Which v12 should I buy?

Id go for the 599 without even thinking for 0,00000000001 of a second about the other options.. Best looking GT in years from Ferrari with that Enzo derived V12 up front... that would definitely be my choice

 

599 and I know this is not on your list but it should be a F12

 

My first thought is BB all day long, the only true icon on your list. I would love to own one. However, I wouldn't count on driving it 1,000 miles a year (make it 500-600 and good to go).

Since you don't like automatics (can't blame you there), the best overall choice would be the 550. But hell, I'd buy the BB anyway.....

 

Sounds like you have made a decision then maybe with a BB.....not only is it an important car in Ferrari's legacy as the first mid-engine V-12, the pricing has been depressed such that it is also the best value among the V-12s from the era when Enzo was alive.

And IMO, so much better looking than any of the TR variants.

 

550 is the golden era of Ferrari

 

The one you like the best that you can afford.

 

I think montezemolo era is the best v12 to buy today

 

All the cars you have noted will drive vastly different from each other. A BB and TR will be casual use only cars. They are both great, but the BB is harder to use, and care for, and will require constant attention to keep in usable shape, it just comes with the territory on older cars. The TR will be a bit the same, but maybe 25 % less maintenance sensitive. You can drive a Testarossa a lot, they are pretty reliable but maintenance is expensive when you need to things to it, and it will suffer all the same 80's Ferrari issues with electrics etc... you know that from owning a 328. I'd say the TR is about as reliable if you buy a late 80's or early 90's one. The 550, and 599 are a leap ahead in terms of performance, and useability with the 599 being the most usable of them all, and a Jekyll & Hyde personality. The 550, is a great mix of old Ferrari and new Ferrari. Maintenance on the 550 can be a bit strong, and it has lots of electronics that are starting to suffer age issues... 599 is entering this period as well, and can be very expensive when things go wrong... given you have two Porsches the owning experience between the brands is vastly different... I'd say a Testarossa or 550 is the way to go. The 599 being my personal choice, and in my opinion it needs the F1 gearbox vs. a stick... to even remotely contend with the power.

 

I posted a similar question about a year ago when i was considering a 12 cylinder Ferrari to go with my 328. I went back and forth… TR, 550, 612, 599….
Ultimately i decided i wanted an Enzo era, 12 cylinder iconic Ferrari with a manual gearbox. I bought a Testarossa and i am thrilled with the decision. Looking back i can’t believe i ever had any doubt. There is nothing like a Testarossa.

 

Here is my garage today
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Those are great testarossa strakes on the wall!!

 

Yes, They are appreciating and very fun to drive. However there are a few draw backs that are aging related, but its going to happen with all the "modern" cars... just buy the best you can ... good luck.

 

I would say 550 first then the 599 , but i really like the F12 it has a great sound….but I think the 550 is the money car…one day

 

I love the 512 and to me is one of the most iconic designs ever made but the car can create havoc on your pocket book due to upkeep. I love the 599 and I have had tons of manual cars in my life and don’t really care if my car is manual or not but in no way would I take it over a 550. The 550/575 will fetch big bucks one day and the car is just beautiful to look at which the 599 isn’t to me.

 

550s are too cheap

 

For around 1000 miles a year I’d be inclined to go BB 512. It’s of the Enzo era and is such a stunning design! As others have stated, they’re cheaper than they should be!

But the 550 and 599’s are also a fantastic cars! For me, the F12 would be worth a hard look. In my head, a mid engine V8 and a front engine V12 creates a very well rounded garage of prancing horses.