Has Ferrari Lost It's Luster?

not everyone who buys ferrari is super super rich imo and when it gets to a certain price point it starts to feel different, just my opinion

 

I don't disagree. But today almost every new F car has 80-100K in options. Do you really need those? Probably not. So you cut a few carbon pieces off the order and save 40 grand. But you don't kill the order IMO.

And the rest don't care. They may complain, but won't care.

If the tariffs stick I can see Ferrari doing what it did in 2009 -- including more items that were options as standard. They also raised prices in 2009. Anyone remember what the economy was like in 2009?

 

Yes, almost bankrupt and headed for divorce. I do remember it quite well. Another life lesson, but all is well now.

 

A 12c for $900k! I had to lol at the stupidity of that car at that price.

 

Light weight cars (say 2600-3000 pounds) don't need "that much HP".

 

None of the current cars (or some of the previous models) make me want one, that basically stopped after the 458 and they chose to go with turbo engines, high voltage batteries and asian styling, theres 2 exceptions, the 812 GTS and Competizione Aperta are the only cars newer than a 458 that id like to have... They should fire all in house designers and go back to Pininfarina to do their designs, that would already help them alot im sure

So to answer your question, yes the brand is losing its appeal (to me), as a child all i thought about was Ferrari's, now i actually also think alot of other supercar brands aswell... it definately doesnt have the magic it used to have, but maybe that might also be affected by the fact theres little to no succes in the F1 anymore, and no1 to idolize in their F1 team anymore like in the 00's with M. Schumacher....

 

I recently has business with a man and his wife who purchased a new Ferrari 296. He mentioned how once he had opted all the features he wanted he was a little taken aback by the final price of the car. As a result, he revisited his order and began deleting things he felt he could live without.

Even those who can afford a car like the 296 (which I cannot) do have a limit.
An added tariff will most likely affect folks on all levels of purchases-- even exotic cars.

 

[QUOTE="x z8, post: 150021638, member: 86803"Also- Manual transmissions cannot handle today’s elevated horsepower. .[/QUOTE]

LOL, visit an event like the Texas Mile....that will show you what "ancient" manual transmissions can do.

 

will throw my thoughts in. I don't make enough that I'd ever be a regular buyer. Someone who could afford to buy a couple in their life if they truly wanted.

I have zero interest for theee reasons.

I stopped liking Ferrari's styling after the 355. That is just personal preference.

The cars became more automated. They might make me seem like a better driver. They might make me able to drive faster. They might save my bacon. I'm just leas involved.

That brings the last and largest problem. Ferrari chases numbers. That was great when cars were slower. You could use the power. Road speeds haven't changed in fifty years. I don't care how fast a 296 is, i cant use it without going to jail. I might be able to buy one but I cannot justify tracking one.

I own a mondial qv currently. Opted to buy it and a dodge viper and a morgan three wheeler. Currently building a new and much larger garage to fit more as well as a guest house. Between the cars and buildings i could have bought a 296 in cash. It was never a thought. When I go to expand my collection newer Ferraris aren't on the radar.

I might consider swapping out the mondial with an older Ferrari. Given my wants its hard to see it being worth trading out.

 

I've read the WSJ article this week on Ferrari, and several other similar threads here on Fchat. I'm not sure when, but I do feel Ferrari has left me a bit behind. I still follow F-1 but I'm clearly not as passionate, and frankly the new cars....meh. The 296 does not excite me to look at it. It's a blast to drive, but also a bit ...."plasticky" on the inside. I'm sure in 2-3 years the stickies will be back as well... not to mention all the computer screens flashing etc... I do like the Roma Coupe, and the 812. I do wish they would make a v12 / Flat 12 mid .-rear engine car again... My 599 I love, but I'm currently going through the aging process with stuff... so its been an expensive year, and likely to be more coming... but at least its manageable... with a 296 in 8 years you will be tied to the dealer and Ferrari ... to just read the computers. For an Independent to get the Ferrari computers its crazy expensive, so I don't know what these cars will be like in 10 -15 years...but I cant imagine it will be good. I think its partially I'm getting older - and know it, and my desire for the latest and greatest is less and less... what I can see however is there are no current Ferrari's that really excite me, and make me say "wow" ... the F80 kinda... 499 P track car...yea, like that ... but nothing compares to a F40 LM or 288GTO... or anything pre 1968..... 250 SWB will always outshine anything new in my opinion.

 

Well, sure, but this is setting the bar a little high, don't you think? How do you out do perfection?

 

Perfection? No. Drive one and you'll see how awful those cars are to drive and live with, but its the total package that makes it so alluring. loud, uncomfortable, smelly, and difficult to drive smoothly... but when it all comes together its pure magic..... and the kicker is I could stare at it all day long.

 

Are you offering a test drive?

 

If I had one sure, but sadly I don't. But I have driven several 250's and one SWB... it was both frustrating and thrilling at the same time.

 

[QUOTE="They should fire all in house designers and go back to Pininfarina to do their designs, that would already help them alot im sure[/QUOTE]

I agree. I really try to be in love with the new cars but I just don't get excited about what's coming out of Maranello these days. The market data shows it, just look at how fast the resale value of some of the new cars has dropped. Maybe it's time to get back to what made Ferrari what it is....or was.

 

I suspect that has a lot to do with the significant increase in MSRP we saw with the current models relative to their successors, and the significant increase in volumes that coincided. Those are two massive headwinds to secondary market values.

Perhaps it says something about their desirability too, but I don't think that's obvious.

 

So true.

Funny, I remember an old movie wherein a young bachelor in New York drove around the city in an mid sixties Ferrari. He was always seen taking it to his Italian mechanic who shouted to him "how many times do I have to tell you, you cannot drive this car under 4000 RPM!!

 

Ha! yes. They are lovely cars, on an open mountain road they are magic... but in real life... not so much. No AC. you usually get some mix of gas and oil smell - for me not so bad but on a hot day in Atlanta... again it get a bit much. The driving position in a 250 SWB is not ideal if you are my size 5'11 240... its ... Umm tight. the clutch pedal has a funky throw, and the box is pretty stiff.. to the point when they are cold you think there is something wrong. BUT when it does come together it is just magic.... nothing compares to the sound, burble, crack and pop on the exhaust.

 

I can only imagine... Being kinda old school, if I could afford a mid sixties 330 GT I'd be all in! But yes, driving it on the regular -- I can imagine it would most certainly be less enchanting.

 

I'm more irked by the price of Ferrari parts. The car is a completed unit but a hose is a hose and should be priced as such.

 

funny that’s exactly how I feel about my bbi
But yes on the 250 swb.
Was recently at the breakers concors, most appealing car to me was the 288

 

The Boxer is way, way easier to live with than a 60's Ferrari. but to look at the 250 SWB is pretty nice!

 

330 GTC... yes. That car is not too bad in day to day traffic... but once it gets hot out... not so fun. it would be a great Autumn car.

 

So true. I think most underestimate how much they appreciate their "creature comforts" in their newer cars. They forget that these old classics don't have any! I should have bought one years ago when I could have afforded one. But staring at that V12 just gave me visions of $$$$ in my head. Oh well, if only I knew then... as life goes.

 

Your right knee stays cool!