Ferrari 550, 1 owner, only 109,000 miles FSH.Well would you?
Discussion
LaurasOtherHalf said:
fozzymandeus said:
the 550s for similar money on the PH website right now do all seem to be in worse shape, despite their lower mileages. Perhaps this isn't such a bad buy after all.
What makes you say that?Provided this guy is true to his word, we can be assured it hasn't been in a crash in its 109k...
LaurasOtherHalf said:
I think that's a large brush you're tarring everyone's cars with fozzy but I'll admit I've only looked at the Amari black one in the flesh.
So go on, who's going to send the seller a link to this thread
Hah, what's the Amari one like? I was just looking at the advert and from that, at least, it does seem to make a convincing argument for itself. Nero w/Nero is my pick for a 550...So go on, who's going to send the seller a link to this thread
fozzymandeus said:
I'll admit it's largely speculation, but seeing things like mysteriously crinkly steering wheel bosses ring alarm bells.
My old man's one has done that. It's got 20k on it and has lived in an insulated garage under a cover for 99% of its 12 year life. It's also certainly not had a shunt.They just do that, the interiors aren't particularly well trimmed
The Wookie said:
fozzymandeus said:
I'll admit it's largely speculation, but seeing things like mysteriously crinkly steering wheel bosses ring alarm bells.
My old man's one has done that. It's got 20k on it and has lived in an insulated garage under a cover for 99% of its 12 year life. It's also certainly not had a shunt.They just do that, the interiors aren't particularly well trimmed
Good to know though, a 550 is on my list of future possibilities, when life settles enough to justify the extravagance!!
fozzymandeus said:
That's a shame isn't it? It'd put me right off, as it's hardly out of vision when you're driving it.
Good to know though, a 550 is on my list of future possibilities, when life settles enough to justify the extravagance!!
To be fair the rest of the car is so lovely it's no big deal. Having put it through a 10+k respray though you'd have thought he'd spend a couple of hundred quid getting it retrimmed!Good to know though, a 550 is on my list of future possibilities, when life settles enough to justify the extravagance!!
fozzymandeus said:
Hah, what's the Amari one like? I was just looking at the advert and from that, at least, it does seem to make a convincing argument for itself. Nero w/Nero is my pick for a 550...
Looked nice from the quick look over I gave it, I was there testing a 360 so i didn't exactly give it the full inspection.I've got to say I think the 550 is one of the few ferrari's that look good in any colour even though tdf/tan would still be my personal favourite-on any Ferrari but especially one with a v12 up front
.......hello all. I have just stumbled accross this thread and had a chuckle because.....I bought this car. Call me what you will. 
In case there are any of you who are interested, I had been looking for a 550 for around 6 months either in blue or gun metal. I had seen a couple and suspected serious issues with clocking and accident damage (signs of rippling/tell tale signs in the paintwork etc). Then I came accross S50 GTB. Yes the mileage is eye watering....BUT....the car was miles ahead of anything I had seen so far, both mechanically and aesthetically. The paint job is flawless (I know the difference between good and bad work) and mechanically the car is sound (it has just had a full service/cambelts changed/thorough inspection end to end).
I will not disclose the selling price but can confirm that the seller was more than reasonable....and that just about every detail in the advert was correct (even the clutch @ 90k!). The service history on this car is more like an encyclopedia....every set of tyres lifed....every drop of oil noted....every service signed off by the same mechanic at Houghtons (who I have met to confirm)...every penny that has ever spent on the car is documented and proven. In comparison to the other 550s I viewed (some from very reputable sources) it was incomparable.
I have now set about bringing S50 GTB back to 'working concours' condition. There are areas that need some TLC - interior mostly but not surprising given the age and mileage of the car. Fortunately, the previous owner was so fastidious in covering the car / steering wheel / seats (OEM covers for all thrown in) that there is no bubbling of the leather work on the dash and steering wheel that is so prevalent in 550s), however the interior in general needs a little work - bolsters - some carpeting etc. Under the bonnet I have already had numerous hoses / clamps / ties replaced as well as the cam covers repainted (made sense during the cambelt service) and given it a thorough steam clean. It now looks very pretty indeed. Hubs have been re primed and calipers cleaned up. The wheels themselves were absolutely faultless/concours already so have been left. The seller also was kind enough to include the original exhaust setup with the car which I have fitted in place of the Tubi.....again call me what you will.....its going to be used for long journeys and the Tubi is too much for more than an hours driving. The Tubi setup is boxed in the garage in case I feel I have made an error. So far Im more than happy with the stock valved setup.
I can upload images for those who might be interested in the car/project/taking the p*ss out of me for taking such a leap into the unknown.....and am happy to help with any other prospective 550 buyers....believe me I left no stone unturned looking and the 550 marketplace is a serious minefield.... but .......the reward is more than worth the effort - there is no other car like it in my opinion. Yes its currently unsaleable but come back to me in 10-15 years when its the best in the land with a service file to prove!!
In case there are any of you who are interested, I had been looking for a 550 for around 6 months either in blue or gun metal. I had seen a couple and suspected serious issues with clocking and accident damage (signs of rippling/tell tale signs in the paintwork etc). Then I came accross S50 GTB. Yes the mileage is eye watering....BUT....the car was miles ahead of anything I had seen so far, both mechanically and aesthetically. The paint job is flawless (I know the difference between good and bad work) and mechanically the car is sound (it has just had a full service/cambelts changed/thorough inspection end to end).
I will not disclose the selling price but can confirm that the seller was more than reasonable....and that just about every detail in the advert was correct (even the clutch @ 90k!). The service history on this car is more like an encyclopedia....every set of tyres lifed....every drop of oil noted....every service signed off by the same mechanic at Houghtons (who I have met to confirm)...every penny that has ever spent on the car is documented and proven. In comparison to the other 550s I viewed (some from very reputable sources) it was incomparable.
I have now set about bringing S50 GTB back to 'working concours' condition. There are areas that need some TLC - interior mostly but not surprising given the age and mileage of the car. Fortunately, the previous owner was so fastidious in covering the car / steering wheel / seats (OEM covers for all thrown in) that there is no bubbling of the leather work on the dash and steering wheel that is so prevalent in 550s), however the interior in general needs a little work - bolsters - some carpeting etc. Under the bonnet I have already had numerous hoses / clamps / ties replaced as well as the cam covers repainted (made sense during the cambelt service) and given it a thorough steam clean. It now looks very pretty indeed. Hubs have been re primed and calipers cleaned up. The wheels themselves were absolutely faultless/concours already so have been left. The seller also was kind enough to include the original exhaust setup with the car which I have fitted in place of the Tubi.....again call me what you will.....its going to be used for long journeys and the Tubi is too much for more than an hours driving. The Tubi setup is boxed in the garage in case I feel I have made an error. So far Im more than happy with the stock valved setup.
I can upload images for those who might be interested in the car/project/taking the p*ss out of me for taking such a leap into the unknown.....and am happy to help with any other prospective 550 buyers....believe me I left no stone unturned looking and the 550 marketplace is a serious minefield.... but .......the reward is more than worth the effort - there is no other car like it in my opinion. Yes its currently unsaleable but come back to me in 10-15 years when its the best in the land with a service file to prove!!
Edited by PHAB on Wednesday 8th August 12:05
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