599 or Alfa 8C

I also grew up with Alfas, and the 8C is no "modern" day Alfa. If you took off the label (and put on Ferrari) would your view change? The drivetrain is basically Ferrari derived (reliable) and the fit and finish is superb, by any "world class" standard. The use of Carbon Fibre is nearly ground breaking (I wish they had used an aluminium chassis). Many have pointed out that owning this car is not about investment potential; it is about automotive art that stirs the soul, and the senses. And is not too shabby on the track either, despite Clarkson's ineptitude (and clumsy feet).

Like all art, it can't be appreciated by some (and vice versa).

 

From my wall
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Look what they did to my song Ma...

 

That's my wall-no, wait, I have a different number Wonder if Carb will try to keep track of the print numbers?
Jim, that was a great tour. Nick is great guy too.

 

I went through this thought process a few months ago when I was offered an 8c. I thought the 8c would be good fun at the original price of" a little under $200k" When it became $330k it started to sound like serious money for a beautifull rebody of the Gransport, and not so much of a lark. I passed, and started watching the 599 market. I drove a six speed with which I was totally unimpressed, concluding that the car was so designed around the F-1 and the inter related computer controls that it needs the F-1. I bought about a month ago, loading the luggage into the trunk and departing for Carmel within thirty minutes of buying. It is a terrific road car, and I suspect a great track car within its design brief. I am still learning how it works, but it is clearly brilliant. The radio is, on the other hand, designed by people who have apparently never seen a radio before. It is way too complicated, impossible to see the buttons or screen in daylight, and a general pain in the xss. The blue tooth and ipod connected right up though. I agree with Jim, these cars will be available for MSRP by the end of the year, if not now. There are many on the market, some for ridiculous prices not obtainable in todays economic climate. Unfortunatley, I paid a little over sticker, thereby landing on Jims idiot list. On the other hand, I have a beautiful California summer to enjoy it.
Malcolm
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Excellent post, beautiful cars, enjoy the 599 in good health.

 

Fantastic set of cars you have, Malcolm.

I simply don't care for the "no quarter window" look of the 8C. For some reason the only car I like that look on is the 275GTB, otherwise I like some quarter windows back there. Just personal preference.

 

Well ,you can add me to the idiot list too. I just pulled the trigger on a 599. I just happened to find a car with the exact color combo I wanted and it's a very special car. I paid a little over sticker also.

 

Are you guys buying 07's or 08's?

 

while the *c is by far my beautiful, it is still an alfa... and an 8 cylinder one... you can't compare it to the 599...

 

Now that's a Trifecta!

 

"still an alfa" ? If so then why does it have a 599 gearbox? I have great respect for the Father of Ferrari. Without "just Alfa's"
there would never have been Ferraris. Enzo never forgot that. A bit sad that others have.

Never forget what Karl Marx said: In the end there will be one company and then the government will take it over.

 

i took a class on karl marx instructed by a teacher that was thebiggest marxian leg-humper. and i still would not listen to anything that man said, total garbage.

on a diff note, id like to retract my previous statement of 8c, because i really started doing a little research and weighing the options....i think that the 599 in the long run would make most buyers substantially happier with their decision over the alfa.

 

I'm with Napolis on this one - I'd have the 8C. Which, by the way, is not a rebodied GranSport: it's based on a shortened GranTurismo platform. Now I don't know about the market prices in the USA, but here's the situation in Italy. The car originally sold for €162,550, plus options. Today, you can't find one for under €200k, with most going for €220k-240k. Maybe it will drop in value in the near future, I don't know.

 

It must be good to be able to know what: "in the long run would make most buyers substantially happier".

 

+1 on history. AAC815 with 2 430 blocks would have been kewl
The box is the same Graziano 6-speed that Maranello, 599, DbS/DB9, QP had. It does have the F1SF programming.
Still love the car. Wish they made a few more, I'd have one too

 

There has been useful input within the thread.

I have only seen an 8C in Cote D'Azur this previous spring, but never driven one. In the flesh they appear very youthful yet classic - Perfect looking car for a young man with enough means to afford one. A 599 on the other hand has a more "serious" appearance, and seems to have stronger posture. Its just as classy and shares a motor with the Enzo. . . Not much to dislike about either automobiles... My wife and I hope to replace my 993 Turbo and her Maser 3200GT with a 599, next summer. Whilst the 8C may attract more youthful ladies, the 599 attracts more classy ladies (if that is what you are after.)

Both great cars im sure, but very different to own I'd imagine. Test drive both before making a commitment. That always pays.

 

Source, please?

EVO and R&T, at least, contradict that statement.

 

Huzzah!

The end is nigh.

 

That's what Alfa Romeo engineers told me, and I have no reason not to believe them.

 

599 is simply too common. 8C has an undeniable presence. I can hardly wait

 

Both great cars im sure, but very different to own I'd imagine. Test drive both before making a commitment. That always pays.[/QUOTE]

Really wish I could... but I live in Korea and the car is in Germany. I don't even know the dealer at Germany would let me test drive even if I manage myself to be there.
I had a chance to get behind the wheel of 599 last night. A friend of my friend was nice enough to let me drive his rosso corsa 599. Looked way better in metal. Certainly better looking than my 430. It felt lighter and nimbler than I thought and what a sound in made! I wish the car was smaller though. I prefer 8C's look and compactness. But not sure 8C will be powerful and agile enough to replace my 430. Comments from anyone who has driven an 8C Please!!

 

As you contemplate each car, I think it is important to think about how you will use it. And where and when you will park it; how available is space?

If I were driving from LA to SF (Hwy 5) I'd take the 599. However, on Hwy 1 I'd want the 8C, it appears to be more nimble. Driving style comes into it also, the more aggressive the style the more you will want the 8C; less weight, less braking and more responsive, (hopefully). However, aggression is not always a good thing!

 

I see a few posts here saying the "but the 8C is an Alfa"
This company has been around alot longer than Ferrari. If you were analysing the automobile, I beleive you would have to do it as such;
Alfa: this is the backbone, it upholds the automobile, has strength.
Ferrari: would be the heart, full of passion, fire and giving blood to the industry.

possibly a few other would be,
Rolls Royce: the brains, traditional, stayed.
Voison: skill in accomplishment, put together with quality and advanced design.
Pagani : flamboyance and the showman, giving the auto style.

 

i hate to be the odd man out here but the styling on the 8c just doesn't do it for me, the ass end looks like it was chopped off, it looks disproportionate. maybe like a bastard love child of a lotus and pontiac.
sorry.....