F50 - thoughts and views please
Discussion
Close relative has had one since 1996 and still owns it.
From what I know>
Drivetrain is solid and needs little more than serviced properly.
Typically some electrical glitches in the Italian wiring.
The aircon/fan has a mind of its own.
Parts normally take ages to arrive.
Most dealers know nothing about them.
High miles is not a problem.
The value goes up and down like a yoyo.
From what I know>
Drivetrain is solid and needs little more than serviced properly.
Typically some electrical glitches in the Italian wiring.
The aircon/fan has a mind of its own.
Parts normally take ages to arrive.
Most dealers know nothing about them.
High miles is not a problem.
The value goes up and down like a yoyo.
The thread above and the old EVO article sum up the experience of the F50 perfectly.
The sound of an F50 with full tubi system is like nothing else i've ever been in. The F1 derived engine bolted straight to the carbon tub (feels like it's strapped to the back of your seat) adds to the sense of feeling everything that goes on aswell as putting you on edge and slightly nervous at first as the engine vibration is clearly felt through the hard but comfortable seats. It is a surprisingly easy car to drive, visibility is good, gear change easy, brakes have plenty of feel and power and it is very docile below 5000 revs, but from there up to 8500 it is brutal. Although not the fastest car on the road, you still get the old school sense of speed, nothing at all is dumbed down.
Behind the wheel, i felt the driving position was perfect and would not have wanted to adjust anything even if I could. I think the car looks better with hard top on. You do hear more of the engine and exhaust with the open top, but it is warmer as you are between the heat of the engine and the cooling fans blowing hot air (if you're not going fast enough!) up over the front of the windscreen. After a drive with the roof down you can smell exhaust fumes on your clothes, but this doesn't seem to bother anyone!
Routine servicing is similar to other V12 Ferraris. Fuel bladders and main oil seal need doing every 10 years or so, but there are no cambelts to change. You have the expected consumables to do and most things seem to take a few hours more labour than a "normal" car and parts are expensive (have a look on eurospares to get an idea) but mechanically they are strong cars. Electrics can be a problem (have been a few problems with the digital instrument screen which are expensive to fix) and notorious italian wiring as previously mentioned.
Values in the last 18 months, especially last 12 months have gone up considerably inline with the F40. Although the styling may be considered more modern (it is the evolutionary link betweek the F40 and Enzo) I consider this the last (and arguably best - but not driven them all) of the old school non-electronically assisted cars and for this reason plus its rarity and the feeling you get when you are in one it is a very special car. People are beginning to realise this and at some point its day will come and it will get the recognition it deserves.
The sound of an F50 with full tubi system is like nothing else i've ever been in. The F1 derived engine bolted straight to the carbon tub (feels like it's strapped to the back of your seat) adds to the sense of feeling everything that goes on aswell as putting you on edge and slightly nervous at first as the engine vibration is clearly felt through the hard but comfortable seats. It is a surprisingly easy car to drive, visibility is good, gear change easy, brakes have plenty of feel and power and it is very docile below 5000 revs, but from there up to 8500 it is brutal. Although not the fastest car on the road, you still get the old school sense of speed, nothing at all is dumbed down.
Behind the wheel, i felt the driving position was perfect and would not have wanted to adjust anything even if I could. I think the car looks better with hard top on. You do hear more of the engine and exhaust with the open top, but it is warmer as you are between the heat of the engine and the cooling fans blowing hot air (if you're not going fast enough!) up over the front of the windscreen. After a drive with the roof down you can smell exhaust fumes on your clothes, but this doesn't seem to bother anyone!
Routine servicing is similar to other V12 Ferraris. Fuel bladders and main oil seal need doing every 10 years or so, but there are no cambelts to change. You have the expected consumables to do and most things seem to take a few hours more labour than a "normal" car and parts are expensive (have a look on eurospares to get an idea) but mechanically they are strong cars. Electrics can be a problem (have been a few problems with the digital instrument screen which are expensive to fix) and notorious italian wiring as previously mentioned.
Values in the last 18 months, especially last 12 months have gone up considerably inline with the F40. Although the styling may be considered more modern (it is the evolutionary link betweek the F40 and Enzo) I consider this the last (and arguably best - but not driven them all) of the old school non-electronically assisted cars and for this reason plus its rarity and the feeling you get when you are in one it is a very special car. People are beginning to realise this and at some point its day will come and it will get the recognition it deserves.
diablo_pete said:
I'm not a Ferrari man, but to me, it's the most beautiful car ever made.
+1.I can't seem to find it but i saw a pic of one in a sort of gun metal grey (take that with a pinch of salt my eyes and the world of colour arn't really in cohesion.) and it was beautifull, beautifull in a raw and powerfull looking way.
Edited by ZOLLAR on Thursday 9th September 08:19
Scrimper said:
The thread above and the old EVO article sum up the experience of the F50 perfectly.
The sound of an F50 with full tubi system is like nothing else i've ever been in. The F1 derived engine bolted straight to the carbon tub (feels like it's strapped to the back of your seat) adds to the sense of feeling everything that goes on aswell as putting you on edge and slightly nervous at first as the engine vibration is clearly felt through the hard but comfortable seats. It is a surprisingly easy car to drive, visibility is good, gear change easy, brakes have plenty of feel and power and it is very docile below 5000 revs, but from there up to 8500 it is brutal. Although not the fastest car on the road, you still get the old school sense of speed, nothing at all is dumbed down.
