Category: Ferrari

The Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano is an Italian sports car produced by Ferrari from 2006-2013, replacing the 575M Maranello in 2006 as a 2007 model, then was replaced by the F12 Berlinetta in 2013. The car takes its name from the Fiorano circuit Ferrari uses to perfect the performance of its race cars and road cars. GTB stands for Gran Turismo Berlinetta, after the most famous Ferrari berlinettas ever built, and 599′ is the displacement of the V12 engine divided by 10.

So what’s so special about the 599? It’s a Ferrari, so, of course, that instantly makes it exclusive, unique, desirable, etc. Oh, and fast. Very, very fast. But what about this model in particular makes it one of the most sought-after exotic vehicles on the market? We attribute this model’s appeal to its near-perfect blend of opulence and performance. When people think of Ferrari, rarely are they thinking about luxury, comfortability, or functionality as an every day driver. More often than not, Ferraris are considered for their speed, their collectability, their pedigree. The Ferrari 599 is one of the first models to embody all of these attributes. This is a fast car. So fast in fact, its engine production made it the most powerful series production road car of its time.

“How fast” you ask? 0-100 mph in 7.4 seconds, and 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. Those are impressive numbers, but it’s not just its speed that’s impressive. What is perhaps most impressive about the 599 is its statistics, considering its usability and everyday drivability. When creating the 599, the main focuses were to increase driving pleasure, to guarantee performance and to ensure comfort, ergonomics and safety. For a brand that’s known for its race-car-like ride, “driving pleasure” is of course a relative term, but one we found to be much more broad and relatable when it comes to this model. In other words, Ferrari-fanatics and race car drivers are not the only ones who will enjoy driving (and riding in) the 599 GTB Fiorano. This model can be driven safely and comfortably all day, every day.

Comfortability, practicality, speed and safety are all what characterize the 599, but what interests us further about these vehicles is their rarity. The vast majority of the Ferrari 599 GTB’s have been equipped with the semi-automatic gearbox as apposed to the manual 6-speed gearbox. Only 30 examples have been produced with a manual gearbox of which 20 were destined to the United States while 10 remained in Europe. Given the exclusivity of a manual version of this model, the 599 is actually what started the craze of the manual 6-speed, as it was the first time people spent a lot of money on a Ferrari of this type. At the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2015 auction, for example, a pre-owned Ferrari 599 GTB with a six-speed manual transmission went for a record $682,000 (for comparision, an automatic Ferrari 599 can be acquired at a fraction for $165,000), demonstrating the craze for true manual transmissions. Not only that, it was one of the first engines that produced that kind of power without turbocharging–in other words, the 599 has a naturally aspirated engine.*
The 599 presents a model of sophistication and athleticism that is pleasing to the eye without compromising its capabilities on the race track. The 599’s touring comfort in conjunction with its epic performance and rarity secures its place in history as one of the greatest Ferrari road cars ever.

*A naturally aspirated engine is an internal combustion engine in which air intake depends solely on atmospheric pressure and which does not rely on forced induction through a turbocharger or a supercharger.

There are many things to consider when purchasing an exotic car, especially when purchasing a Ferrari…especially when purchasing an older, used Ferrari. There is the obvious to consider, of course, which is year and model–obvious, but important. Next you might consider something like, is this car a convertible (often called a “Spider”), a Targa roof (often called a “GTS,” or, “TS”), or is it a coupe (often called a “Berlinetta”). Most people would make the choice of the above based on their desire, but when buying a pre-owned Ferrari, you should also consider collectability. For some models, Targas and Coupes are much more valuable than convertibles–this is all based on production numbers back when the cars were being built. For example, the Ferrari F355 models, in production from 1994-1999, are far more valuable as coupes, as there were fewer produced. This theory does not apply for later model Ferraris.

You should also consider what is referred to as the Vehicle’s Pedigree. This is the number of previous owners, the area of the world that the car spent most of its life, the amount of service history that is included with the car, and the level of services that have been performed. Obviously, you want a car with a clear and rich service history, as much documentation as possible, so you know where the car has been and how it has been cared for. Every Ferrari has a story, and it is important to find out as much as you can about its history, for that creates the long-term value of the car. From this, you should be able to learn about previous accident history, and if the car has any deferred maintenance expense that you may have to consider doing post-purchase.

