F12 Berlinetta

[MisterBigglesworth]

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

[J-P]

MisterBigglesworth said:

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

Thanks for the photos and the video - your car is an absolute beauty! I was also looking at a 458 spider. Egham has a lovely one in yellow. But think I'd want the F12 first.

[MisterBigglesworth]

J-P said:

MisterBigglesworth said:

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

Thanks for the photos and the video - your car is an absolute beauty! I was also looking at a 458 spider. Egham has a lovely one in yellow. But think I'd want the F12 first.

Thank you, I had my heart set on a red one, but I couldn’t get one anywhere near the spec of this which has every option I wanted ticked - after 9 months ownership i just realised it had HELE.

I think if I hadn’t been able to get my 458 and it had been just a standard car I would have done F12 first, i’ve missed out on 3 cars I would have wanted that were spot on spec wise including the above tailor made car but with a house move to get a 4 car garage it wasn’t viable to do both so quickly.

I think it’s easier to get a 458 spider than a F12 - there is a gorgeous light blue car at DL - never seen one in that colour and it looked stunning

I’m going back to DL on Saturday to check the seat thing again and discuss options, I really would prefer to deal local but there is a car at another dealer that would be my first pick, so want to sound them out to see if they can do some deal with the other dealer to trade it so I can buy through DL and have them prep the car to their standard which based on all the cars I looked at on Saturday was exceptionally high. If not then if DL can’t source the car I just have to be hard headed and accept that it’s the car I will live with so will need to sacrifice my chosen preferred dealer buying experience to secure the spec I want.

Tough call - there is a lot to like about the RB car - black minimalism reminds me of the 355/512TR era - if we were in last year’s market and it was 155-160 there would be more to like, but I feel it’s strong money for the spec age and miles and too close to cost of getting all my boxes ticked with a bit extra in the pot.

[Taffy66]

MisterBigglesworth said:

Thank you, I had my heart set on a red one, but I couldn’t get one anywhere near the spec of this which has every option I wanted ticked - after 9 months ownership i just realised it had HELE.

I think if I hadn’t been able to get my 458 and it had been just a standard car I would have done F12 first, i’ve missed out on 3 cars I would have wanted that were spot on spec wise including the above tailor made car but with a house move to get a 4 car garage it wasn’t viable to do both so quickly.

I think it’s easier to get a 458 spider than a F12 - there is a gorgeous light blue car at DL - never seen one in that colour and it looked stunning

I’m going back to DL on Saturday to check the seat thing again and discuss options, I really would prefer to deal local but there is a car at another dealer that would be my first pick, so want to sound them out to see if they can do some deal with the other dealer to trade it so I can buy through DL and have them prep the car to their standard which based on all the cars I looked at on Saturday was exceptionally high. If not then if DL can’t source the car I just have to be hard headed and accept that it’s the car I will live with so will need to sacrifice my chosen preferred dealer buying experience to secure the spec I want.

Tough call - there is a lot to like about the RB car - black minimalism reminds me of the 355/512TR era - if we were in last year’s market and it was 155-160 there would be more to like, but I feel it’s strong money for the spec age and miles and too close to cost of getting all my boxes ticked with a bit extra in the pot.

I've bought a few Ferraris from DL and I have found them fantastic to deal with. Based on my experience I'd wait or ask them to source the right F12 for you. In terms of asking them to do a trade deal on your preferred F12 from another dealer I'll be pretty astonished if either party would be up for it.
You have a really stunning 458 Spider and a nice F12 would make a perfect pairing. F12s look fantastic in Rosso Corsa and would complement your Grigio 458 nicely.

[Alexandra]

MisterBigglesworth said:

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

That really is a lovely color combination.

[f1ten]

Interesting re the seat choice ... No question Daytona normal seats are more comfy I had broadly that seat in my 360 although they do age faster in my view although all damn Ferrari leather is lighter grade .
What's the market chat on race seat desirability for the 812 as I thought perhaps wrongly it was.preferred ?

[MisterBigglesworth]

Taffy66 said:

I've bought a few Ferraris from DL and I have found them fantastic to deal with. Based on my experience I'd wait or ask them to source the right F12 for you. In terms of asking them to do a trade deal on your preferred F12 from another dealer I'll be pretty astonished if either party would be up for it.
You have a really stunning 458 Spider and a nice F12 would make a perfect pairing. F12s look fantastic in Rosso Corsa and would complement your Grigio 458 nicely.

