My first 612 impressions, from a Noob.

I have had this 2005 612 exactly one week, and put on 103 miles.

Lots of rambling here but maybe some will find it informative, and others comical.

WHY?
Prior to purchasing this car I raced cars professionally for more then two decades (road racing, oval, open wheel sport scars etc.) and didn’t own my own personal road car for more then14 years, company cars sure but not my own. I got an invitation to drive the FF at a FONE event in RI, and I was immediately enamored by the quality of the interior and performance of that car, and of course the SOUND. WOW that is an awesome 4 passenger machine. Not able to swing the expense of an FF I looked for a 612. So after looking for more then 28 months, and checking out a number of 612’s, I found a REALY good one.

HISTORY
My first concern is this cars service history shows NO new tires. It has Pirelli PZeros and just over 13K miles, so I think it’s safe to say they are the original tires. I have safe tread depth, but still they are 12years old. It’s amazing how sticky they still are and I can’t believe the amount of tire rubber that is thrown on the body without pushing the car. I have to say I’m impressed with the old tires. But new tires are a must and I have new Michelin’s and Challenge rims ready to mount as soon as my TPS arrive.

The car had a15K major done at Ferrari of Los Angeles in December of 2015 before I got it, so with just over 13K on the clock I assume it’s mechanically good to go a bit. Regardless I have scheduled a major after the summer for it just to be sure it stays as mint as it is to look at, especially the paint.

LOOKS
Last Saturday my first personal car in a long time came off the transporter and I drove it literally across the street for an inspection sticker, and went back to work. Within 3 hours of being in town my phone “Blew Up” with texts and comments on the new car in town. The garage had to park it behind the building because it was drawing to much attention. So, in person the 612 looks a lot better then in photos, and as Lionel Richie said “It has gravitas”. At 56 years old, and a family of 3 adults, a 4 seater was important. I wanted a super car that didn’t yell I’m a super car, and that is exactly what this 612 is. I also never owned a 12 cylinder (normally aspirated or otherwise) and the only other real option was the Aston Martin Rapide, witch didn’t blow my skirt up very high.
So this car checks all the boxes.

PERFORMANCE
Ok it’s a 4 thousand pound 2+2 car that has a nearly 50 / 50 weight ratio but believe me it doesn’t perform like you think a long nose heavy car would react. At speed it turns into corners so precisely, that I found myself having to correct my own anticipation of overseer! It performs a lot like a car with a shorter wheel base, and the torque from that 12 pulls so strong and log that you would swear you are in a LOT smaller and nimble car. It’s just fantastic. I did a highway run between exits and found myself gripping the wheel too firmly as I ran it up to 7500 rpm between shifts for a speed run. I know now that I will have to adjust this next time. At 5th gear going into 6th I was around 145 and the steering got very very light and the slightest movement was exaggerated on the road. I know it was mostly me being “up on the wheel” but is this an astringent property inherent in this car? I had a 911 that did the same thing around 130 and it is not a comfortable feeling.

STUFF
I’m also a water buffalo, well I drink tons of water, and there are NO CUP HOLDERS in the car, but two ash trays? Been screwing around with the seat more then I care to but when I find myself in a comfortable position, the steering wheel ends up blocking the gages. They must have short test drivers, but I’m just 6’. The A/C works awesome, really cold. Cant figure out how to change the time, or use the radio, but time will come to address those things. Went out to diner tonight and I think the Valet Parking Attendant didn’t feel confident in parking the car, so he said….you can park this right here in front. Sweet!

Cheers
Anthony

 

Wow thanks for the feedback. Alignment for sure. I have fix something I missed. The passangers vanity mirror door. My wife's comment. " Oh here we go $$$" lol.

 

"Check the date codes on the tires to see if they actually are old or have been replaced."
Good one Taz. Code on rear XBN2F146 2305. 23WEEK 2005?