what would you trade into?

599 is a different motor. The later 612's got a better f1, but still the 540hp motor. 599 is I believe 620hp. Half second faster? I can't even get through 2nd in my 612 before I'm at the speed limit so as a daily driver not sure it matters. 612 would be more spacious.

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I was primarily referring to the comment that the 599 Nav is useless. I suspect that is only early model years, just like 612...? BTW, I agree, I find my 612 plenty fast for regular driving and a bit fun stuff with a heavy foot at times... Oh, the sound of the V12 (HGTC exhaust) when the valves are open above 3000 RPM and it screams towards redline. Not much comes close to the goose bumps produced by the sound of that
Jes

 

Oh gotcha. Didn't read carefully enough.

I'm hoping to be in an OTO next year, 05 currently.

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Nice! Love your blue 612, though.

 

Thanks. I'd prefer rubino or fiorano which is hard to come by. More, I'd like a cuoio interior rather than blue/tan. Want a working pax airbag cutoff. 05 is the only one without. And since I'm totally sold on the 612, might as well get the better drive train. Though if one came up with everything else, 06 maybe, would be a tough choice.

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go crazy and buy an FF...it is the only better DD than the 612oto.

DBS? really? lol

 

Then I don't have to mention that you should test those seats to see if they are comfortable enough for daily use.

I have not driven one (they are so rare), but I have to imagine that a 599 manual would make a much easier DD than the F1. If I didn't have to worry about parking and ground clearance, my 550 would be a spectacular DD.

 

I like the California idea.

 

Ross- That is an OTO, too, with the new F133H engine and 599 gearbox case and dual plate clutch.

 

What about a 550M or a 575 GTC with manual Gb? I also like the 612, esp with the HGTC pack, it sounds as good as a Stradale. Im sure you can find a manual 612 in Europe.

 

On the other hand, if you are thinking of going crazy, do it now.

How about an Alfa 8C?

 

599 Nav was the same throughout ie single din size, turn sign only, no maps, it's pretty hopeless. Early 612's can take a map based double din easily and as you say later ones had it anyway

 

I was going to link the one manual 612 as well but saw it was above budget.

I think you'll be crazy to buy an SLS; like all Mercs it'll depreciate like no tomorrow soon, rendering the budget a little useless IMO.

That leaves the question of Vanquish (has to be a manual as the flappy paddle is simply awful)...and there aren't any in Switzerland.

Love the 612 and 599, but as you wrote earlier, you prefer manual gearboxes for daily (town) driving.

As for the Lamborghini's:
A nice blue (monterey?), with of course a manual! Low KM's too at only 16500.
LAMBORGHINI Murciélago 6.2 Coupé, Occasion, Benzin, 16'500 km, CHF 149'000 - AutoScout24

A black example from Garage Affolter (I'm sure you're familiar!). Comes with the Roadster Hercules wheels which look fantastic IMO.
LAMBORGHINI Murciélago 6.2 Coupé, Occasion, Benzin, 49'000 km, CHF 148'500 - AutoScout24

Or if you want shouty orange:
LAMBORGHINI Murciélago 6.2 Coupé, Occasion, Benzin, 13'500 km, CHF 129'800 - AutoScout24

I've seen you post before about Murcielago's. Plenty of people daily drive them, including a woman!

 

I think you have enough Ferrari's and need a bull in your garage .

Which ever choice you make, looks like you'll end up a happy chap!

 

After a 456 what you really need is a 612. I think once you get it you will never look back.

 

Ross – I read your post carefully and am not sure if just another car is the right solution.
Let’s assume you have the best car in the world (whatever this is) and you drive it daily. It will get boring after a few months. The same is true for restaurants. Let’s assume you have dinner in the world’s best restaurant every day. Man, how boring this would be.

In consequence I do not have ONE daily driver, I have three: A Maserati 3200, a 575M and a 512 TR. I was driving the TR last week and over the weekend and did more than 500 km. After some days I thought how nice it would be to switch to my 575M with the F1 gearbox. Just pull a paddle and you are done. Plus it is quite stronger. After some days in the 575M F1 I usually think how boring it is to just pull a paddle and not to change gears with a clutch and a stick. So I take the 3200 or the TR out an am happy again. Currently I am driving my 3200 with the nice turbo engine until I think how difficult it is to come out of a corner with the turbos and how nice and linear the power of the Ferraris is. Time to switch (but not sell!) the car.

You could also buy a Prius and drive it for some days until you want to drive your 456 (or any of your other nice cars). After 3 days with the Prius you will be impressed about the stunning acceleration of the 456. On the other side, when you only drive your 456 you will think how slow this car is because you get used to the engine and the acceleration.

So, It may be that you need a slower (or at least different) car to appreciate and love your existing cars more…

Markus

PS: As a side effect, this also solves the old discussion about the manuals and F1. As long as I can change between both worlds I like both of the worlds. I even love the double clutch gearbox of our BWM 135 as long as I don’t have to drive it every day.

 

this is a fair point. every ferrari owner shld have a 98 diablo SV. wish i bought the car long before i did.

 

personally i love that 612 in grigio alloy.

 

I adore my V12 550, but I have driven the V12 Vantage. Anyone is missing out if they don't take a test drive. The 550 is the 'quicker' car no doubt, but...drive the Aston and you'll be surpised at how much fun the car offers. Happens to look good to boot!