Hi all, Was wanting some info from owners/past owners of these cars. There is not a lot written about these cars, I have a book on them that is complete waste of time so would like to hear from some owners? I'm fully aware of the impracticalities of owning a Barchetta, I have a couple of 1950's roadsters (MG/Healey & an 70 Elan DHC) so I am used to getting smacked in the face by flying soft tops, leaking side curtains etc etc, so don't want to discuss why "the SA is more practical" yadda yadda. I think the Barchetta is gorgeous and being impractical makes it all the more special IMO. Can people tell me how they drive compared to the Coupe? Are they too flexible? How about reliability - I have not owned a 550/575 so don't know what I'm getting myself into here. What about issues to look out for? Servicing costs? Most everything I see here in the UK is in the £85-£95k bracket. Parkers estimate a trade in value of £67k - something not quite right there.. I gather there will be next to no difference between a <1k mile garage queen and a 6,000ml "high miler" ?. That seems to be the upper mileage on all the examples for sale at the moment. I'm not in the market yet, but hope to be around March time. Thanks!
When the 550 came out,I thought it was the most beautiful (modern) car I had seen. I could look at the aggressive stance of that car and "see" that an open top version would be even more beautiful. I have owned a lot of convertibles--Mercedes, Ferrari, Porsche, even had a T-Top Ford Thunderbird and a T-Top Nissan 300ZX. In my opinion my Barchetta is the most beautiful car I have owned. I drive it a lot and I never bother with that piece of s**t they call a roof. It is a permanently open car. As for performance, I think it is a beast. It has the huge engine that is so much more powerful than my 355. The power curve seems to go on forever. The shift from 1st to 2nd at full throttle will snap your neck--you get used to tensing your neck when you make the shift. Despite the size, the car is not sluggish--the suspension is great and the power allows you to cover a lot of errors (like missing an apex--you just power down as you straighten the car). If you want to induce oversteer, it is great fun but leaves you feeling in control. (I have never owned the coupe, so my comparisons are limited to driving the cars of others--which is not the same as owning one.) Beacuse I have owned many other convertibles, I do not appreciate any looseness in the frame--it seems pretty stiff to me. (The Mercedes 560 SL was pretty loose.) I know you do not want to compare to a SA, but I am looking into SA. I consider it a lifestyle change to get to the SA--I have moved to a hotter climate and need to close the top for about 4 months of the year. The SA represents me growing into middle age. Right now is a time when I look upon my son who has just earned his driver's license and see the wonder and awe in his eyes as he looks at my car (the Barchetta)--it makes me feel like a kid and he is giddy over such a car. The SA will be me--continuing to watch his excitement over the Barchetta, but with a knowing smile that I will have more refinement, more modern gadgets, a paddle shifter and a little more horsepower. He won't "get" the SA, yet, but in a few years, he will understand.
Thanks for the info, I wish I lived somewhere it was too hot to keep the roof down!!!! Seriously though, I fell for the SA too until I saw one in the flesh and the buttresses/rear just don't work for me - but I certainly see the point of it. That Milanese folding roof conversion for the Barchetta looks fantastic but I don't see the point of that, the Barchetta is what it is - a car specifically designed with no roof. To me you either accept this or buy something sort-of practical. But enough of that comparison! So what is the best colour combo for a B? At the moment I'm leaning towards Silver/Red, Red/Black, Yellow/Black in that order. I've seen a TDF one, it looks great, but slightly dull?! Personal thing I guess. I gather servicing is in-line with the 550?
I don't really pay attention to the servicing. Other than brakes and a clutch (I am tough on these), there has been nothing unusual. The car is pretty much bullet proof. In my opinion, the most beautiful car I have seen is in Pozzi Blue--wish I had one. As long as it is not brown or azurro blue, you can't go wrong with this car.
Generally, I'm still happy with my Barchetta. One thing you should not compromise on is the Fiorano handling package. Only buy a car that has that option fitted. The chassis was designed, I'm told by people who would know, to work in conjunction with it. I've owned mine from new, and it's aged reasonably well. I absolutely, positively hate the look of the SA and will never purchase such a monstrosity. While I certainly hate the hinged roof on the SA, I freely admit the impracticalities of the Barchetta as well as the "less-than-good-looking" roll hoops. I'm not as blown away by the acceleration and always feel the car is running out of gear too soon. Especially 1st. And, while the acceleration is smooth and fast, it's not violent by any stretch. I wouldn't even say it's "neck-snapping". However, everyone has their own impressions. Normal 550 service campaigns. Nothing special required. CW
I HAVE A BARCHETTA AND A 2000 550 MARANELLO. I JUST BOUGHT BOTH OF THEM FROM THE SPORTS CAR COMPANY OUT OF LA JOLLA, CALIFORNIA. I USE MY 550 AS MY DAILY DRIVER AND THE BARCHETTA AS A TOY TO RUN ERRANDS. I STILL DO NOT KNOW HOW TO INSTALL THE RAG TOP AND EVEN IF IT IS ON, THE CAR WILL NOT BE SECURE. I AM LOOKING FOR A SUPPLIER TO MAKE A CARBON FIBER HARDTOP FOR THIS VEHICLE. I KNOW THEY MAKE A AFTERMARKET HARDTOP FOR THE MURCIELAGO ROADSTER AND THE COST IS $27K. I WOULD GLADLY PAY THAT OR MORE IF THE HARD TOP LOOKED SOMEWHAT ALRIGHT AND IT WAS EASY TO INSTALL. THE BARCHETTA IS THE BEST CAR I HAVE AMONG MY EXOTICS, HOWEVER, IT IS SO IMPRACTICAL TO OWN IT. I WOULD BE THE HAPPIEST GUY IN THE WORLD IF THERE WAS A AFTERMARKET HARD TOP FOR THIS VEHICLE. BY THE WAY, GO ON THE WEBSITE , WWW.SPORTSCARCOMPANY.COM. THERE IS A YELLOW BARCHETTA WITH ONLY 3K MILES AND JIM LYONS IS ASKING $199K. FEEL FREE TO CALL ME OR EMAIL ME.
