Category: Ferrari

Myth or Fact: You cannot (ever!) drive your Ferrari in the rain.

We are happy to report that this is a total myth, concocted by exotic-car-enthusiasts years ago…we’re actually not totally sure where this idea came from, but after hearing countless customers echo the same sentiment, we thought we’d set the record straight.

“Well, if I buy a Ferrari, I’ll never be able to drive it in the rain, I’ll barely be able to drive it, I’ll have to spend more time protecting it than enjoying it.”
-Anonymous Customers Everywhere

Does owning a Ferrari require a lot of maintenance? Yes. Does it need to be protected and taken care of? Of course. That is true. I always ask these customers, though, “Why can’t you drive the car in the rain?” You would be amazed at the response I get when I challenge this theory. It’s usually, “Well… I dont know.”

What is it about the rain that scares people, to the point where they think it’s going to harm their Ferrari? We’re talking about water, after all…aren’t we? When these cars were built in Italy it rained, without any of them melting. Ferraris are supposed to be in the elements and it is normal that they are going to be in the rain. What I tell everybody is, if you properly maintain your Ferrari, if you wash it and wax it regularly, if you know how to maintain the physical condition of the paint on your Ferrari, driving your car in the rain is nothing to be concerned about. That being said, however, there are some things to be cautious of when taking your car out in inclement weather. Debris on the road (if it is a storm, for example, tree limbs could fall down and not be visible), and other drivers (i.e. the possibility that somebody hydroplanes and crashes into your brand new Ferrari F430). These are the things that should concern you when you are thinking about driving your exotic car in the rain, not the rain itself.

With proper care and maintenance of the physical condition of your car (maintaining the paint and regular wax treatments, etc), there should be nothing to worry about as far as rain getting on your beloved  Ferrari 360.   Rain or shine, I believe it is just fine to drive that brand new Ferrari 458 or your classic, pre-owned Ferrari you’ve chased after for years.

Caffeine and Exotics is more than just your typical car show. It is a gathering of the most luxurious and spectacular vehicles all in one place, drawing people from all over to see, in person, just how incredible these mechanical beasts really are. Caffeine and Exotics has quickly become a nationally recognized event dedicated to the passion and enthusiasm for exotic cars. There are typically over two hundred privately owned exotic cars on display, including Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, Porsche, Lotus, Maserati, Bentley, Audi, GTR, Corvette, Viper, and much much more. Each show is an opportunity to showcase various pieces of our inventory, as well as an opportunity to meet and talk with other exotic car owners–fanatics like us, who share the same appreciation and excitement for these vehicles that we do.

Every two months from April to October, we at Merlin Auto Group, gather at the store early on Sunday morning to pick up the super cars that were selected the week before to be our display at that week’s Caffeine and Exotics car show. With over forty pre-owned Ferraris in our inventory, one might think we could randomly select five or six cars for every show and it would not matter, Ferrari-enthusiasts would be excited all the same…which may be true. However, our owner, Adam Merlin, carefully and strategically chooses which exotics go with us each time. “This show was all about classic and timeless cars,” Adam said, meaning various, iconic models from different years, and, of course, all “Ferrari-Red” (Rosso Corsa). So, this August, we brought our 2009 F430 Coupe, 2005 360 Spider, 1987 Testarossa, 1992 348, 575M Maranello,  1987 328. Finally, we brought our 2015 F12 Berlinetta, and while it is not Ferrari-Red, it is the most recent-year Ferrari model in inventory.

Every Caffeine and Exotics experience is a fun and exciting one. We love being around other beautiful cars and their loving owners, and all those who understand the magnificence of these vehicles more than anyone. Come out Sunday, October 15th, to the next Caffeine and Exotics show and see what we bring!

We’ve been hearing quite a fewpeople say that the 3-pedal, true-manual Ferrari market is soft right now. So, what does that mean for values?

Many of those who are trying to buy these cars make the argument that there are a lot of them on the market, perhaps too many, and as a result, the values are going to plummet. That may be true as of today, and we literally mean today, but we believe that is only true for a small percentage of the vehicles. The reason for this is because the majority of the owners of these Ferraris, the people that have bought them with the anticipation of them appreciating or being collectible, are not people that are in a position where they have to sell these cars…that is, unless they command the prices that they want.

Let’s face it, at the end of the day, it’s all about supply and demand. The only thing that’s going to make the value of these cars plummet is if a flood of them, not only hit the market, but actually started transacting at low prices, and nobody wants them anymore. The last of which being the least likely, since we all know that Ferraris are always going to be desirable. In our experience, there is always going to be a stronger desire to buy them than there are examples in the marketplace. So, if you’re a hunter or if you’re opportunistic, and you can spend the time searching high and low to find the guy that is in distress, who absolutely must sell the car for the kind of money it would have brought three years ago (that he once thought was going to be worth $200,000), yes–there may be that opportunity. Quite honestly, that opportunity exists every day if you can find it.