Another thing to look for when buying a used Ferrari is the car’s originality. What do I mean by this? Ask the question: does this car have a lot of aftermarket modifications, or is the car true to its original build configuration? The car’s originality is vital to its collectability. It’s said that cars are commodities, but Ferraris are not. Ferraris are also not just cars, they are dreams, they are stories. Each Ferrari is special and unique, and the more you know about it and can differentiate it, the more collectible it is. Based on the findings of all of the information above, and with the help of Ferrari experts, you can make an educated decision of fair market value, and ensure you are investing in the right Ferrari for yourself.

Caring for an exotic vehicle is often a time-consuming and meticulous process. Especially for new collectors or luxury car owners, it’s also a process that typically needs guidance and understanding, as they are not your typical cars; they are powerful, intricate machines that need specific care and attention. One of the most important services performed on vehicles of this caliber is a timing belt service. Below are answers to some of the most common questions when it comes to servicing the timing system.

What is a timing belt?

A timing belt, timing chain, or cam belt is a part of an internal combustion engine that synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and the camshaft(s) so that the engine’s valves open and close at the proper times during each cylinder’s intake and exhaust strokes. In other words, a timing belt is a critical component of an engine and controls the timing of the engine’s valves, that if failure occurs, could cause catastrophic damage to the entire engine. The potential for disaster can easily be avoided by replacing the timing belt within the manufacturers recommended time and/or distance replacement interval.

Why are they important?

Timing belts control when valves open and close. If they stretch too much or break, valves open when piston comes up, bending the valves–leading to catastrophic engine failure and the need for a complete rebuild of the engine. When replacing timing belts, care must be taken to ensure that the valve and piston movements are correctly synchronized. Failure to synchronize these movements can lead to problems with valve timing, and in extreme circumstances can cause collision between the valves and pistons. Correct belt tension is also critical. If the belt tension is too loose, it will whip and if the tension is too tight, it will whine and put excessive strain on the bearings of the cog. In either case belt life will be dramatically shortened. The timing belt replacement interval coincides with, and is usually part of, a scheduled maintenance. These maintenance services typically occur every 60 months (this can vary somewhat for each individual car depending upon your cars specific maintenance schedule).

Why do timing belts need to be monitored and changed frequently?

Preventative maintenance. Timing belts are made of rubber, which break down over time due to heat, mainly. Given the amount of heat associated with the front of a car engine, these rubber belts will experience wear and tear. Because the timing system is crucial to an engine’s functionality, you can never be too cautious when it comes to maintaining its inner-workings. With proper maintenance, it is unlikely that you will experience problems with your timing belts or timing chains.

How often should a Ferrari have a timing belt service done?

For whatever reason, when it comes to Ferrari, there is a lot of debate around when the timing belts should be serviced, how frequent, etc. Despite the recommendation coming directly from the manufacturer, people seem to doubt its credibility. The most common argument being that timing systems on “normal” cars (your everyday drivers) can last up to 10 years, so a Ferrari shouldn’t be any different, Ferrari is trying to steal your money, etc. We’ve got news for those people: Ferraris are not “normal” cars, they are complex machines, so they should be maintained as such. Preventative maintenance is crucial in order to avoid a $20,000-$30,000 engine replacement or rebuild.

Suggested maintenance intervals:

These intervals vary, as every model is different, so it is always best to review the owner’s manual, as that is the suggestion directly from the manufacturer.

Generally, every 60 months for the following models: Ferrari F348, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta and F355 Spider, Ferrari 360 Berlinetta and 360 Spider, Ferrari 456, Ferrari 550 Maranello, and Ferrari 575 Maranello.

Every 60 months for Ferrari 612 and Ferrari 575 Maranello

The Ferrari 308 is considered the most recognizable Ferrari ever produced, and quite possibly the most well-known car ever made. This iconic model was made famous by the popular 80s television series, “Magnum P.I.”, where the series’ lead, Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) drove the car while on his investigations for 8 straight seasons (The first one used for the series was a 1979 model–a 1979 308 was also used in the movie, The Cannonball Run, where Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. are seen driving it as Catholic Priests).

