Is a manual to be prefered?

Personally I would not convert a 599 to manual - having one of the latest iterations of the F1 system, the 599 is a consistent package.
To get the specific feelings of a pure manual transmission, it's better to go for a car that was designed with it - converting a 355 makes sense, because the F1 system was then still lacking development, but on later cars it becomes less and less relevant as the system was refined (and the cars were designed around it).

 

I have a 612, so it's not a direct comparison. But I really like the F1 gearbox in my car and I wouldn't think of converting it to manual. Privately, I suspect that the F1-to-manual conversion will end-up hurting the value of the car. It will no longer be original. But every situation is different, so do what your heart tells you!

 

You say 599 and single clutch. I believe the 599 has a dual plate dry clutch.

 

I am complete agreement with @LVP488. The F1 on the 599 is fantastic. Best of both worlds, still feels raw like a manual but much faster gear changes. Especially with the HGTE. I recently read in Cavallino that the downshifting was intended to mimic F1 cars, i.e., pulling the left paddle toward you without releasing shifts gears down progressively in the fastest manner as if you were entering a hairpin on a track.

 

John, you are correct.

599 has 2 discs and is a classy "single" clutch system.
348holland meant the classy single clutch system, not the dual clutch system from later models like F12.


Daniel

 

It’s an absolutely great time in manual form. Epic machine.