Our belief is that every year there are fewer and fewer of these cars available. Because of that, Ferrari values, even when the market is “soft,” remain stable–in other words, they don’t depreciate, which is why we believe they are such a great investment. Our speculation, based on what we have seen, is that people are not desperate to sell these cars, unless they get the prices that they should bring. So, it is a good opportunity now to buy a used Ferrari because you may be able to buy it for five or ten thousand dollars less than you could have when it was hot. But, the longer you keep it, the more the car will appreciate becuase there are simply not enough of them.

For most Ferrari-buffs, the answer to this question is elementary knowledge. To others, it may not be, as it is not as simple an answer as you might think. Much like the English language, there are no real rules when it comes to Ferrari Model numbers–the moment you see a pattern or rhythm, it changes on you, goes back to the old pattern, changes again, etc.

In general, for most models up until 1980, Ferrari used a 3-number naming system based on the car’s engine displacement. The V6 and V8 models used the displacement for the first two digits, then the number of engine cylinders as the third digit. So, for example, the 348 is named as such for its 3.4L V8 engine (3,4, and 8). The 206 and F355 follow this same pattern. The 360 Modena and the F430, however, refer solely to engine displacement, without the inclusion of engine cylinders. The 458 Italia, however, which succeeded the F430, goes back to the pattern followed originally, naming after the engine displacement followed by the number of cylinders. Other patterns were used also. The Flat 12 (boxer) models, for example, followed a naming pattern that used the engine displacement in litres for the first digit and the number of cylinders for the last two digits. Some models, such as the Mondial and Testarossa, did not follow the three-number system. This can prove to be very confusing, not just because of the changing in naming-system, but because some models share the same engine type, so most Ferraris were also given designations referring to their body style. In general, the following conventions were used:

M: Stands for “Modificata,” in Italian, (modified in English). Appearing at the end of the model’s number, a modified version of the model, not a new model entirely. 575 M Maranello, for example

GTB: Stands for, “Gran Turismo Berlinetta,” meaning coupe.

GTS: Stands for, “Gran Turismo Spyder,” meaning convertible. Convertible models are now spelled with an “I”, Spider.
*In more recent models, this is used for targa top models (i.e. F355 GTS), the 348 TS being the only exception, which is the only targa named differently.

GTO: Stands for, “Gran Turismo Omologata,” which, like M, appears at the end of a model’s number, denoting a modified version of its predecessor. The difference being that the model has been designed and improved for the racetrack, though it is still street-legal.
*Only three models bear those three letters; the 250 GTO (1962), the 288 GTO (1984), and the 599 GTO (2010).

F: Added to the beginning of all models in the mid-1990s, but was abandoned after the F355, then added again with the F430, but not with the following model, the 458 Italia.

The inconsistency of Ferrari’s naming system can be confusing, as it does not always follow the same pattern, but we can be sure of one thing: Each and every model is spectacular.  So, while there is not a distinct consistent throughout that applies to all models, you can be sure there is a reason behind each model’s specific name and number.

Ferrari, 308, true six-speed, clutch life these words used to be non existent in my life. That is, until I married a Ferrari-osessed man with a passion for these European exotics. Suddenly, my world became flooded with a wide variety of terms I didn’t understand. A few years into my marriage, I decided to join my husband working with him at Merlin Auto Group, watching as he and his team sold everything from collectible Ferraris to the more common California. Never in a million years did I expect to not only understand the obsession, but actually come to appreciate the Ferrari on another level.

Observing the true Ferrari Fanatic was something that baffled me at first. I couldn’t comprehend the reaction people would have when a new Ferrari would hit our showroom for the first time. I would hear comments on everything from the color combination, to the rarity of the model in a particular year. The thing I found the funniest was that there are actually group of people who love a manual Ferrari and will choose it over an automatic every time. A stick shift….crazy, right? Lets just say I had a lot to learn about Ferraris, and boy did I.

One of the first things I learned is that Ferraris are not seen as just a car, it is so much more than that: They are a luxury item leaning heavily into the realm of collectibility. When I realized this, it was a concept I could finally wrap my head around, because I have experienced the same feelings before. It is like an amazing Louis Vuitton bag, a vintage Gucci piece, or the discontinued Chanel purse that has become collectible. The details and the stitching are precise and iconic. How about Hermes Birkin bag? This infamous purse starts at roughly $10,000 and can retail up to $150,000. Better yet, you cannot just go and buy one. You have to know someone or sometimes there can be waiting lists for years. Seems absurd to some, but I do love a great bag and can appreciate the process Hermes has set forth. Little did I know, Ferrari has a similar selection process with their cars. Not just anyone can go and buy a new Ferrari, Ferrari looks at a variety of criteria, such as the number of Ferraris you have owned, the length of time, etc. This really opened my eyes to take a second look at the world of Ferraris.