That’s the plan really, off to have chat with Harry tomorrow afternoon and will take above advice, I like dealing with them and having a memorable buying experience starts with the dealer relationship.

Glad you like the 458 - it was the advice here that got me off the fence and secured it. It’s in beautiful condition and really shows the mileage is less important than good provenance.

How is this for a spooky coincidence, here is the RB car from Dick Lovett when it last sold at JCT600, that’s my spider in the background - a omen that perhaps its a case of Ferrari’s reunited?

They do look like they would make a lovely couple

[J-P]

MisterBigglesworth said:

J-P said:

MisterBigglesworth said:

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

Thanks for the photos and the video - your car is an absolute beauty! I was also looking at a 458 spider. Egham has a lovely one in yellow. But think I'd want the F12 first.

Thank you, I had my heart set on a red one, but I couldn’t get one anywhere near the spec of this which has every option I wanted ticked - after 9 months ownership i just realised it had HELE.

I think if I hadn’t been able to get my 458 and it had been just a standard car I would have done F12 first, i’ve missed out on 3 cars I would have wanted that were spot on spec wise including the above tailor made car but with a house move to get a 4 car garage it wasn’t viable to do both so quickly.

I think it’s easier to get a 458 spider than a F12 - there is a gorgeous light blue car at DL - never seen one in that colour and it looked stunning

I’m going back to DL on Saturday to check the seat thing again and discuss options, I really would prefer to deal local but there is a car at another dealer that would be my first pick, so want to sound them out to see if they can do some deal with the other dealer to trade it so I can buy through DL and have them prep the car to their standard which based on all the cars I looked at on Saturday was exceptionally high. If not then if DL can’t source the car I just have to be hard headed and accept that it’s the car I will live with so will need to sacrifice my chosen preferred dealer buying experience to secure the spec I want.

Tough call - there is a lot to like about the RB car - black minimalism reminds me of the 355/512TR era - if we were in last year’s market and it was 155-160 there would be more to like, but I feel it’s strong money for the spec age and miles and too close to cost of getting all my boxes ticked with a bit extra in the pot.

Can't see the blue one on the website. They do have a rather gorgeous 599 GTO though! Given where the market is, think I may wait for a bit. I suspect there'll be a reasonable to big drop in asset prices shortly given the inflation numbers we're seeing. Might get a deal on an F12 in a year or so. And I really want one of those.

[MisterBigglesworth]

J-P said:

MisterBigglesworth said:

J-P said:

MisterBigglesworth said:

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

Thanks for the photos and the video - your car is an absolute beauty! I was also looking at a 458 spider. Egham has a lovely one in yellow. But think I'd want the F12 first.

Thank you, I had my heart set on a red one, but I couldn’t get one anywhere near the spec of this which has every option I wanted ticked - after 9 months ownership i just realised it had HELE.

I think if I hadn’t been able to get my 458 and it had been just a standard car I would have done F12 first, i’ve missed out on 3 cars I would have wanted that were spot on spec wise including the above tailor made car but with a house move to get a 4 car garage it wasn’t viable to do both so quickly.

I think it’s easier to get a 458 spider than a F12 - there is a gorgeous light blue car at DL - never seen one in that colour and it looked stunning

I’m going back to DL on Saturday to check the seat thing again and discuss options, I really would prefer to deal local but there is a car at another dealer that would be my first pick, so want to sound them out to see if they can do some deal with the other dealer to trade it so I can buy through DL and have them prep the car to their standard which based on all the cars I looked at on Saturday was exceptionally high. If not then if DL can’t source the car I just have to be hard headed and accept that it’s the car I will live with so will need to sacrifice my chosen preferred dealer buying experience to secure the spec I want.

Tough call - there is a lot to like about the RB car - black minimalism reminds me of the 355/512TR era - if we were in last year’s market and it was 155-160 there would be more to like, but I feel it’s strong money for the spec age and miles and too close to cost of getting all my boxes ticked with a bit extra in the pot.

