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The F50 experience

Discussion in '288GTO/F40/F50/Enzo/LaFerrari/F80' started by Ferrari 360 CS, Apr 8, 2016.

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  1. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

    Dec 4, 2004
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    Jacques
    #1 Ferrari 360 CS, Apr 8, 2016
    This piece does come with a bit of a proviso attached to it, I had no idea what to expect when I stepped into it, what I found, well you can read below but for those of you who are lucky to own a F50 I hope I did this amazing car justice!

    The second proviso is this article has not been edited yet so excuse the raw nature of it in places. In other words this isn't the final version.

    Ahead of me I can see my face reflecting on the shiny carbon fibre dash and all around me there is carbon fibre. Above me is miles of blue African sky and the warm sun is beating down which further magnifies the mirror like qualities of the exposed carbon fibre. Behind me is a silent V12, a V12 which can trace its origins directly to a F1 engine. Next to me the driver says to me “Are you ready for this”.

    The starter motor whirrs and behind me the V12 erupts from its slumber and shakes the entire car before settling into a busy idle, even at idle one can feel the engine in operation. It’s as if the engine is attached directly to my back. I close the impossibly light door and reflect on the fact my behind seems to be lower than my feet; such is the support and all- encompassing nature of the very comfortable seat.

    Soon we are off and the tone of the engine becomes gruff, the car vibrates, clack second gear is engaged and still at low speed this vibration persists. It’s not unpleasant, perhaps some would say it’s one giant V12 massage machine but I say it just adds to the sense of occasion and it is a direct reminder that this car is incorporates much F1 technology. I am of course sitting in a Ferrari F50, Ferrari’s “F1 car for the road”.

    Prior to this I have never heard a F50 much less sat in one. I had walked around one for about an hour, marvelling at a shape photographs do no justice to and spellbound by the details. The delicate carbon topped gear leaver, the simple yet functional ventilation controls and the hugely dished rear wheels. To my eyes the effect was amazing, each styling element simply worked and the large rear wing sent a clear message of intent.

    As we me move onto the road acceleration is linear and as the revs increase so does the volume behind me and at around 5500 rpm the F50 really catapults forward, the engine seeming to climb “on cam” and the sound is extraordinary. I like to think of the F50 as a bit like Nessum Dorna, the sound grows and grows before reaching an intoxicating peak at which point one is being blasted down the road. The experience is all encompassing and at that point it is clear that F1 car for the road is no marketing blurb.

    Clack and the next gear is selected and the wonderful aural assault begins afresh, the V12 singing and the hair on the back of my neck standing up. I can also feel a big wide smile on my face as the F50 goes about disproving everything I had ever read about it, yes articles said the V12 sounds musical but this goes far beyond any praise I have ever read.

    Looking across the big smile on the drivers face belies the fact the F50 is a joy to drive. Ahead a corner looms large and the brakes seem as tireless as the acceleration and here was the biggest surprise of all, the flat cornering, perhaps I should have expected it but the F50 does seem to corner like a racing car. Back on the power and next straight piece of road is devoured in much the same way a child devours a piece of chocolate cake.

    There is real theatre here, the sound echoing through the valley, the clack which accompanies each gear change and the fact one is embraced so tightly by this fantastic seat helps to endear a certain calming effect which allows the adrenaline to flow freely but the fear factor to recede. Ahead of us is another red car, its exhaust crackling and popping on overrun, it was an F40. Do days ever get better than this?

    Clambering out of the F50 after this all too short passenger ride, a few thoughts ran through my mind. In no way is this inferior to the F40, in fact you could own both and have two totally amazing cars which bring very different experiences and different thrills. Another thought was that to drive a F50 with the roof on at any given time is to deny oneself the full orchestra of sound that the V12 generates. If I owned a F50 what would park next to it, that’s easy, a 599 GTO, between them they represent possibly the finest V12 orchestra of all time. Lastly I thought to myself, one day I need to try go for an extended passenger ride in a F50.

    In conclusion the F50 is astounding for the way it makes you feel, the sensations it gives and the smile it will bring to your face. It was telling that for nearly a week after this experience I could still hear that V12 in my head. The F50 is a truly special car and an extraordinary Ferrari.
     
  2. Playboy V12

    Playboy V12 Karting

    Aug 23, 2004
    225
    The Gardens
    #2 Playboy V12, Apr 8, 2016
    Unfreaking believable!!!

