Ferrari 430 Scuderia: Spotted
Harris fancies a Scud, and the paddles are one of the main reasons why
Pared back look lets you focus on what's good
My aversion to these early attempts at clutch-and-leverless transmissions is probably a touch extreme because I'm a flat-earther who likes to defend real driving. But let's face it, they are mostly rubbish.
So where does that leave the Ferrari 430 Scuderia?
Its hydraulically operated manual 'box should leave it festering in the 'paddles' corner, but I find myself inexplicably drawn to the Scud - always have done, despite the lack of a stick. I thank my lucky stars I found a 512 in time, because after a quick drive in one a few months back I was dangerously close to taking another hit of heroin. I mean finance.
How does it avoid categorisation as a paddle-spudder? For one the transmission somehow works. It's fast, smooth and far better than any of the type that I've tried. It also fits with the ergonomics of the car itself. I know this sounds odd, but when you sit in a Scuderia the relationship between seat and wheel kind of precludes reaching to your left (or right) for a large metal lever.
Stealth spec (relatively) is Harris's choice
Put that way, I suppose it's one of the few cars whose paddles actually work with the experience rather than contaminate it. And that's before we celebrate the stunning looks, the gorgeous dual tail-pipes, the bare cabin and the fact that it's a great car on road and track.
Ferrari made a few too many for the Scud to become the next 288 GTO, but this is one Ferrari of the 'modern' era I think will not suffer for having paddles.
At this point I should probably link to a car for sale. I like grey ones. So here's a grey one.
FERRARI 430 SCUDERIA
Engine: 4,309cc V8
Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
Power (hp): 510@8,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 346@5,250rpm
MPG: 17.9mpg (NEDC combined)
CO2: 360g/km
First registered: 2010
Recorded mileage: 11,724
Price new: £172,500
Yours for: £136,950
See the original advert here.
They even look like a pretty safe investment in terms of depreciation and I was almost certain this is what you were going to go for as your next car Chris so was a bit disappointed with the 512. Sorry to say I'm not a massive fan of the 512, despite growing up in the Miami Vice\Outrun era I just think the styling is a bit too "medalion man" these days but the Scud is nigh on perfect.
Put some miles on the car and the market punishes you. And Ferrari dealers spank you with servicing costs.
Try to make sense of how all the Ferrari's you look at with a view to purchase, seem to miraculously have a low mileage in order to preserve their value. Realise then, how "mileage correction" specialists seem to earn their living.
I can't think of any other manufacturer where putting miles on the car is so frowned upon. After Harris and his experience of the 599, even he must have had that nagging sensation where he wanted to drive the car but was fearful of "putting too many miles on it"..
The number of people actually putting proper miles on a modern Ferrari is depressingly low. And when they do, running costs seem to be more like a boat or a small helicopter.
All this nonsense puts me off Ferraris to be honest.
edited for stoopid spelling
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