The Ferrari 308 is a V8 mid-engined, two-seater sports car manufactured from 1975 to 1985–replacing the Dino 246 in 1975 with an update to the 328 in 1985. The 308’s body was created by Pininfarina’s Leonardo Fioravanti, who was responsible for some of Ferrari’s most memorable designs ever (to name a few: the Dino, the Daytona, the 348, and the 512 Berlinetta Boxer). Amongst Ferrari connoisseurs, the 308 is thought to be one of the greatest used Ferrari models on the market, and is slated to be among the most collectible Ferraris available. Earlier versions of the 308’s are considered the most collectible, such as the fiberglass models (manufactured from 1975 to 1977 before they switched to steel bodies), and carbureted engines, which performed the best. The next most collectible 308’s are the Quattrovavole models–The biggest change being the four valves per cylinder (hence the name, “quattrovavole,” meaning “four valves” in Italian), only 3,790 of which were produced between 1982 and 1985.

Many people today speak of the lack of speed and power that the Ferrari 308 displays, but the handling is second to none, and the styling is unforgettable. The 308 models are accepted and celebrated by Ferrari fanatics and critics alike, and you can overhear many owners saying their favorite thing is to sit and admire their 308 in the garage.

This is a question that baffles so many people. Automobiles are rarely discussed as appreciating assets, but when you are purchasing a Ferrari, this may very well be the case. The answer is simple economics: Supply and Demand. Seems obvious, doesn’t it? Here is the deal: Ferrari has always under-produced cars, failing to meet total demand.  For many years, every new Ferrari built was pre-sold, and you had to qualify to buy a new car even if a slot became available. You might be thinking the only qualification is being able to afford the car, but that is not the case. You have to be approved by Ferrari to buy a new Ferrari. They look at how many Ferraris you have owned in the past, which models, and how long you have been a registered Ferrari owner. Last consideration is whether you can afford it, and to be approved, you will have had to own so many Ferraris in the past, the ability to afford the car will be assumed. This selection may seem ridiculous to some, unfair to others…but from what we can tell, most Ferrari customers love it. You might be thinking, “Of course they do, they’re on the approved list!” Well, yeah, exactly. Nothing says “exclusivity” like not being able to get one until you’ve already had one…it seems counter-intuitive, but in fact, it is genius. This process weeds out anyone who isn’t a True “Ferrarista” (i.e. people who buy a new Ferrari and sell it the next day to make a quick buck or two, when the car could have been sold to someone who would appreciate it for the treasure that it is). With a production of only 7,000 cars per year (that’s across all models, folks), Ferrari has skewed the supply vs. demand ratio completely in their favor. NO other car maker in history has had demand exceed production like this, making Ferrari the most collectible car brand around.

Now, all that being said, certain models are far more collectible than others, and once again, this is all based on supply vs. demand. For example, in 2009, Ferrari stopped making true manual 6-Speed Transmissions – meaning cars with a clutch pedal and gated shifter. Since then, models with gated shifters, or true manual 6-Speed transmissions, have boomed in popularity. At the RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island 2015 auction, for example, a Ferrari 599 GTB with a six-speed manual transmission went for a record $682,000, demonstrating the craze for true manual transmissions. The classic or antique Ferraris are seven figure cars and above, making them unattainable to most, while also causing the less expensive, more modern cars to rise in price as more and more people want to join the Ferrari Owner’s Club. Don’t get me wrong, it is possible to buy the wrong car at the wrong time and see it depreciate, but with proper guidance, you can invest in certain Ferrari cars, and watch your money work for you.

Adam Merlin, President at Merlin Auto Group, confidently answers, “Every time I speak about Ferraris being kid friendly, people think I’m nuts. And for the most part, I am. After all, even Ferraris that do have back seats often require the rear passenger to sacrifice leg room, so you can imagine peoples’ reactions when I allude to fitting car seats back there. However, after trying a plethora of Ferrari models, I can confidently say there are models you can choose from, if you have a family and still want to spoil yourself by driving a Ferrari.”