Looking at this 2003 Ferrari 360, it suddenly went from being just a used car, to a classic Ferrari 360 with a true six speed manual that was discontinued years ago, making it a rarity in the car world. The same way we see celebrities sporting their vintage Chanel dresses on the red carpet, you will find a true Ferrari enthusiast driving around in their 1987 Ferrari 328.

Oh, and color is a thing too. I once saw a customer refuse to buy a Ferrari in any color other than one in red because he wanted his first Ferrari to be Rossa Corsa, or Ferrari Red. Kind of rings a bell when it comes to closet staples, i.e. LBD, red-soled Christian Louboutins, certain things are a must.

Clearly, I started to realize all the parallels between my interest in fashion and his in Ferraris, but at this point, I had yet to experience what it was like to drive a Ferrari. I think it is difficult to really comprehend what 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds feels like until you actually are the one with your foot on the gas. Forget the speed aspect, because I am not even one who cares to drive that fast, but having the power and accurate handling when you are driving day to day is really quite nice to have. Some of these exotics have a fit in finish that is spectacular with everything being hand-made and with all the options. Others, while still having the hefty price tag, will come stripped of all the options; and I mean cloth seats, not leather. Absurd right? Not when it comes to Ferraris, which are race cars that evolved to street cars, some of which are still built purely for speed and performance. Take the Ferrari F430 Scuderia for example. This is a car stripped of its leather and replaced with a carbon fiber interior just so it can be 220 lbs lighter, and in the world of racing, lighter=faster. Once again, Ferrari is staying true to its roots and producing an unbelievable car. In the world of fashion, I think of some of the outfits top designers will parade down the runway. Many of the over-the-top outfits are probably worn once, if at all, the same way I bet not everyone who purchases a Ferrari 488 drives it to its top speed of 205 mph. It still is one of the best, most sought after cars out there.

Evidently, I prejudged my Ferrari-crazed husband. Today, I understand that when he stares at his beloved 308, he sees a work of art that will never be produced quite the same way again. And he’s right. Never did I expect to uncover these truths as I set out snickering at the enthusiast who could find such love in a prancing Italian horse.

Scuderia: (skudeˈria), noun. “Stable” in the Italian language. It has entered English usage mainly through professional auto racing, in which many Italian teams incorporate the term in their names.
If you love the look of the Ferrari F430, but want to have something a little more special than everyone else, the F430 Scuderia is the car for you.

The successor to the Challenge Stradale, the 430 Scuderia was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show by Michael Schumacher, and was created with the intention to compete with cars like the Porsche RS-models and the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera. Weighing a staggering 220 pounds less than a standard 430, this car is built for speed and performance. A bare-bones interior–no carpet, carbon fiber trim and alcantara seats instead of leather–allows for the decrease in weight. The Scuderia is not only lighter and quicker than its competitors, it’s exterior is even cooler: simpler and more like a race car. While it maintains the same coupe shape, the lower stance and sharper detailing of the Scuderia give it a more aerodynamic silhouette than the 430, without sacrificing its versatility as a car for every day use.

Simply put, the Ferrari Scuderia is the finest street-legal, exotic motor car on the market. With an upgraded, superfast F1 transmission, exhaust, and intake modifications from the factory, the F430 Scuderia accelerates from 0-60MPH in a mind blowing 3.6 seconds, and boasts a top speed reported at 198 MPH. View our 2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia here.

Ferrari claims that the Scuderia matches both the Enzo and the F430 successor, the 458, around their test track in Italy. Ferrari is not the only carmaker to build street legal race cars.  Both Porsche and Lamborghini have models that compete with the Scuderia. You may be wondering which brand will make the best investment…well, that depends on who you ask…but take it from us, always bet on Ferrari.

When it comes to buying your dream Ferrari, what a lot of people don’t realize is that there are numerous ways to pay for the car. It is often assumed that you must have a net worth of seven or eight figures, prepared to wire transfer the full amount in cash in order to make your dream of owning a Ferrari a reality. Thankfully, this assumption is not true. In today’s world, there are many terrific options to choose from when looking to finance a Ferrari or any other exotic vehicle for that matter.  With loan terms as long as 144 months and custom tailored leasing options, the reality of owning a Ferrari is a lot closer than many people think.

