... For some years I have been in the dark, having switched from the 599 V12 to the 488 turbocharged V8. While I still believe the 488 is a great car - and yes, I am definitely keeping it - I have been missing the magic of a V12. Since the 488 will continue to be used when performance is required (essentially trips including some track laps), the V12 will more be about the experience and classic feel... while still providing usability. Of the 12-cylinder cars I previously owned (testarossa, 550, 575, 599) the 550 was the obvious choice. So this morning I signed for this one, January 2000, 19,000 miles; it will be with the dealer for about three weeks to have minor things sorted out (including restoring the black painting where it needs to be, as well as new timing belt) and hopefully I will post more details afterwards Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Could you enlighten me why you chose the 550 over the 575/599? I desire to acquire a V12 myself and am thorn. Thanks!
Manual, Looks, Value, etc. etc. Congrats...good call on repainting the lowers back to matte black. Looks weird without it.
For a single Ferrari I would go for a 599 over the 550, but for a V12 to complement the 488 the 550 makes more sense - it's not as versatile as the 599 (by today's standards the 550 is slow on a track, whereas the 599 could still impress with its Enzo-derived engine) but for a more specific (and somewhat nostalgic) use the 550 ticks all the boxes.
Just got the car today - with the corrected black painting Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Beautiful car. The 550 for me is the perfect compliment to my mid engine 430 and 675, you can’t beat the level of performance and classic beauty that it offers. I will never sell mine. Image Unavailable, Please Login
550 is the best car.... I would say ultra reliable after seven years in my ownership and 70.000 kms.!! Just drive it. It doesn’t even wear. Congrats.
So today I went out for a few kms with the car, to regain some experience with its driving. My first feeling is that it's incredible value for money I could also get more feedback about its behaviour; - the sensitivity of ASR is confirmed - almost any acceleration in 2nd gear will trigger it... - the default mode of the suspension is really soft, body roll is not a real issue in cool driving, but pitch under acceleration or braking is huge; it's far better in sport mode - the engine allows cruising at ridiculously low revs, and is also able to be very alive when pushed into higher revs; for road use it really does not seem to lack power (in spite of being far less powerful than modern engines) - changing gears makes the mechanical noise I remembered, it's a big part of the charm of the driving experience... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I agree the 550 is special. I’ve had mine for 6 years and last week I just added an FF. The FF is awesome, and I love that I can take my whole family to the cottage in a Ferrari, but I have to say, my first full day drivingthe FF and all I could think was that the 550 will be with me forever.