Behind the wheel, i felt the driving position was perfect and would not have wanted to adjust anything even if I could. I think the car looks better with hard top on. You do hear more of the engine and exhaust with the open top, but it is warmer as you are between the heat of the engine and the cooling fans blowing hot air (if you're not going fast enough!) up over the front of the windscreen. After a drive with the roof down you can smell exhaust fumes on your clothes, but this doesn't seem to bother anyone!
Routine servicing is similar to other V12 Ferraris. Fuel bladders and main oil seal need doing every 10 years or so, but there are no cambelts to change. You have the expected consumables to do and most things seem to take a few hours more labour than a "normal" car and parts are expensive (have a look on eurospares to get an idea) but mechanically they are strong cars. Electrics can be a problem (have been a few problems with the digital instrument screen which are expensive to fix) and notorious italian wiring as previously mentioned.
Values in the last 18 months, especially last 12 months have gone up considerably inline with the F40. Although the styling may be considered more modern (it is the evolutionary link betweek the F40 and Enzo) I consider this the last (and arguably best - but not driven them all) of the old school non-electronically assisted cars and for this reason plus its rarity and the feeling you get when you are in one it is a very special car. People are beginning to realise this and at some point its day will come and it will get the recognition it deserves.
The sound of an F50 with full tubi system is like nothing else i've ever been in. The F1 derived engine bolted straight to the carbon tub (feels like it's strapped to the back of your seat) adds to the sense of feeling everything that goes on aswell as putting you on edge and slightly nervous at first as the engine vibration is clearly felt through the hard but comfortable seats. It is a surprisingly easy car to drive, visibility is good, gear change easy, brakes have plenty of feel and power and it is very docile below 5000 revs, but from there up to 8500 it is brutal. Although not the fastest car on the road, you still get the old school sense of speed, nothing at all is dumbed down.
Behind the wheel, i felt the driving position was perfect and would not have wanted to adjust anything even if I could. I think the car looks better with hard top on. You do hear more of the engine and exhaust with the open top, but it is warmer as you are between the heat of the engine and the cooling fans blowing hot air (if you're not going fast enough!) up over the front of the windscreen. After a drive with the roof down you can smell exhaust fumes on your clothes, but this doesn't seem to bother anyone!
Routine servicing is similar to other V12 Ferraris. Fuel bladders and main oil seal need doing every 10 years or so, but there are no cambelts to change. You have the expected consumables to do and most things seem to take a few hours more labour than a "normal" car and parts are expensive (have a look on eurospares to get an idea) but mechanically they are strong cars. Electrics can be a problem (have been a few problems with the digital instrument screen which are expensive to fix) and notorious italian wiring as previously mentioned.
Values in the last 18 months, especially last 12 months have gone up considerably inline with the F40. Although the styling may be considered more modern (it is the evolutionary link betweek the F40 and Enzo) I consider this the last (and arguably best - but not driven them all) of the old school non-electronically assisted cars and for this reason plus its rarity and the feeling you get when you are in one it is a very special car. People are beginning to realise this and at some point its day will come and it will get the recognition it deserves.
As accurate and concise a description as you'll find - exactly right.
I'd just like to add that I've had a real go in the Enzo, F40 and F50 and in my worthless opinion, the F50 is by some margin the best car of the three. Haven't driven the heavyweight classics but it's the most exciting modern car they've made.
Drove one circa 1996. As the article says... easy to drive, lovely gearbox, amazing sound and acceleration that leaves you wondering how on earth the rear wheels are still sticking to the road!!!
I only drove it for a few miles (and carefully) but the owner gave it the full beans in the lower gears.... almost 90 in 1st!!! Epic.
Pic of me just after my drive.
I only drove it for a few miles (and carefully) but the owner gave it the full beans in the lower gears.... almost 90 in 1st!!! Epic.
Pic of me just after my drive.
Edited by rmdferrari on Saturday 11th September 10:20
Edited by rmdferrari on Saturday 11th September 10:21
ZOLLAR said:
Yazza54 said:
ticketmaster123 said:
I think it's a generation thing - I'm 23 and would pick an F50 over an F40 or Enzo any day of the week.
I'm 20. F40 please.
F50 please
On a side note love the GTM libra sorry to read about what happened to it.
Yeah, shame.. but s
t happens. Cheers mate.
rmdferrari said:
Drove one circa 1996. As the article says... easy to drive, lovely gearbox, amazing sound and acceleration that leaves you wondering how on earth the rear wheels are still sticking to the road!!!
I only drove it for a few miles (and carefully) but the owner gave it the full beans in the lower gears.... almost 90 in 1st!!! Epic.
Pic of me just after my drive.
wow 14 years ago what a car to drive bet that car is still in the same condition or better unlike yourself richard you now look like a unloved classic that needs to shed a few pounds I only drove it for a few miles (and carefully) but the owner gave it the full beans in the lower gears.... almost 90 in 1st!!! Epic.
Pic of me just after my drive.
Edited by rmdferrari on Saturday 11th September 10:20
Edited by rmdferrari on Saturday 11th September 10:21
never driven one but its the best ferrari made in my opinion
Mind, that's doubled in price, just like my GT4... Saw an F50 yesterday at a friends showroom. Absolutely stunning. He also has an F40 and I'd be taking the younger car home if i had the means. I think it's one of those Ferraris that takes time to appreciate and I could spend hours just taking it all in. It's right up there with the 288 GTO as my most favourite "modern" Ferrari.
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