Ferrari California Handling Speciale: PH Carpool
Why the practical Ferrari is the perfect fit for this PHer
Car: 2013 Ferrari California 30 Handling Speciale
Owned since: June 2015
Previously owned: Maserati GranTurismo, Alfa Romeo Spyder 2000 Veloce
How to replace a Maserati GT? Voila!
"In short, because I took one for a test drive! The flexibility of the suspension on just about any road surface and the delivery from the engine is fantastic. In a dark colour, the California looks superb. I also tend to keep cars for a long time, many years, typically until they disintegrate (17 years for the Alfa Romeo) or until the tipping point is reached with regard to condition, mileage and price (eight years for the Maserati). So, in the case of the latter it was time to change. I test drove a Ghibli S but it didn't feel special enough compared to the GT and I don't absolutely need to seat three across the back. I was also considering Ferrari 612s but the width is no good for London roads and the boot is tiny, so I started thinking about a California - I have a wife and a young son and aside from a pushbike this is the only form of transport, so I needed rear seats and a boot.
"The two previous owners have taken the two-year depreciation hit and the first owner, I think, specified the car very well. A quick bit of totting up confirms Ferrari was customarily accommodating on the options front (i.e. somewhere around a new BMW 435i M Sport).
"I would like to mention the following people who have been great and made the purchase that much easier - Leigh at HR Owen Maserati (for keeping in touch about Ghiblis and generally exploring options), Laura at HR Owen Ferrari (for the initial test drive, keeping in touch and exploring good and bad specs) and John at GT Two Ltd (he ultimately found the car and knows the market well).
"And of course, since I was four, I have wanted a Ferrari."
Dark colour and lavish spec attracted James
"It shouldn't be but it can be a bit of a pain establishing that the car is indeed a '30', that is to say lighter and more powerful than a 2009-2012 car. Dealers appear happy to advertise cars as 30s but, when asked to confirm, can be a bit reluctant - there are a number of clever ways to tell (chassis number, for example) or you can just look at the horsepower in the handbook!
"I had no idea how much attention they can garner. People take photos on the motorway, parked at home, parked on the street. Families gather and take selfies in front of it. People cross the road to talk to you when you are stuck in traffic. All positive I guess and but it's not something I have got used to; I'm still surprised by it given I live in London (where there are more cars of this type than average).
"I knew it would fit through a London width restrictor but I didn't realise quite how tricky the visibility is past the front wings. So far so good but rather than totally trust my judgement I do tend to stop and peer, or half climb out of the driver's window... People seem to find this amusing!
"The important extras this car has (for me anyway) are the rear camera, the Daytona seats with contrast stitching, the wing shields and the Handling Speciale package (the reviews that say to stick with basic spec are rubbish; the car is still great on every surface but just that bit more nimble on a clear and twisty road). The looks are quite wheel sensitive so 20-inch is the way to go and the headliner to match the interior is nice too. Those options that go down as not essential but good are the premium hi-fi (it isn't amazing but it is better) and I have really grown to like carbon-fibre bridge, the upper dash and rev lights in the steering wheel."
Quality has impressed
"Engine and gearchange. It is a genuinely very fast car and the noise on fast upshifts is something else - the handling and speed are genuinely in a different class to, for instance, a GranTurismo Sport. At the same time the look on my son's face as he says 'weeeee' and raises his arms in the air with the roof down. The auto function is so good that I regularly use it in town (not something I expected to do).
"The look of the car. There is still room with the roof down for everything we needed for a week away in Cornwall, including wetsuits and a buggy.
"The finish of everything, from the wing shields to the contrast blue stitching on the interior is excellent. The Isofix and the suspension as well; no surface presents any problem."
The family man's Ferrari? Look no further!
"Nothing! Although thinking about it I am still a bit nervous about where I will leave it. And the gearbox software can be a bit too cautious in automatic."
Costs:
"Polish! It has from new a seven-year service plan and four-year Ferrari warranty, so I'm covered for a bit."
Where I've been:
"Cornwall, Devon, Cotswolds, Brighton. It has handled every situation, including very narrow roads and unmade tracks in Cornwall, trips to the beach in Devon, and huge traffic jams everywhere with alacrity."
What next?
"I sort of promised myself that I would get in and out within 12-18 months, depending on circumstances, but I'm already struggling with that thought!"
Search for Ferrari Californias in the PH classifieds!
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
Would be great to go for a drive together! Feel free to send me a message!
People who don't understand them generally see Ferrari from the perspective of having a weekend only / nice weather "toy". Well that is no good for anyone wanting a car they can use every day with all the practicalities that go with this. The California is designed for the mundane need to go to the shops and carry the kids, so it should be seen in this context. It is also still bloody good fun to press on with.
The only thing that puts me off is the fact that the Ferrari FF, while more expensive, probably offers an even better proposition. No convertible though, mind you.
Needless to say, you shouldn't take everything that jaded motoring journos write as gospel - it was a fantastic drive and the launch control aided 0-100 sprint is properly face-rearranging!
Only frustration so far is trying to find a child seat that will go in the rear with the roof up !
Very frustrating !
If confirmed and possible for a Gen 1 car.. Then that could really make it a good bargain (ok you have 30hp less and 30kg more still than the Gen 2 but should really upgrade the car...)
To be investigated.
Very frustrating !
Fortunately, current finances mean this car isn't a goer for me anytime soon anyway!
Great Carpool, mind.
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