Discussion
Contemplating selling both my F430 and 612 and buying an F12. Or not. Don't know. Opinions sought please. Yes, I know it's a decision I need to make but imagine we are in a pub after a drive out and I'm asking your opinion. No I can't have them all :-)
F430 - have made it mine with many mods but can easily go back to stock. See details here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Currently it's my go to car for boys tours and track days, and I don't worry about putting miles on it, effect on value, etc. Joy to drive, light, nimble, loud and love the rawness. Just over 30,000 miles on it.
612 - Used occasionally for longer trips with the wife, special events with friends, etc. It's quite a unique car being an ex-Clapton OTO that the factory dressed to Sessanta spec for him as a favour. Seriously underrated car IMO, all the Ferrari V12 goodness wrapped in gentlemen's clothes. Only 13,000 miles on it, which many will understand, is both a good and a bad thing.
F12 - I think the top of the modern Ferrari tree, V12 where it should be, gorgeous looks - a usable, proper Ferrari. Thing is, it won't (I don't think) cover the duties of the two I have, so is the ownership experience special enough that I won't be bothered? Is it time to tick those boxes and move on?
F430 - have made it mine with many mods but can easily go back to stock. See details here https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&... Currently it's my go to car for boys tours and track days, and I don't worry about putting miles on it, effect on value, etc. Joy to drive, light, nimble, loud and love the rawness. Just over 30,000 miles on it.
612 - Used occasionally for longer trips with the wife, special events with friends, etc. It's quite a unique car being an ex-Clapton OTO that the factory dressed to Sessanta spec for him as a favour. Seriously underrated car IMO, all the Ferrari V12 goodness wrapped in gentlemen's clothes. Only 13,000 miles on it, which many will understand, is both a good and a bad thing.
F12 - I think the top of the modern Ferrari tree, V12 where it should be, gorgeous looks - a usable, proper Ferrari. Thing is, it won't (I don't think) cover the duties of the two I have, so is the ownership experience special enough that I won't be bothered? Is it time to tick those boxes and move on?
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 13th August 14:50
You're right the 430 is generally the car that I take when I've some time to go for an A to A drive, but I think that's largely because I keep the cars one above the other on a four post lift with the 430 below and ready to go. When I do get the 612 down it reminds me of how much I love that v12. Have a listen to this - the mic is crappy but you get the idea https://youtu.be/XVDwCHkStjA
I love a naturally aspirated V12 which is why I'm looking at the F12. The 812 is out of my reach, and I think I prefer the styling of the F12 although that could just be wallet-preservation kicking in. Nothing against the 720 or any other marque and I should go and drive them, I just always find myself lowering the windows when I drive so that I can hear the full engine note and I'm worried that a turbo'd setup won't be the same.
The F12 brings all that v12 goodness with it, but will I be able to do the trips to Wales and the Highlands in it, and what about tracking it - I don't think I have ever seen one on track. Does anyone track an F12?
I love a naturally aspirated V12 which is why I'm looking at the F12. The 812 is out of my reach, and I think I prefer the styling of the F12 although that could just be wallet-preservation kicking in. Nothing against the 720 or any other marque and I should go and drive them, I just always find myself lowering the windows when I drive so that I can hear the full engine note and I'm worried that a turbo'd setup won't be the same.
The F12 brings all that v12 goodness with it, but will I be able to do the trips to Wales and the Highlands in it, and what about tracking it - I don't think I have ever seen one on track. Does anyone track an F12?
Yup, tracking the F12 is not really an option to be fair - just not what it's built for. My 430 tracks well as it's lighter and modified. I think if I'm going to switch to a more modern v12 then I'll have to keep dedicated track car - just something not as costly to buy or maintain as the 430. I'm doing a race season with an MX5 Mk1 this year but I'd like to replace that with something beefier - an old Beemer or Ford perhaps.
The FF is an interesting one. I didn't warm to it initially but yes, as a usable, reliable, modern v12 Ferrari it has a lot going for it. I only recently understood the 4RM 4 wheel drive layout driving off the front of the engine with a seperate 2 speed gearbox. Has this proved to be reliable, any issues emerging?
The FF is an interesting one. I didn't warm to it initially but yes, as a usable, reliable, modern v12 Ferrari it has a lot going for it. I only recently understood the 4RM 4 wheel drive layout driving off the front of the engine with a seperate 2 speed gearbox. Has this proved to be reliable, any issues emerging?
Stunning F12, great choice. Thanks for the input all. Pretty much mirrors my thoughts, and I have been pondering this for a few months. The two that I have work well for me, the 612 should really be a keeper, the F12 is a wonderful car but no car does everything so I probably shouldn't do a two for one.
So maybe a three for two as another option is to add my 911 (997 C4S manual) to the pot and shoot for an F12 plus a 911 GT3. Might be some man maths involved but certainly do-able, and I don't do much commuting so could use the GT3 as a daily. The niggling thought is that while the 612 is probably going to hold value, the F12 looks to have a bit to give away still - especially as more 812s start arriving.
I've also just this morning done 50 miles of back country roads in the rain in my C4S and it is just SUCH a wonderful car in all conditions. I like to do some of the work on my cars myself so I get attached to them.
So maybe a three for two as another option is to add my 911 (997 C4S manual) to the pot and shoot for an F12 plus a 911 GT3. Might be some man maths involved but certainly do-able, and I don't do much commuting so could use the GT3 as a daily. The niggling thought is that while the 612 is probably going to hold value, the F12 looks to have a bit to give away still - especially as more 812s start arriving.
I've also just this morning done 50 miles of back country roads in the rain in my C4S and it is just SUCH a wonderful car in all conditions. I like to do some of the work on my cars myself so I get attached to them.
I've come to the same conclusion and will keep the two for now. No one Ferrari will fill both roles and I have a great combination in the F430 and 612. They're staying put and I'll see you out on the roads. Thanks all for the input, brought the 612 to work today and will take the long way home ;-)
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