Some might say the California is the most driveable Ferrari out there. There is some truth to that–from a practicality and driveability standpoint, it is a terrific daily driver.However, the backseat can be a tight squeeze depending on the height of the driver, so some adjustments might be in order where height is concerned. Car seats and booster seats can also prove to be a bit of a challenge, given that the back seats are slightly more narrow than other Ferrari models, but it is absolutely doable. All that being said, the California is still a great family car–it’s practical, driveable, safe and comfortable– though it is important, however, to manage any expectations that the California would fulfill the same purpose as a minivan. It is definitely more of a challenge when it comes to spacing, but if you want to blend your desire for a Ferrari with your desire to have a family, keep them safe, and hey, even share the experience of the car you love with your family, the Ferrari California fits the bill.

The even better news is, you can also choose a 612 or a 456 and still get an affordable Ferrari with a back seat. There is a bit more backseat space in these models and also in the trunk as compared to the California. Both cars have V12 Performance so there will be absolutely no sacrifice in the performance arena with one of these Ferraris.

However, considering all the Ferrari models, most would agree the most kid and family-friendly Ferrari out there is the FF. Some call it a station wagon, some call it a hatchback, and some just call it ugly, but with 600+hp, AWD handling capability, and a dual clutch transmission that shifts fast as lightning, this is the best family Ferrari on the road. The trunk space is great, access to the rear seats is easy, and most importantly any size adult can fit comfortably so your children should have no problem. This Pre-Owned 2014 Ferrari FF has so much room in the back seat, you will often forget you are in an exotic sports car…that is, until you step on the gas pedal.

Owning a Ferrari is almost every car fanatic’s dream, and it’s no wonder why. The essence of luxury, elegance, speed, and power… this Italian manufacturer has dazzled us with his cars since 1940, enchanting car enthusiasts on the race track, on the highway, and in the valet parking lot. Few can fathom driving such a supercar, and fewer can imagine owning one…even fewer actually do.

What goes into owning a used Ferrari? Well, first you have to actually buy the car, and that takes money. And lots of it. As with most cars, buying an exotic vehicle varies in price, as it all depends on the model, the year, the amount of miles, whether you’re buying it new or used, etc. There are a lot of factors that come in to play when determining what it will cost to drive the car off the lot and into your driveway. Today, it’s gotten challenging to find a well-sorted Ferrari for under six figures ($100,000 USD), with some of the most collectable models easily exceeding 8 figures. But that’s just to buy the car, not taking into account what it will cost to own it.

So, you’re one of the lucky few who can afford a Ferrari, and you’ve bought it. Now what?

This brings us to Cost of Ownership, something not always thought about, let alone talked about, when it comes to purchasing that F430 or 458 you’ve dreamed of. A mistake people often make is paying less for a used luxury car upfront, and getting stuck with deferred maintenance costs that could end up burning a bigger hole in your pocket than anticipated, not to mention the hassle with having to get it serviced more than expected.

Any model ultra luxury or exotic car, new or old, will have maintenance costs, that’s a given. The point is that you are better off paying more money upfront for a car that has been well cared for, that will cost less over time, than you are underpaying initially and getting stuck with the cost of servicing a car that is constantly failing. With Ferrari’s in particular, timing belt service and clutch life are crucial to the car’s functionality and collectability. Most Ferrari-enthusiasts know the importance of services specific to the make of the car which is why knowing, when the last timing belt service was done, and the clutch life remaining on every Ferrari is very important.

Ownership costs for a cheaper car can potentially end up being more expensive than if you paid more initially for a car that’s in better shape. When shopping for a used Ferrari, it is critical to learn as much about the vehicle’s history in regards to service and ownership so you can be sure you are getting the best valued Ferrari.

