1999 Red/Tan 550

For what its worth, in three photos it would appear that the leather on and just above the passenger air bag has shrunk. You need to examine the front edge of the dash leather (near the windshield) also as these are two of the bad spots. I had my dash recovered 10 months ago and a nice job will cost $1-2K. Good luck!

 

The work was done by Scottsdale Ferrari who outsourced the leather work. The leather is a great match, but I have no idea if it is Connolly. The removal and replacement of the dash is a monumental labor job....8-10 hours total if I recall correctly. It's also a bit scary when you see everything apart. FYI, Connolly is no longer in business but UK Hide carries their remaining inventory.

Another common but subtle thing to check is make sure the alarm LED (located in the small gauge cluster in the middle of the dash) turns off after the car has been started. If it stays illuminated, the siren back-up battery has died. There are fellows who have successfully replaced this rechargeable battery for <$100, but the dealer solution is to replace the entire siren module for $400-600.

You probably have already scanned the previous threads on 550's which cover the Magnesium wheel recall, the under-intake plenum coolant hose replacement, and shock actuators twisting off their wires. These are great cars, now at bargain prices...good luck!

 

That car has been sitting for a long time now. 6-8+ months if I recall correctly. It was priced 115 and now it's down to I believe 94.5k? I guess no one has bit.

I stopped by to look at their cars a couple months ago, from 695 you have to go through a rough congested area to get there. I didn't really take a close look at the 550 because I was infatuated with some of the other cars. Best of luck though.

 

The following is opinion only:

1. I'm unaware of any flaws in the early cars not addressed by the DOT recall campaigns; magnesium wheel inserts, power steering, fuel line, etc. Someone else may be able to comment on TSB's (Technical Service Bulletins) which may have impacted the early cars. No doubt there were minor evolutionary improvements, but none were apparent to the public. Here is a link to view recalls:

http://www.recalls.gov/nhtsa.html

2. Like any modern Ferrari on the depreciation slide, age and mileage weighs heavily on the market value.

3. Like any modern Ferrari a clean CARFAX with an owner/service history which shows reasonable care also weighs heavily on the market value. I'll always choose a car cared for by an enthusiast (even with track miles) than one which was obviously neglected.

Again, good luck!
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I purchased a 1999 456M GTA from them and I love the car. I would have it inspected at competizione before finalizing the deal

 

Looks like a decent car! Dealer can not produce any service history! claims local Euro repair shop has them-YOU would think after having the car for at least 6 months he would have them at he dealership! Be very careful with this one!

 

It looks like the temperature control faceplate is beginning to bubble, $900 replacement IIRC.