Theoretical $300k burning a hole in your pocket. Do you buy... a 16M? or a 360 CS and a 50 Barchetta? I know price/condition/mileage/etc. can vary. I am just wondering which more people would want to have. 1 brand new, or 2 "older" cars. I'd personally take the CS+550
Have both the CS and the BPF. No way I'd ever be interested in a 16M. Sorry, SpA, but you've gone gaudy with it. CW
Daytona coupe was the right answer. The others aren't good value for money, and are all kind of gaudy, IMHO.
Only time will tell... I was offered double what I paid for my BPF on the day I took delivery. Obviously, that wouldn't be in today's market. But, I suspect that the CS and the BPF will age well. Both have held their values reasonably well so far, although the current economic conditions have impacted ALL Ferrari values, and they are no exception. But, in the end, the question is what you enjoy DRIVING. These aren't static, nor were they meant to be. If they hold value and even increase, all the better. But, the reality is they're all just cars. CW
I am sure that there are many other bargains to be had in the market today. As for the CS, 550 BAr, 575 SA, Scud, and 16m they are all limited in production (by today's standards). Throughout market ups and downs, limited production always adds some value to a car(unles it is a Chevrolet SSR). 30 years from now, any car that is legitimately limited in prduction will be worth more. Remeber, many cars that are worth millions today, weren't worth much several years after they were initially produced. I agree that these cars shouldn't be purchased for an investment, but having two nice cars (that might hold their value while you drive them) is better than having one. Drive them and enjoy them. If, many years from now they are worth something, have them restored, or sell them as well cared for originals with a nice patina.
Unfortunately, for me, $300K is a significant sum to spend on a car, so the OP's question is also about the inherent value of the car. And I suspect all the tech in the 360 and 550 series will be a liability over time, whereas the rarity and hand built nature of the Daytona is only going to elevate it. Was the new 599 well bought at $500K? I don't know that I would have got that much incremental enjoyment out of it to justify the $200K+ bath I would have taken as one of the starry-eyed first owners. If the question really is just a short term "I'll give you $300K worth of Ferraris to have and use for free for a few years", then sign me up for the 458 Spyder. As you say, I think these modern cars are for DRIVING and using up. And the 458 is going to be better than the F430, 360, etc. On the enjoyment side, the other reason I agree with Simon is that, the longer I'm at this, the more I think the older cars are special to drive. The sounds, look and smell of the Daytona are an automotive delicacy. The newer cars keep getting improved paddle shift systems, more power, bigger brakes, more gadgets, but IMHO the driving experience hasn't improved. (I haven't driven a 458 or California, so can't speak to those, but I suspect they won't buck the trend.) EDIT: With regard to the OP, the 16M is supposedly limited to 500 cars. So, it may always be scarce, but then the 348 SS was limited to 100 cars and you can buy one any day of the week for half of what it sold for new. The 360 CS had over 1,300 made, IIRC. So, I don't know about the "rarity" of these modern "collectibles". I think you have to want to drive them.
I don't disagree one bit. I've owned a few of the older cars, too. And, enjoyed them. The last of the "older" street cars was a Boxer. A wonderful car, but tedious and heavy to drive. Certainly rewarding in many ways, but not anywhere near as light or nimble as the modern stuff. Relatively uncomfortable and hot, too. But, you're correct that there's nothing like the "older" car experience. Unfortunately, 288s aren't at $300K. Yet. CW
when you are talking about value and collectability you also have to factor in time. The older ferrari models that we know and love are MUCH older than the ones we are discussing here. In 30-50 years, we the view of these cars will be somewhat different. In that time who knows what Ferrari will be making. We may look back at this "generation" of cars and think that they were the last of the "true" ferrari models. This in now way diminishes the value of the current vintage cars. They will still be wonderful and worth even more than they are today.
I would guess internal combustion engines might be gone in 30 years, replaced by something faster and cleaner. You do have to factor in time, but the older cars are very different in their components. I.e., everything from 1947 through much of the 1980s was pretty much an engine, gears, hoses, wires, steel, leather, etc. How will the video display in the 599 will be regarded in 30 years, or the F1 box in the 355, or magnetic suspensions, etc.? I think we can look to the Valeo tranny, Boge self-leveling suspension or Porsche's Sportomatic for some faint clue as to desirability, but even those are pretty basic compared to 2009 black boxes. EDIT: All of this really is a separate topic from your original question. If you have $300K to burn on a sports car, no reason not to get a 360 CS, 458, etc.
Love daytonas, really nice clasic. The 550 Barchetta is one of the most under-rated Ferrari's. Good investment potential.
I think the 550 and 360 CS are modern, they aren't a liability as some say the 355's are.. sure the 458 will be even more reliable + cheaper to maintain but I think the maintenance on the 360/550 isn't a huge issue anyway that should not be a big factor you can drive both 360 and 550 to high mileage without drama.
Perhaps not, but I've been around this game for a while, and I've seen (and am seeing) some deals that truly are too good to turn down. There are certainly distressed opportunities that are at or below 50% of the high price. Never say never. CW
$300k = 1984 512 BB + 1973 246 GTS. I realize the the OP was asking about more modern Ferraris, but this is only hypithetical so... BB should be BLK/Tan and Dino should be Yellow/Tan Seats and BlK Daytona style inserts.
Good question. I sold my 16M very quickly and have kept my older Ferraris for a long time. 360CS is a definite yes. 550 Barchetta I don't think so. Of the 550/575 family, I think the one to get is the 575HGTC and that is a very good stable mate for a 360CS and would leave lots of change from 300k. I bought a 575HGTC a few months ago and it is a cool classic car
Well I think the ideal combination would be something classic and something newer, yes my choice would be over budget, 365 BB and a Scuderia..