Gustan, There is an aftermarket hardtop manufactured for the Barchetta by a German company. It's about $25K, IIRC. While it's not beautiful or graceful, it's of good quality and has good paint. It does make the car more usable on a daily basis, but you lose the open air aspect as it's not a quick install/de-install. There is also another aftermarket softtop which looks pretty nice. Certainly better looking than the factory softtop and possibly more functional and usable. CW
I WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE IF YOU CAN GET ME THE INFORMATION FOR THE AFTERMARKET SOFT TOP COMPANY. THE FACTORY SOFT TOP JUST LOOKS AWFUL. SOMEONE GAVE ME THE INFORMATION ABOUT THE GERMAN COMPANY AND I JUST EMAILED THEM TO REQUEST MORE INFORMATION. I JUST BOUGHT A 2006 MURCI ROADSTER AND I AM ALSO IN THE MARKET IN GETTING A CARBON FIBER TOP. I REALLY LIKE THE BARCHETTA, ACTUALLY ITS MY FAVORITE VEHICLE OUT OF THE DOZENS OF EXOTICS I HAVE. I LIKE TO DRIVE IT TO THE CITY AND CAN`T LEAVE IT PARKED WITH NO TOP. ALSO, I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE TOP INSTALLED WHEN IT IS IN THE GARAGE. I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP. THANKS AGAIN GUSTAN L CHO [email protected]
Hi Gustan, Not sure if its the same company you are talking about but if not , check here for another kind of soft top for the Barchetta : http://parts4smarts.michalak.eu/shop/product_info.php?cPath=7&products_id=96&language=de
OK back on topic. this is by far the most enjoyable car I have owned. It will never be for sale and that is a huge point as I have owned dozens of sports/exotic cars in my 30 years of driving. Many of them could not keep my attention for more than a year. The Barchetta is designed to be a topless car or better yet its a Roadster. Dont try to make it something its not. Buy a 550 Maranello if you want a hardtop. They are terrific cars too just different. By the way mine has had 5k miles put on it in the first year of my ownership and has been flawless. It never gives me the impression she might not make it home on her own power. I can hosestly say that hasnt been the case with other older Ferraris I have owned. Power,shift smoothness,gobs of torque,linear acceleration and uniqueness all combine to make this a permanent member of my Exotic collection. Buy one as soon as you can. They are reasonable in price for what they represent and every day that goes by that you dont own one is a day in your life lost. Jon in Delaware
THANKS A MILLION FOR THE INFO. I WILL GO ONLINE NOW AND SEE IF IT WILL WORK FOR ME. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR THIS INFO FOR WEEKS. THANKS AGAIN, AND LETS KEEP IN TOUCH.
I LIKE ALL OF MY CONVERTIBLES "SEALED". I HAVE A 12 CAR GARAGE AND OVER 20 CARS SO I NEED TO STORE SOME OF MY VEHICLES AT SOME OF MY OTHER HOMES. JUST DO NOT WANT ANY MICE GETTING IN AND CHEWING MY SEAT BELTS. WHENEVER I PURCHASE A CONVERTIBLE SUCH AS A PORSCHE OR MERCEDES, I ALWAYS PURCHASE THE OPTIONAL HARDTOP. MAYBE I HAVE A CHEMICAL IMBALANCE, BUT I JUST LIKE THE HARDTOP AS AN OPTION IN THE EVENT IF THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE STORED OR I DECIDE TO TAKE A LONG TRIP SOMEWHERE.
Unless you can afford a car with a top! To the OP-- I have driven (my father's) Maranello many many many times and having been in his^^^ Barchetta, I can tell you that the Barchetta is just as good (but with an open top and even more knee-weakening looks). Joe
Joe you tell Dave (his Dad for those who dont know) That the truely wealthy can afford luxiuries like topless cars. Its the wanna bees that have to comprimize and buy the car that fits all seasons. (its here that I would post a smiley face to show I am only teasing if I werent so technologically challenged) Jon in sunny Delaware
I own a Barchetta and do not have any plans on ever selling it. I have many cars in my collection, but the Barchetta is by far my favorite. I purchased the hardtop and used it once. The Barchetta is not designed to have a top. If I had to do it again, I would not buy the hardtop. Just put the cover on the car if you are worried about the car in the garage.
Well rationalized sir, touche! I guess my dad needs some ostrich boots next... The is made by typing a colon then an end perenthesis... : and ) Back to on topic!
You like those boots I wore the other day?? Bit over the top for Delaware but they made a lot of sense in Dallas when i bought them. Jon Just north of Dallas in Delaware
The German company has this hardtop for the 550 Barchetta http://www.barchetta550-hardtop.de/ and this soft top http://www.barchetta.cc/all.ferraris/events-stories/events/2003/550-barchetta-usable-softtop/550-softtop/index.html