Another thing many people say is, if you cannot afford to finance a car on a shorter term agreement (meaning a 48 or 60 month loan), you should not buy it. While this is true for most cars, it is not necessarily true for all. When it comes to Ferraris consider this: Given that it is one of the most collectible car brands on the planet, even if you finance it for 12 years, it is likely that the car will be worth more at the end of the loan term than it was the day you bought it. Click here for more information on  how a Ferrari can appreciate  over time. We know this may defy all of the car advice you find on the internet and go against everything any expert has told you, but take it from us–explore the financing option that may make your Ferrari dream come true.

The common misconception is that the Ferrari F430 is pretty much the same as the 360 apart from a few styling changes, a slightly more powerful engine and an upgraded interior. While some of this may be true, it is important to look at each car as its own entity, celebrating their traits rather than attempting to prove one better than the other, as that is a matter of preference. Let’s start by looking at some of the similarities and differences between the 360 and the F430.

STYLING: The Ferrari 360 Spider is a light-weight model that was produced from 1999-2005 with a new, all-aluminum space frame chassis and new Pininfarina body styling, boasting a curvier silhouette that deviates from the sharper angles of preceding models, such as the F355 and 348. The F430 then succeeded the 360 in 2005 and adjusted aesthetically to improve its aerodynamic efficiency. Though the 360 and F430 share the same basic chassis, doors, roof line, and glass, they, in fact, look quite different. But it’s not just their appearance that differs. As time goes on, and with each new model that debuts, the appeal of the 360 and 430 grows, evoking feelings of nostalgia and appreciation of the past.

INTERIOR: There seems to be more comfort and refinement in the F430, which is to be expected from a later model, as there are naturally going to be improvements. The dash looks a little different with the switches moving around a bit (i.e. the fuel cap and front boot are now able to be opened with the flick of a switch, now located on the dash). Have a look at this 2004 Ferrari 360 Spider  and this 2009 Ferari F430 Spider  to have a better look at the interior differences.

SUSPENSION: The active suspension from the 360 was carried over to the F430, with improvements being made in this area as well with the later model.

TRANSMISSION: Both the 360 and the F430 were offered with a choice of manual or semi-automatic (F1) transmission. Manual vs Automatic is always up to the driver and what they prefer. There does not seem to be an obvious difference between the manual 360 and the manual F430, however there is a definite improvement in the F1 F430 compared to the F1 360. The F1 F430 is much quicker to engage, making it feel almost like an automatic when pulling away from a standstill, and noticeably more braking force at the rear wheels.

ENGINE: One of two big differences between the models. The 360 engine (F131) was the last in the long line of engine evolution that lasted nearly 40 years whereas the F430 engine (F136) is brand new and the first in a line that has continued into the 458 and California.

As we found with manual vs. F1 transmissions, whether you like the 360 or the F430 more is all a matter of preference. Arguments can be made for both models and opinions can vary greatly. One common fact is this: every Ferrari-lover, no matter what your favorite model is, can agree that the beauty, power, and speed offered by this manufacturer is unparalleled.

This topic seems to spark a heated debate about whether a manual transmission or an F1 is better. After hearing numerous opinions and arguments on the subject, we have determined that it is all a matter of preference. The whole point of the evolution of the F1 was to make it all-automated and increase the power of the car, to make it the quickest off the starting line, and to provide the quickest gear-shifting. While this has been great for some, a lot of people don’t necessarily care about the car being the fastest–they prefer the raw driving experience, and enjoy doing all of the work.

People who prefer manuals are often resistant to the F1 transmission because they feel it diminishes the purity of the car. If this were true, however, then why has the F1 become so popular? The answer to this question really depends on who you ask, but if you think about it–it makes sense. A lot of people who own businesses still like to keep their books by hand even though there are numerous computer and software programs to help them do things quicker and more accurately. Well this is precisely why Ferrari no longer makes true gated manual transmissions.

In today’s competitive market, it has become all about shift times, speed accuracy, and performance on the track–and let’s face it, computers can do things much faster than we can as humans. While most purists enjoy to feel the road and have to shift the gears on their own, people looking for quick track times, good 0 to 60 numbers and performance statistics, the F1 transmission is a better solution.

If you have ever watched a Formula One race you see that these people are shifting gears faster than the blink of an eye. This is what has inspired all of this new technology so that we too can be like racecar drivers. So, if you want to make sure you beat your neighbor to the grocery store, pick up an F1 automated manual transmission Ferrari. If, however, it’s more important to you to have the rarest car in the parking lot, like this manual 1987 Ferrari Testarossa, a true gated manual transmission is a much better choice.