622-24B3B87B67EF.png
    281.2 KB · Views: 26

philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
Always loved the 550 after following Enzos project one and seeing it in the flesh.
There is something special about a V12 Ferrari.
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,075
Did they come with running in oil? If not then a service 20 years ago isn’t something I’d worry about if it was reflected in the price. Looks like it’s had a service every two years since then.

All their cars are sale or return from what I gather.

This is the place I travelled 5 hours to for an appointment to look at a car, booked two days previously, only to find it was sold the day before. They never rang me. No apology, not even a cup of tea. I wouldn’t go near them.
 

allandwf

Member
Messages
10,958
Love the look of them, and would be tempted, but would rather hold out for RHD if it was a keeper.
 

philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
Interesting but this was the place that condemned my Project 4200 saying it needed an engine and she's still going strong in NZ after I put the oil and water pump unit in.
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,757
If an independent inspection is favourable, go for it. The 550 is one of the best ever Ferrari’s. I once had to drive, quickly, up to London in heavy rain. The car was just so planted. And the balance is great, so you can drive it hard with real confidence. Same spec,age and colours as the one you are looking at (but RHD) - see below. It would a brilliant GT for your European summer holidays.

That history looks pretty normal to me and wouldn’t be an issue. It’s more than likely it had a oil change service early on anyway. Not that it would bother me now, 19 years later.
58895
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
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
 

Ewan

Member
Messages
6,757
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
No such thing as a manual 575 or 599 or FF. And only maybe 10 or so manual 612’s in RHD UK spec. So realistically it’ll have to be a 550.
 

Oneball

Member
Messages
11,075
No such thing as a manual 575 or 599 or FF. And only maybe 10 or so manual 612’s in RHD UK spec. So realistically it’ll have to be a 550.

They did the 599 in a manual. Think there were only a couple of RHD but 30 or so LHD.
 

CT3200GT

Junior Member
Messages
94
The car looks great and the price is really good! I wouldn’t bother about the service 19 years ago as long as the car is inspected and serviced now. It is a V12 manual Ferrari...one of the best ever in my opinion.
 

FIFTY

Member
Messages
3,100
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
 
Last edited:

philw696

Member
Messages
25,114
Enjoyed the 360 Modena F1 as one of the best sounding cars I have ever had.
Have to say the Boxster 987.1 3.2 S is a better driver for me.