The launch of the Ferrari 360 in 1999 meant the introduction to sleeker, more subtle curve lines merged with an even faster engine, as one would only expect from Ferrari. Ferrari only made a total of roughly 16,000 of the Ferrari 360 in the Modena and Spider models for the six years they were in production until 2005. In addition, very few Ferrari 360s were produced in the exclusive model, the Challenge Stradale. Over the past few years, the number of used Ferrari 360’s that are on the market has slowly declined year over year, making the car more appealing to enter the realm of luxury automobile collectability.

Along with the current market position, the Modena, Spider and Challenge Stradale have all been out of production for eleven years, allowing a great valued purchase while avoiding the extreme initial depreciation hit. Although last produced in 2005, the current value of the used Ferrari 360 is strong – lowering in price has not just stopped, but there has been a slight increase for many of these vehicles on the market. The timing for purchase on these used Ferraris is now, especially as the additonal cost of ownership will start to rise as these models become more rare. A few years ago, in 2013 or 2014 you would have been able to find a nice, automatic 360 Modena in good condition for $60,000.  Now, however, you can expect to pay at least $80,000 for the same vehicle. And, if you are going to be in the market for a manual, you can expect to pay much more than $80,000 as there are fewer available and they are highly sought after.  It is also important to note that if you watch the market on these Ferraris, you must be sure to observe the supply and demand over time because there will be times when the market will be soft for a quarter or two. However, the financials on the 360 year over year show a steady positive trend.

As of January 2017 our dealership has an automatic 2001 Ferrari 360 Spider  listed for $85,000 and a manual 2000 Ferrari 360 Modena with extra options listed at $115,000.  See our other used Ferrari models available to be shipped worldwide.

Exotic car, 0- 60 in under 5 seconds,12 cylinder engine, aerodynamic design… these are not the typical features on the car shopping list for a family with children. However, Bentley is one ultra luxury car manufacturer that has considered the family and they have created a vehicle that combines luxury, speed and family into perfection.

There are many features of the Bentley Continental and Flying Spur Models that makes driving one as an everyday driver for a family, not only practical, but desirable. Safety is a top priority for many families, especially when children will be in the vehicle, and Bentley certainly does not disappoint. The Bentley Continental GT has all the safety features such as airbags and anti-lock brakes, that have become standard on most cars. However, there is one feature in particular that really sets Bentleys apart and that is the weight of the vehicle. A family shopping for a used Bentley could find a 2015 Flying Spur with a curb weight of 5,300 lbs vs. a 2015 Infiniti M weighing a mere 3,800 lbs. That is 1,500 lbs in extra protection that could potentially be life saving in certain scenarios.

Comfort and convenience are two high ranking needs for families, particularly ones with smaller children.  Whether you are shuffling kids around from activity to activity or moving babies in and out of car seats, you will need a vehicle to adequately meet these needs with ease and comfort; or you will pay for it with frustration and buyer’s remorse.  Roominess in both the back seat and the trunk is a necessity that is definitely not overrated for families.  While both the Bentley Flying Spur and Continental GT provide the much need trunk space, you will find that the Flying Spur’s back seat is much more spacious than the Continental GTs. The Continental GT should not be ruled out completely based on the backs seat because with certain age groups it is a perfect fit. You can compare the back seat of the  Flying Spur and the GT at these links.

Now that some of the basics of comfort and convenience have been addressed, lets dive deeper into what really sets this vehicle apart from competitive family vehicles.   Regardless of whether you have a baby who needs a chilled bottle, or a 10 year old child who needs a cold beverage after their sporting event, Bentley has you covered.  While others can easily pack a bag with ice packs to accomodate, nothing can quite replace the convenience of never having to worry about this.  And lets face it, you have plenty of other things to worry about.  What about all those snacks and rushing to get dinner in somewhere between baseball and gymnastics? The Bentley Flying Spur  and Continental GT both have options of gorgeous veneered picnic tables, ensuring your child has the ease to eat on the run in comfort.  Your clean, stain-free carpets will also thank you for this.  It is critical to remember that these are options and not standard features.  Therefore, when car perusing be sure to either, add these options or, if considering a used Bentley, ensure the particular vehicle has the options.

While this is only scratching the surface of what makes a Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur an all too appealing family vehicle, it should be evident why this exotic vehicle is truly in a class of its own.