Are aware you can have the racing seats finished with Daytona or Diamond finish centres as an option? I to would not spec a 458 without race seats at this point in the model's production cycle. On an early car it was possible to get away with more personalisation. If resale is a major consideration playing it safe makes more sense. For that reason I'd avoid spec'ing a white car as well.

White is a fashion colour that has been over played by nearly every car manufacturer to the point where the market is awash with them. The same situation occurred with silver and black prior to this. With a car like the 458 you need to be ahead of the trend curve on colours IMHO if resale is a consideration and not following the tail end of the curve IMHO. I had a white Gallardo as far back in 2006 for instance. At that point it was very rare to see an exotic in white nor was the colour anything like as prevalent on other cars on the road. The fact it was rare made it more appealing on the used market, when most other examples were either the launch colour of metallic yellow or black, and it sold very quickly when I came to change it. Fast forward to 2008 and Lamborghini used it as the launch colour for the LP560. The vast majority of new Gallardo buyers jumped on the bandwagon and just look at how many white examples are now in the classifieds. In two or three years time white will be a difficult sell IMHO as it will be well and truly played out.

If I were spec'ing a 458 coupe now I'd either go for the very safe option of Rosso Corsa which will always be in demand on a V8 or spend the additional £5k on one of the out of range colours to make the car more unique as it will need to stand out from the crowd when you want to sell it on. You may not recoup the £5k but it may well make your car far more saleable if well executed. Contrast spending that £5k on paint which could mean the difference to you of getting your money back out of the car quickly when you want to sell it versus nearly £3.5k on the upgraded hi-fi which will add zero to the resale and won't be the deciding spec factor that makes the next buyer want your car over any other on the market.

I doubt I will ever be in the amazing situation having to spec a 458 for myself, but agree with the first part above, and to add, If you are always thinking of 'Resale' does that not technically mean you are specing the car for someone else to enjoy rather than your own personal tastes?

The 458 is in a bracket like no other, speccing a focus in silver because its easier to shift than a yellow one for the sake of a couple of grand matters to that level, but surely in this instance it doesnt.

I understand I am possibly way out with my opinion, but you dont (except ISUK) spec many 458's in your life for yourself.

This.

Grigio silverstone on a 458 for me..







Also agree with the sports seat comments.. I know it adds significantly to the appeal come resale time.

James? You stay out of it!

I'm going to wait until the factory tour to make the final decision, completely confused now! Hopefully you'll be there James.

Holy thread ressurection etc...

Any update on your choice?

I'm realy struggling, love the Grigio Ferro but not sure I can live with a brown interior?

Nero with Sabia looks great but is it a bit boring?

Don't like the idea of brown on Ferro.

Not a 458, but on my 599 GTO, I put nero, charcoal alcantara and carbon interior with Ferro exterior. Worked nicely for me.

Cheers. My 550 was my first Ferrari. Bought it when it was one year old in Sept 99. And impossible to part with it. Not only does it look better with each passing year but the driving experience remains sublime. It handles like a go kart, has bags of glorious torque, is the last analogue Ferrari and together with the interior has now a lovely modern/classic V12 feel. Just bought it an exterior carcoon to keep it protected - neat piece of kit. I've lost money on the 550 given its 99 price but mint examples now are a steal. The combo of a 458 and a 550 sounds excellent. Best of both worlds. Btw, your Caterham looks great.