Can't see the blue one on the website. They do have a rather gorgeous 599 GTO though! Given where the market is, think I may wait for a bit. I suspect there'll be a reasonable to big drop in asset prices shortly given the inflation numbers we're seeing. Might get a deal on an F12 in a year or so. And I really want one of those.

Think you may be right on the market, Romans’ just knocked 5k off the ask on their 209k. If dealers are cutting prices at start of summer then it’s not a good sign, from what I heard there are more finance declines - funders probably getting nervous at these tippy prices and cutting balloons pushing up payments and deposits, lot of stock in the 200k plus market and not as many cash buyers with the stock crypto market heading into bearish territory.

This makes me happy, I’d prefer the market to slow down and be able to have more time to choose a car, and potentially get a better deal on a car that has gone unsold heading into winter, with a gloomy economic forecast next year imagine dealers will be aware they need to offload before winter or face depreciating stock for months into next year so patience may be a good thing here.

Here’s the 458 spider.
Takes a while for them to put them up I think. They had a lot of stock in not listed yet,]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205065...

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Friday 10th June 22:39

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Friday 10th June 22:39

[J-P]

MisterBigglesworth said:

J-P said:

MisterBigglesworth said:

J-P said:

MisterBigglesworth said:

Agree - it’s one of the most beautiful specs I’ve ever seen and really makes the F12 look incredible.

Interior is quite a thing as well. More photos here

https://www.pegasusautohouse.com/product/ferrari-f...

Would love a tailor made F12 as I never realised my 458 was a tailor made car until I got the my Ferrari app

Video from when JCT sold it

https://youtu.be/qA-uFn5z46s

Turns out it has grigio ferro paint with a canne Di Fucile roof and windscreen surround - it always confused me why the roof was a shade darker and now I finally know why.

Must of cost the original owner a fortune, even the stitching is non standard.

Kind of amuses me I have a 1 of 1 tailor made car and got it cheap because it’s not resale red.

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:42

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Thursday 9th June 21:47

Thanks for the photos and the video - your car is an absolute beauty! I was also looking at a 458 spider. Egham has a lovely one in yellow. But think I'd want the F12 first.

Thank you, I had my heart set on a red one, but I couldn’t get one anywhere near the spec of this which has every option I wanted ticked - after 9 months ownership i just realised it had HELE.

I think if I hadn’t been able to get my 458 and it had been just a standard car I would have done F12 first, i’ve missed out on 3 cars I would have wanted that were spot on spec wise including the above tailor made car but with a house move to get a 4 car garage it wasn’t viable to do both so quickly.

I think it’s easier to get a 458 spider than a F12 - there is a gorgeous light blue car at DL - never seen one in that colour and it looked stunning

I’m going back to DL on Saturday to check the seat thing again and discuss options, I really would prefer to deal local but there is a car at another dealer that would be my first pick, so want to sound them out to see if they can do some deal with the other dealer to trade it so I can buy through DL and have them prep the car to their standard which based on all the cars I looked at on Saturday was exceptionally high. If not then if DL can’t source the car I just have to be hard headed and accept that it’s the car I will live with so will need to sacrifice my chosen preferred dealer buying experience to secure the spec I want.

Tough call - there is a lot to like about the RB car - black minimalism reminds me of the 355/512TR era - if we were in last year’s market and it was 155-160 there would be more to like, but I feel it’s strong money for the spec age and miles and too close to cost of getting all my boxes ticked with a bit extra in the pot.

Can't see the blue one on the website. They do have a rather gorgeous 599 GTO though! Given where the market is, think I may wait for a bit. I suspect there'll be a reasonable to big drop in asset prices shortly given the inflation numbers we're seeing. Might get a deal on an F12 in a year or so. And I really want one of those.

Think you may be right on the market, Romans’ just knocked 5k off the ask on their 209k. If dealers are cutting prices at start of summer then it’s not a good sign, from what I heard there are more finance declines - funders probably getting nervous at these tippy prices and cutting balloons pushing up payments and deposits, lot of stock in the 200k plus market and not as many cash buyers with the stock crypto market heading into bearish territory.

This makes me happy, I’d prefer the market to slow down and be able to have more time to choose a car, and potentially get a better deal on a car that has gone unsold heading into winter, with a gloomy economic forecast next year imagine dealers will be aware they need to offload before winter or face depreciating stock for months into next year so patience may be a good thing here.

