Ferrari 575M HGTC: Showpiece of the Week
Yep, the 575 really does now rank along with the mid-engined exotica, at least in terms of value - here's why
If asked to devise the perfect GT car, what would you want? A V12 engine in the front with rear-wheel drive is, of course, a very good start; space, style, subtlety and speed would complement the package just nicely. Add in a historic badge, manual gearbox and considerable rarity and surely you'd be onto a winner. A car just like this one, in fact...
Really, it should have come as no surprise to anyone that the Ferrari 550 and 575 have appreciated so immensely over the past few years. Actually, that's not quite true; the 550's rise is understandable, given it represented the glorious return of the front-engined, V12 Ferrari flagship - but the 575's reputation isn't as clear cut. It wasn't as well received from launch, its styling was perhaps a bit fussier than the original 550 and it was forgotten ever so slightly in the wake of the staggering 599 GTB.
With deeper consideration though, the 575 is just as deserving of the recognition. Years of 550 production meant its niggles were ironed out for the 575; it had more power and better build quality (with lower running costs); and specced with the latter HGTC handling pack the dynamics were back to their best, too. Perhaps most significantly, the 575 represented the last time a manual gearbox was standard on a V12 Ferrari flagship. While there are a few 599 GTBs with three pedals and a stick, that was special order only; for the last car as standard from the factory with a manual, that's the 575.
This particular car is the dream spec: manual gearbox, HGTC package, not red - the front-engined V12s do tend to suit other colours, don't they? As a left-hand drive car it will not only suit European jaunts better as well (and be suitable to sell in more markets when the time comes), this 575 is just as rare as right-hand drive cars, the advert stating that European RHD cars are as common as LHD ones. Reportedly this is one of just nine configured this way. As Ferrari production numbers continue to rise and the manual gearbox becomes an ever more distant memory, demand for this layout is surely set to rise.
Combine all of that with a low mileage of just 20,000 miles and a condition described as "remarkable", and it's clearer to see why it's commanding a £275k price. So while there are cheaper 550s, 575s and indeed 599s around, as a collectible spec that's still young enough to be enjoyed for a little longer, the case for this particular 575 is a strong one. And if the Daytona is anything to go by, as numbers dwindle the values may rise further still...
Taking the mick.
Manual Ferrari's are very strong money these days. In a world of Auto gearboxes, something like a 550 / 575 will always command strong money. Not only was it one of Ferrari's greatest cars, but you get to enjoy the `clack` clack` from the open gate gearstick
the most pristine RHD 550 would be one of my first purchases come a nice Lottery win.
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