6'6"... 550 a little tight.

A 550 is a wonderful car. I'd recommend that model (but I'm biased being an owner of one).

I'm 5'9" so I fit in all the different Ferrari models - even a 328.

The biggest guy in a Ferrari has to be Shaquille O'Neal.
He had a 456 GTA customized into a targa top design.
He would drive it with the top off.
He had the rear seats removed and longer seat rails for the front seats put in so he could move the seats farther back.
Even after all that, his head used to stick up in the wind above the windshield frame.
Of course, Shaq is too big for most cars at 7'1" and 325 lbs.
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At 6'2" in cramped in Lamborghini (zero legroom ) . My cousin 6'6 also has no issues in my 360 as long as the seat is all way back and down. He has long legs

 

You might try and see if you can find a 360/430 with the sport seats. These offer about 2" of additional headroom.

 

At 6'5" I fit comfortably in my 550. It's not like my truck but comfortable for an Italian sports car. You should try a 360 coupe. They have way more leg and headroom than the spyders

 

Dgi, if your passion is with the mid engines you need to pursue them thoroughly first.

The 575 is available in a manual transmission, approximately 10% of the cars and it does have the sport seat option. I think you will find that option on 550's too but memory is not so good.

Also, before purchasing a 575 I considered a Challenge Stradale (360 platform) and being tall wanted a little more leg room. I noticed and researched on the forums and found that there was about another 1 1/2"-2" behind the seat that could be made to work.
Just a little thinking outside the box.

Bill
FL

 

I race cars and that means custom seats so I'm used to modifications. I also own 550. All Ferraris have the footwell cramped at the clutch pedal because of the wheelwell location. An F1 car would be better if the footbox is just too tight for you. That means a 575. If you can handle the footbox with a clutch then the 550 is an option. If 99% of the time this is your car then just remove the stock seat for a larger wider seat with thinner back and seat cushion. Se what recaro has to offer. If you got to have a Ferrari seat then buy a used seat from a wreck and have it custom altered and keep the original seat elsewhere. You can also delete the seat rails and go for a fixed seat position. Racing shell seats can be very comfortable but look a bit odd in a pure streetcar but lots of Ferrari guys run them. A shell seat can be mounted nearly on the floor and at the back firewall and the shell is only about an inch thick. That can free up many inches in a 550. Even the stock seat without rails can be mounted quite a bit rearward and down on the floorpan. It doesn't sound like you are going to need the seat electronics. The other great thing about a racing shell is you just removed about 50lbs out of the car.

 

I'm 6'4" /220lb and fit fine in my 2003 Murcielago (manual) with the steering wheel telescoped out which gives you more room for the knees. The factory seats are narrow though which can be a problem after a couple of hours of driving.
The only problem with the Murcie is that it attracts way too much attention and you cannot leave it parked in public spaces. The 550 would be less visible, but it looks like I'd have a hard time fitting in one. I'll have to try one on one of these days.

 

I've never sat in a 550, but I own a '95 456GT and fit comfortably.

I am 6' 5", 245 pounds.

 

The 456 Targa looks fantastic…does anybody have clue as to how much it would cost to transform a 456 into a Targa..?

 

The 456M feels roomier than a 550/575, (almost "big") but it's not going to have the same level of visceral excitement as a mid-engined car. However, the 360/430 are IMHO really suitable for only short trips. Since you seem to have a flexible budget, I'd try to find one of the rare Schumacher edition 456Ms. They are all 6 speeds with unique gray and black tutone bodies and interiors, specially tinted wheels, etc. Subtle but aggressive for a 2+2 GT.https://www.google.com/search?q=456M+schumacher+edition&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=D36SUpGGGqOpiQLR7YHoBw&ved=0CCkQsAQ&biw=1680&bih=924

The 550 does, however, have about 40 more horsepower, though without a stopwatch I don't know how easy it is to tell the difference.

 

I'm 6'11'', Last time I sat in a 550 I was 6'6'' and I was fine (I have long legs). If I where to buy one today (coming closer to it slowly but surely...) I would definitely fit sport seats (or rather race seats, like CWWHK has done for even more room) and likely a smaller diameter steering wheel + spacer. I'll lose the airbag, but that's off no worry to me.


Even a 360 is possible to do the way I describe above. Race seats give an amazing amount of extra head/leg room, as do smaller steering wheels (a typical wheel is 350mm in a Ferrari, going to a 330 or even a 300mm will give a lot of leg space).

 

As mentioned, seats make a huge difference. I have a F430 with CS seats which I added (after carefully packing away the Daytonas). Fitment is great (6'4" 225#). It is an F1, which helps.

I also have a 456M GT, but with the regular seats, and I find it's a tight fit, obviously doable, but less comfortable. I tried to lower the center seat cushion by removing foam, but then I was sitting on the pipes, which was very uncomfortable, especially on longer trips.

I have pre-Fiat era car with low backs which an okay fit; I have to "slouch" a little driving it, but I have a small firm pillow I put in the crease to support my lower back. I did over 2000 miles in a week in that car with no comfort issues.

At 6'6", you will need to know which compromises you can live with, and which you can't, especially in an exotic.

 

Lots of room in my 456 6 speed. Want to trade?

 

I am 6'4" 232lbs and most of my height is in my legs. I have a 36/37" inseam and can stretch out my leg fully when operating the clutch in my 2000 550. I also have about 3" of headroom. The big question is shoe size. I wear a 13 US and prefer to drive with no shoes on. I just slip my shoes under my seat and slip them back on again when I get where I'm going. I am also local to you. If you let me know in advance I can meet up with you at cars and coffee in Annapolis and you can get in it and see for yourself.