Here’s the 458 spider.
Takes a while for them to put them up I think. They had a lot of stock in not listed yet,]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202205065...

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Friday 10th June 22:39

Edited by MisterBigglesworth on Friday 10th June 22:39

Makes me happy too! That blue 458 does look lovely though! Still prefer to wait until the market softens a bit

[MisterBigglesworth]

Just got back from Dick Lovett,

Top marks to Steve the photographer at DL who let me talk his ears off and Harry who was incredibly patient and supportive and helped me make my own decision without pressure.

We talked through all the options on the car I liked and then went through the things it didn’t have to decide if I actually would need or want them or was simply chasing spec for the sake of it,

The conclusion I came to was Rosso Berlinetta really makes the car feel special - as much as I love flat Rosso the depth of the paint and the way it interacts with the light really adds a degree of depth that highlights all the curves and features of the F12 and makes it look a really special car. All the missing carbon bits are a relatively easy retro fit from Ferrari parts, as were the diamond wheels but the paint choice is what dominates the car.

So it came down to the sports seats vs Daytona’s. The other car is very well specced but with some gentle advice from Harry he felt my general leaning into the Ferrari race end of the brand rather than the luxury tourer meant the Nero race seat car would probably suit me better.

So the final selling points and why i’m happy with the car:

Was sold new from HR Owen in Kensington and services by them on the dot apart from one service by Maranello
Was last sold by JCT600 Leeds so has stayed in the dealer network and has good provenance
The Rosso Berlinetta paint was flawless - in terms of condition the car looks factory new and is better condition than 2015 cars i’ve seen
Has carbon front splitter, carbon sills and carbon treadplates - the only thing I’d add is the carbon foglamp which is a low cost thing compared to the other bits
Has grigio calipers - the paint is so special it doesn’t look right with red or yellow so grey or black calipers seem to work well.
Happy with grigio wheels - has Michelin tyres already, will buy a set of diamond cuts at some point but actually kind of like the stock wheels.
Sports seats - I think this is personal preference - I tried both and the Daytona’s are supremely comfortable, but the carbon seats are over 18,000 gbp to retrofit so if I do want Daytona seats it’s cheaper to start with carbons and order Daytona replacements.
Has lots of Alcantara - roof, rear bench and wall, side of boot trim.
White rev counter - suits the minimalist look I think,
Carbon driving zone
Has the ferrari full front and side PPF protecting the nose and carbon
Black grill - think it suits the look better and makes the all important horse stand out - plus chrome will just get covered in dead bugs and cow poo

In terms of missing options:

Actually ended up happy with the embossed headrests and Nero stitching, it just feels very old school 60’s GT
Lack of carbon bridge and dash bits -I think for Crema ‘ beige carbon looks good but with the silver door handles having an all black interior I think the splashes of silver work well so I will see how I get on - wasn’t a deal breaker as the cabin felt just right as is.
JBL audio - i’ve never used my 458 stereo once, with a V12 under the bonnet i’ll never listen to this one and it’s rubbish.
HELE - you are lucky to see enough people in Somerset to cause a traffic jam so you rarely stop.
Suspension lifter - managed fine with the 458 even in London so can live without it.

The final decision.
I’m buying from my local dealer Dick Lovett, and their showroom is one of the best Ferrari brand buying experiences.
2 year warranty plus DL’s reputation for goodwill on supporting cars they sold and the fact they will be looking after my cars long term now
The numbers made sense. I’d rather have a fully prepped car from Ferrari than a bit of extra carbon without that security - the centrepiece of the car is the engine, everything else is just lingerie.

So, my heart and head agreed, 5k deposit paid.

Haven’t driven the car yet, and don’t want to until it’s mine. Then if the deal falls though for whatever reason I won’t miss what I don’t yet know and the first time I want to fire up the engine is when my name is on the V5 - the anticipation of waiting will motivate me to get through all the finance paperwork and secure my new client contracts.

Proposal will go in to Ferrari finance next week and i’ll get a back up quote from Aldermore.

Many sleepless nights ahead, but pragmatic - it god was me to own this F12 it will happen, otherwise I will work even harder until it does.