    Great post, love it!!

    F50 has always been an underrated favorite of mine. Glad it lived up expectations.....why wouldn't it? :)

    Great way to end the week, thank you.

    Many more fun experiences with F40s and F50s. This is what the dream is all about!
     
  3. Camlet1

    Camlet1 Formula 3

    May 3, 2014
    2,085
    UK
    #3 Camlet1, Apr 8, 2016
    Another cool write up, and well reported. Thanks.

    I have an F50 and F40. You've captured the differences, you've captured what makes the F50 very special. What's harder to express - as an owner/driver - is how two very different cars, with very different characters, can still so effortlessly and obviously share the same magical DNA.

    And I'll tell you for nothing, while the F40 has you the moment you drive her, leaving you breathless and gasping for more, the F50 takes her time to seduce you, and once she's done with you, you're hers.

    She's that special. Thanks again for two excellent write ups.
     
  4. Playboy V12

    Playboy V12 Karting

    Aug 23, 2004
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    #4 Playboy V12, Apr 8, 2016
    F50 always seem more nuanced and special.

    F40 still wonderful!
     
  5. Camlet1

    Camlet1 Formula 3

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    #5 Camlet1, Apr 8, 2016
    They are different, they are the same, they are pure Ferrari. I think trying to compare them is asking the wrong question. The Stones and the Beatles are iconic British bands. One might as well try and compare them too. You can't, they just..... are.
     
  6. simsko

    simsko F1 Rookie

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    #6 simsko, Apr 8, 2016
    Brilliant write up.
     
  7. YellowF50

    YellowF50 Formula Junior

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    #7 YellowF50, Apr 9, 2016
    Well done, I don't think you need to worry about the final edit. It was worth the small wait

    You captured both cars excellently. Job well done. !

    The thing with these 2 cars more than any other is they both have many so variables, yet people try and compare them, and I agree with Camlot1, to compare them against each other is an injustice to both.

    One is the last Enzo era car vs newer technology and it was also made by new blood = unknown future

    Ones turbo with incredible boost and the others not, (but a sweet v12 it is anyway)

    One is an evolution of its predecessor, the other is quite frankly an evolution of its racing heritage ( as known by those who has felt that v12 tingle in the seat of their pants).
     
  8. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

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    #8 Ferrari 360 CS, Apr 9, 2016
    Thanks for all the kind words.

    Comparing the two is silly and its a pity that the press at the time always seemed to compare, rather than look at them in isolation. The concepts are so different but both can thrill in different ways.

    The issue the F50 has which is very unfair is that so few have experience of it that they tend to just sprout out what the press said at the time and as such the car seems, in some quarters at least, to have acquired a stigma of sorts.

    A few days after the F50 I was lucky enough to climb into the passenger seat of a 288 GTO. ;)
     
  9. Camlet1

    Camlet1 Formula 3

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    #9 Camlet1, Apr 9, 2016
    Which is why it is an under-valued gem :). I was guilty of the same until I drove my F40 to a show and a mate brought his F50. We parked up together, I'd never seen the F50 up close and it made a huge impression. I then spoke to a very trusted dealer who is an ex racing driver and he told in his opinion the F50 was an absolute gem to drive too, one of his all time favourites. I was hooked. My time getting know her as an owner has converted me since to evangelist. Sure, I have skin in the game but with what I've experienced and with only 349 made, I'm sleeping easy.
     
  10. 95spiderman

    95spiderman F1 World Champ
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    #10 95spiderman, Apr 9, 2016
    My neighbor has f50 and ive seen him drive it once in 25 yrs! What a shame

    Can anyone speak to cf tub delamination issues ive read about?

    And how about some pics too? Thanks
     
  11. Camlet1

    Camlet1 Formula 3

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    #11 Camlet1, Apr 9, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  12. 95spiderman

    95spiderman F1 World Champ
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    #12 95spiderman, Apr 9, 2016
    beauty!
    my neighbor has an f40 and enzo to go with the f50. ive seen him drive enzo about once year. but never the older cars. he keeps them at dealer which is almost hour away from here. ridiculous but typical imo
     
  13. Solid State

    Solid State F1 World Champ
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    #13 Solid State, Apr 9, 2016
    You are a lucky man indeed! I wrote recently of my first experience with an F50 and I, of course, was left speechless. It too was barely driven and so immaculately preserved. The mechanics of the suspension and drivetrain are a real treat. Cannot imagine not driving this car regardless of perceived loss of future value. Really regardless. That said, I enjoyed the OP's post but can think of much more worthy stable mates - F40, Enzo, 288, Laf, etc. The rest aren't much more than daily drivers by comparison IMHO. These top cars are undeniably so special.
     
