RE: All-new Ferrari 296 GTB is rear-drive PHEV

[HardtopManual]

I see a number of comments wishing that Ferrari would build something smaller, lighter, with a screaming V8 and a manual, priced around £150k.

Such a car is available. Buy a cheap 355 and refresh the engine, repaint, retrim and update the suspension.

[PhantomPH]

HardtopManual said:

I see a number of comments wishing that Ferrari would build something smaller, lighter, with a screaming V8 and a manual, priced around £150k.

Such a car is available. Buy a cheap 355 and refresh the engine, repaint, retrim and update the suspension.

Strangely, I don't think people are wishing Ferrari would build that - I think they are mourning the loss of those days...or rather commenting on the fact that they would rather do exactly what you say above.

The majority of 'negative' comments seem to be people (like me) who are just no longer are interested in the latest mega-horsepower unobtainium.

I would imagine we will all see this reflected pretty quickly in the second hand market. Last year I was all set to buy an F360 (and would have, but for some crappy circumstances). Today, the same cars I was looking at last year are now £10-20k up on where they were...and my budget has not increased by the same factor...sadly.

[hungry_hog]

PhantomPH said:

I know it's subjective (and not really what it's about), but don't you also think that the 355 has now become more socially respected? In as much as if someone sees you driving this new Ferrari, they may think "poser", but if they see you driving a 355 they now think "car guy".

Basically - are we now at a point where 90's Ferraris are viewed by the public as classics and have much less of a social stigma?

I think an enthusiast will see a 355 and know what it is

Your average member of the public probably can't tell the difference between a 488 and a 355...especially in red they will just think 'Ferrari - what's the retail on that'.

[1974foggy]

Thats nice, not sure on rear light arrangement if being picky though.

[JoeMCMLXXIX]

That’s the best looking Ferrari for years, I’ve thought they’ve looked ugly and gimmicky for the last 20 years, this one is very pretty!

[MDL111]

Anybody know what will happen to the Challenge cars as a result? What will they base them on going forward? I guess same applies to the GT3 and GTE cars.

[Jex]

PhantomPH said:

I know it's subjective (and not really what it's about), but don't you also think that the 355 has now become more socially respected? In as much as if someone sees you driving this new Ferrari, they may think "poser", but if they see you driving a 355 they now think "car guy".

Basically - are we now at a point where 90's Ferraris are viewed by the public as classics and have much less of a social stigma?

I really hope so. I didn't buy it to try to impress anyone else - I bought it because it is so good to drive. I try to avoid going where there is likely to be loads of traffic or people anyway (unless it's for a good cause - I do charity rides for a cancer charity and I have been, and am going to,car shows which support charities). It is a bit loud and red so it does attract attention, but nearly all of the attention has been favorable,

[TyrannosauRoss Lex]

Jex said:

I really hope so. I didn't buy it to try to impress anyone else

If you didn't buy it to impress anyone, why would you hope that's the case? Surely you wouldn't care either way

[ajprice]

Two takes on a redesign of the 296

Sketch Monkey




Frank Stephenson

[Jex]

TyrannosauRoss Lex said:

If you didn't buy it to impress anyone, why would you hope that's the case? Surely you wouldn't care either way

Good point!