I’m prudent usually, but this time I realised I can make more money but I will never buy more time, even if i’m Buying at the top of the market it’s still cheaper than the first owner paid and it is still one of the greatest Ferrari’s made.

Thank you for everyone’s advice, which I followed apart from the seats
The deal felt right
The car felt right
If it works out then I will be like a 4 year old at Christmas and know I made the right decision and love the car to bits.

Let’s hope the underwriters had a good weekend

Will admit to having a bit of a cry on the way home, i lost my dad to cancer the year this car was registered and I wish he had been here for this.

[MisterBigglesworth]

My deposit day photo. Hopefully next time I see her and take a picture it will be with custard

[Taffy66]

Absolutely stunning car and the one I'd have plumped for. I have the Race seats in my 812 also bought from DL. The Rosso Berlinetta like all other hyper expensive Ferrari triple layer paints makes them very special and well worth seeking out.
I don't have JBL or Lifter on mine and don't miss either because it clears speed bumps and the V12 makes any Hi-Fi redundant. Probably as safe a place as any to park a lot of money in. The Alcantara upper zone is a much more important option as it adds a lot to the cabin ambience.
I also prefer the look of the five spoke alloys. I also have Grigio Calipers on mine which goes well with the triple layer Rossos.

[garystoybox]

Congratulations (fingers crossed) on the car. Stunning colour combination. Purchased my 812 from Harry who was an absolute gent to deal with. I was so confident with the initial dealings with DL that I didn’t even bother viewing/driving the car until it was delivered up north. Have a feeling you’ll love the race seats and not want to switch-out……

[J-P]

MisterBigglesworth said:

Just got back from Dick Lovett,

Top marks to Steve the photographer at DL who let me talk his ears off and Harry who was incredibly patient and supportive and helped me make my own decision without pressure.

We talked through all the options on the car I liked and then went through the things it didn’t have to decide if I actually would need or want them or was simply chasing spec for the sake of it,

The conclusion I came to was Rosso Berlinetta really makes the car feel special - as much as I love flat Rosso the depth of the paint and the way it interacts with the light really adds a degree of depth that highlights all the curves and features of the F12 and makes it look a really special car. All the missing carbon bits are a relatively easy retro fit from Ferrari parts, as were the diamond wheels but the paint choice is what dominates the car.

So it came down to the sports seats vs Daytona’s. The other car is very well specced but with some gentle advice from Harry he felt my general leaning into the Ferrari race end of the brand rather than the luxury tourer meant the Nero race seat car would probably suit me better.

So the final selling points and why i’m happy with the car:

Was sold new from HR Owen in Kensington and services by them on the dot apart from one service by Maranello
Was last sold by JCT600 Leeds so has stayed in the dealer network and has good provenance
The Rosso Berlinetta paint was flawless - in terms of condition the car looks factory new and is better condition than 2015 cars i’ve seen
Has carbon front splitter, carbon sills and carbon treadplates - the only thing I’d add is the carbon foglamp which is a low cost thing compared to the other bits
Has grigio calipers - the paint is so special it doesn’t look right with red or yellow so grey or black calipers seem to work well.
Happy with grigio wheels - has Michelin tyres already, will buy a set of diamond cuts at some point but actually kind of like the stock wheels.
Sports seats - I think this is personal preference - I tried both and the Daytona’s are supremely comfortable, but the carbon seats are over 18,000 gbp to retrofit so if I do want Daytona seats it’s cheaper to start with carbons and order Daytona replacements.
Has lots of Alcantara - roof, rear bench and wall, side of boot trim.
White rev counter - suits the minimalist look I think,
Carbon driving zone
Has the ferrari full front and side PPF protecting the nose and carbon
Black grill - think it suits the look better and makes the all important horse stand out - plus chrome will just get covered in dead bugs and cow poo

In terms of missing options:

Actually ended up happy with the embossed headrests and Nero stitching, it just feels very old school 60’s GT
Lack of carbon bridge and dash bits -I think for Crema ‘ beige carbon looks good but with the silver door handles having an all black interior I think the splashes of silver work well so I will see how I get on - wasn’t a deal breaker as the cabin felt just right as is.
JBL audio - i’ve never used my 458 stereo once, with a V12 under the bonnet i’ll never listen to this one and it’s rubbish.
HELE - you are lucky to see enough people in Somerset to cause a traffic jam so you rarely stop.
Suspension lifter - managed fine with the 458 even in London so can live without it.