  14. Jon Von Bon

    Jon Von Bon Formula 3
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    #14 Jon Von Bon, Apr 9, 2016
    Gentlemen, can you think of a marque that brings the kind of joy to a man than a Ferrari does? I drove my rear engine for the first time this morning. I was grinning like a twelve year old. The way it should be.

    Thank you for the thread.
     
  15. tmario

    tmario Formula Junior

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    #15 tmario, Apr 10, 2016
    Cool write up!

    Camlet, The F40 has always been my dream car but I am now in the camp that pairing it with the f50 would be fantastic. I appreciate that you share your experience. Enjoy!

    Maybe someday I'll be ballsy enough to pull the trigger. I agree that their prices are not excessive for the experience they seem to offer.

    Mario
     
  16. zvdxb

    zvdxb Karting

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    #16 zvdxb, Apr 10, 2016
    After reading this , I may consider parting with my other cars to find an F50 as a stablemate to my F40 even tho I've never driven one... What are the going prices for one these days ? I would expect NA and ROW to be different values as usual...
     
  17. Camlet1

    Camlet1 Formula 3

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    #17 Camlet1, Apr 10, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Thanks Mario, appreciated. If you can, do it! Being able to quietly admire them side by side is worth it alone. Who needs to visit an art gallery?! :)
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  18. zvdxb

    zvdxb Karting

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    #18 zvdxb, Apr 10, 2016
    Simply Beautiful !!
     
  19. Red Sled

    Red Sled Formula Junior

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    #19 Red Sled, Apr 10, 2016
    Speaking for the UK, I guess you should be able to pick up a good drivers car (say 20k km) for about £1-1.1mm ($1.4mm - 1.55mm approx). I am not an expert by any means, just based off the ones on the UK market that I know of.

    Given production numbers and it's underdog status relative to the other LE F-cars, the F50 feels like good relative value, though it has widened out relative to the F40 in the recent years.

    I agree with Camlet1 - very hard to compare the two. There was a thread here a while back about which was faster, but it really doesn't translate into the driver experience. With the F50, I have never felt that I have more than just scratched the surface of what's on offer - it runs deep. The F40 experience is fabulous, but in some ways more straightforward to understand.

    Happy F50 hunting!
     
  20. zvdxb

    zvdxb Karting

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    #20 zvdxb, Apr 10, 2016
    Thank you red sled ! Will keep you posted if I find what I'm looking for... Cheers !
     
  21. andrew911

    andrew911 F1 Rookie
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    #21 andrew911, Apr 14, 2016
    Nice post Jacques- F50 is one of my favorites- the fact that it's raw, normally aspirated and V12 with a top that comes off puts it ahead of the 288/F40/Enzo in my book. I think Yellow with black interior is my favorite combo...

    You are correct- that is a shame

    Camlet1- thanks for posting the pictures- absolutely stunning!
     
  22. Playboy V12

    Playboy V12 Karting

    Aug 23, 2004
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    #22 Playboy V12, Apr 17, 2016
    Does the F50 have servo assist on the brakes unlike the F40?

    Curious about the answer and if it does not have servo assist, does it improve the feel?
     
  23. Red Sled

    Red Sled Formula Junior

    Jan 1, 2013
    618
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    #23 Red Sled, Apr 17, 2016
    No. The brakes are a bit better than the F40 on the track, which is why some people retro-fit F50 brakes (and bigger wheels). On the road, both are up to the job. The F40 pedal is initially quite firm, whereas the F50 is more progressive.
     
  24. Playboy V12

    Playboy V12 Karting

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    #24 Playboy V12, Apr 17, 2016
    Man, these really are the ultimate analog cars with no servo assist and no ABS.

    Outside of a race car, nothing on the ~500 hp range out there is like this....and never will be like this.
     
  25. Red Sled

    Red Sled Formula Junior

    Jan 1, 2013
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    #25 Red Sled, Apr 17, 2016

    Agreed - the only gizmo on the F50 that I know of are the electronically adjusted Bilstein shocks. Outside of that, neither car has any driver aids.
     
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