550 v 575 or slightly left field....512BB
Discussion
Having been a 911 man for quite a while now, I am tempted to dip in to the ferrari market for the first time and want to try a V12! I have read various opinions and posts on the merits of the 550 and the 575, so one of these is a distinct possibility and I love the look.
However I never had a Countach poster on my wall but I did stick up the 512 Boxer poster with that new invention Blu tac, and it got me thinking about the whole classic car bit and love that Boxter look - less so the instrument cluster which in my opinion is hideous. As I cant run to a Daytona (my dream car), the Berlinetta Boxer seems a cheaper alternative while possibly providing close to the experience.
I realise that reliablility will be an issue - but how much? The car would be used occasionally for jaunts with Mrs Banjo, to France and the odd motorport event but certainly not a daily driver. I would probably try it on track too, although I get my thrills racing Caterhams so this would be a rare occurence.
Opinions or real experience much appreciated while I ponder!
There. Thats better
However I never had a Countach poster on my wall but I did stick up the 512 Boxer poster with that new invention Blu tac, and it got me thinking about the whole classic car bit and love that Boxter look - less so the instrument cluster which in my opinion is hideous. As I cant run to a Daytona (my dream car), the Berlinetta Boxer seems a cheaper alternative while possibly providing close to the experience.
I realise that reliablility will be an issue - but how much? The car would be used occasionally for jaunts with Mrs Banjo, to France and the odd motorport event but certainly not a daily driver. I would probably try it on track too, although I get my thrills racing Caterhams so this would be a rare occurence.
Opinions or real experience much appreciated while I ponder!
There. Thats better
Edited by Banjo47 on Wednesday 8th July 12:51
Take a look at ferrarilife.com as there are a number of owners over there who may give you more insight.
The first Ferrari I ever saw for real was a was a 365 GT4 BB in Aberdeen in the late '70's. It was metallic brown and parked outside a shop with the windows down and the keys in the ignition! If I was only 10 years older, I could have driven off in it!
They are better in red/black though...
The first Ferrari I ever saw for real was a was a 365 GT4 BB in Aberdeen in the late '70's. It was metallic brown and parked outside a shop with the windows down and the keys in the ignition! If I was only 10 years older, I could have driven off in it!
They are better in red/black though...
I have a Boxer, its my second one in the last six years, and I have driven a few 550's and a Daytona. For me the Boxer is a better looking car than the Daytona, the perfect Ferrari shape, but that is only personal opinion. It is though a more involved drive, far more highly strung whereas the Daytona is GT like.
I have never had any problems with either of the Boxers, maintenance is straightforward, bar the cambelt change, which is a 5 yearly engine out job but there are plenty of well priced specialists. From an investemnt point of view I think the Boxer is a no brainer, the last of the handbuilt Ferrari cars.
As to comparing the Boxer to the 550, chalk and cheese, they could not be further apart, the 550 is an awesome fast road car, but the sense of occasion starting and driving a Boxer is a league above.
I have never had any problems with either of the Boxers, maintenance is straightforward, bar the cambelt change, which is a 5 yearly engine out job but there are plenty of well priced specialists. From an investemnt point of view I think the Boxer is a no brainer, the last of the handbuilt Ferrari cars.
As to comparing the Boxer to the 550, chalk and cheese, they could not be further apart, the 550 is an awesome fast road car, but the sense of occasion starting and driving a Boxer is a league above.
Thanks for the advice Steve! I note you have a Pantera in your garage. Another favourite of mine! I'm not sure how thay would compare - the Pantera may be a bit agricultural by comparison I would guess , but that rear end certainly captivates me! I will also check out the Ferrari web address also given.
Love that Pantera rear end as well!
P.S. It must be hard to find tyres for it though? What do you have on there?
Edited to add. Perhaps it's these fellows???
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://ww...
P.S. It must be hard to find tyres for it though? What do you have on there?
Edited to add. Perhaps it's these fellows???
http://images.google.co.uk/imgres?imgurl=http://ww...
Edited by MogulBoy on Friday 10th July 13:44
I own a 550 and a 365BB (and a 330GTC but we're not talking about that right now). Completely different cars, you can't compare them. Both are very, very special to me.
The Boxer has been unreliable so far (owned if for 10 months) but it is just because the car has only driven 1,500 miles since 1990. It was restored last year but not enough time was put into the electronics and she just needs rewiring. Boxers can be reliable but you need to be RIGHT on top of them. Once they are sorted, they need regular driving and I advice a 'no expense spared' philosophy to get the most enjoyment out of them. The BB is definitely more expensive to run than the 550. The 550 has been bulletproof, comfortable, phenomenally fast, and a deeply satisfying car to own. But it does not make me giddy. The BB, when running at 7k RPM makes the hairs on my neck stand on end - it's something that I will never tire of. For a car to take on a Sunday blast, it is unbeatable and more rewarding than a 512BB or BBi.
So perhaps you can understand why I own both - they give a very different experience and when I'm in the mood for the one, the other would not do.
If you want to know more, let me know.
Onno
The Boxer has been unreliable so far (owned if for 10 months) but it is just because the car has only driven 1,500 miles since 1990. It was restored last year but not enough time was put into the electronics and she just needs rewiring. Boxers can be reliable but you need to be RIGHT on top of them. Once they are sorted, they need regular driving and I advice a 'no expense spared' philosophy to get the most enjoyment out of them. The BB is definitely more expensive to run than the 550. The 550 has been bulletproof, comfortable, phenomenally fast, and a deeply satisfying car to own. But it does not make me giddy. The BB, when running at 7k RPM makes the hairs on my neck stand on end - it's something that I will never tire of. For a car to take on a Sunday blast, it is unbeatable and more rewarding than a 512BB or BBi.
So perhaps you can understand why I own both - they give a very different experience and when I'm in the mood for the one, the other would not do.
If you want to know more, let me know.
Onno
I have a carb 512 BB Koenig 1977 and like jazzy says you have to drive them quite often. If I ever leave mine for a while it pays me back by breaking a seal or something. I spent the last few years having the engine rebuilt and ut is going beautifully. Mine revs to 8500 so it is even more giddy than a standard car.
Thanks Alan. Does anyone know the BB at Simon Furlongers? Confusingly there is also a 365BB at the same price which looks gorgeous. Interesting to read about the difference between the two. There seems to be a variety of prices which makes it even harder. Any recomendations for pre purchase inspections?
Not yet Steve. When I started this thread I had more or less made the decision to go for a 550, then the 575 seemed in reach,( My budget was 50k) but then this whole Boxer thing reared its ugly head and as this will be very much a weekend toy, the whole classic car thing looked appealing as well as the investment side which looks strong. Boxers seem to range from about 65k to 125k. You know how it is. If I spend x I can get y, but if i spend z I could get wow! So in short no, but I have time as realistically I wont be doing this till the end of the race season when I have time to concentrate properly!! And all this is asuming I am giving up racing at the end of this year.......Decisions!!!
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