The final decision.
I’m buying from my local dealer Dick Lovett, and their showroom is one of the best Ferrari brand buying experiences.
2 year warranty plus DL’s reputation for goodwill on supporting cars they sold and the fact they will be looking after my cars long term now
The numbers made sense. I’d rather have a fully prepped car from Ferrari than a bit of extra carbon without that security - the centrepiece of the car is the engine, everything else is just lingerie.

So, my heart and head agreed, 5k deposit paid.

Haven’t driven the car yet, and don’t want to until it’s mine. Then if the deal falls though for whatever reason I won’t miss what I don’t yet know and the first time I want to fire up the engine is when my name is on the V5 - the anticipation of waiting will motivate me to get through all the finance paperwork and secure my new client contracts.

Proposal will go in to Ferrari finance next week and i’ll get a back up quote from Aldermore.

Many sleepless nights ahead, but pragmatic - it god was me to own this F12 it will happen, otherwise I will work even harder until it does.

I’m prudent usually, but this time I realised I can make more money but I will never buy more time, even if i’m Buying at the top of the market it’s still cheaper than the first owner paid and it is still one of the greatest Ferrari’s made.

Thank you for everyone’s advice, which I followed apart from the seats
The deal felt right
The car felt right
If it works out then I will be like a 4 year old at Christmas and know I made the right decision and love the car to bits.

Let’s hope the underwriters had a good weekend

Will admit to having a bit of a cry on the way home, i lost my dad to cancer the year this car was registered and I wish he had been here for this.

Congratulations buddy! Think you have an absolute stunner there. Your Dad would have been incredibly proud of you and I'm sure is looking down and smiling . I think you and that F12 is the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Enjoy buddy!

[lambo666]

Great write up, and lovely colour

[MisterBigglesworth]

Thanks for all the positive support guys, I know I made the right decision.

A good friend brought me back to Earth with a bang today.

‘You guys complain that you don’t want a car because it has the wrong wheels or stitching colour, the rest of us would just like a Ferrari - any Ferrari.’

Easy to become cynical and forget how lucky we are to be the privileged few who got to own even one of these cars let alone two of the greatest, when we are spending the sort of money that represents someone’s lifetimes of struggle just to buy a house of that value.

I stopped at a McDonalds car park to put the roof up as it was starting to rain, as soon as I pulled in a little girl immediately stopped and pointed and yelled ‘it’s a Ferraaaaaari!’ And was treated to the theatre of the roof going up before it departed.

Priceless moment that transported me to being 5 years old again doing the same thing.

For all our complaints to normal folk these are all incredibly exotic machines and we are lucky beyond measure to have them.

[pancholi]

thats a really lovely car you have....
you will love it, a hooligan of a car.
I have JBL, a total waste of money, as you will never use...the exhaust/ gear change note is to die for..
i have fitted an automated exhaust valve opener..so the valve are open below 3K revs...wow.

[DeejRC]

MisterB…a very astute observation to make.
We should appreciate the mere owning of these wonderful vehicles more than worrying about the options list.

[MisterBigglesworth]

Totally agree.

Having discussed it with Harry I twigged that given it was a 2013 car it likely went to one of Ferrari’s best customers so the options choice was clearly to create a deliberately understated car rather than to save money, anyone who spent that kind of money on paint and the external carbon bits but elected not to option the cheaper parts clearly had a specific design in mind and I think it works.

Here is the video of the car when it was at JCT600 - you can see my spider cheekily sat in the corner. The video really shows off the paints 3 dimensional quality, and given it was the launch colour for Geneva I think it’s always going Tomane the car feel special.

DL have restored the wheels to original factory grey, which i’m happy about and removed the naughty 70 Anni badges which i’m also happy about as it’s not a 70 Anni car and I don’t want to upset the FoC with a wrongly badged car

When you look at the standard of prep on them you realise why buying a franchise car is worth the money.

https://youtu.be/1nTp7ueVQ1A