Japanese versions exported to Europe ?

I own a J-spec 1995 456 which I bought in Japan and brought back to Canada. The value for money was unbeatable. It had 9000 kms on the clock, and aside from the typical window fitment, was in very good shape with a full service history.

I think most people seem to care about the provenance of the car to an unreasonable degree until a certain (car) age, around 30 years. Any older and the provenance seems to matter less.

If buying a driver, Japan makes tons of sense. If an investment, it seems less so. I've gotten 60kUS offers for mine, whereas I think if it had been American from the onset, I'd be closer to 90.

 

I would not touch them. Always a minus when you sell it again. The have no service books etc.,...

 

Purchased a 550 from Japan, service books stamped, rare options, full tools, a factory jack and spare tire, every piece of paper with the car from new, well maintained over $50k USD of maintenance invoices....

Working with the culture for 20 plus years, in automotive, they are honest and have integrity in what they sell

like any other purchase buy the seller!

 

As you can imagine, a large, LHD exotic would have limited utility in crowded Japan, so that probably explains the low mileage. Lots of low mileage ones here in the US, too, for different reasons. Some folks really seem to obsess on service history, but after she has been serviced twice and everything is current, it should become less of an issue. Depends on whether you want an investment or a Maranello to enjoy driving. The difference in price covers that spread pretty well, from the sound of it. Buy one, change all the fluids, filters and belts, and have fun. Service records in Japanese might be one reason they are not included, unless there are a lot more Japanese readers in Europe than here.

 

.....just perfectly explained Terry.

 

Yes, I've got one. A 1995 456 GT. Had to change the headlamps and had a major done in Frankfurt. Enjoyed already for two summers. In early 2015 it was the best out of six cars I went to see in Austria and Germany. I liked the fact it did not have any sticky panels nor shrunk leather, ca. 87.000km and no airbag.

Cheers,

Pekka T.
Fin.

 

Pekka- Sounds like a good smiles per mile buy, and not something you see every day, either.

 

My 550 is from Japan. I brought it in last year and have no regrets. It came with books and everything but the tool kit was missing. I received a lot of photos of service records but the dealership there didn't put them in the car. I have them on my computer which is better than nothing. I also have the original service book with dealer stamps that checks out with the mileage, as well as the annual "roadworthiness" tests that are mandatory in Japan.

Only regret I have is one with more desirable options came up a week or two after I had completed the transaction!

I paid approximately 30% less than what people are asking for similar mileage cars. Mine also has a little over 20k miles. I personally don't really care about the resale since I intend on driving it. The way I see it I could sell it at cost and it would be gone immediately since it would be priced so far below the market. At my cost I can enjoy it for a few years for free most likely (discounting opportunity cost). If prices keep going up for NA models that will lift the price of imported specs as well.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. I'm always looking at the Japanese market and currency fluctuations to see if deals can be had. If you care about resale and are looking for a garage queen / investment then probably not the best idea. I'd rather spend that 30% discount on maintenance, modifications, insurance and lots and lots of fuel.
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A Japan-based Fchatter on the TR/M board recently sold his absolutely beautiful F512M to a US-based Fchatter, via a UK auction, for a bargain price. The Japan Discount will lessen over the years for those cars.

 

Hello Rory

 

Was he able to bring it in to the US? If I recall correctly, they need to be 25 years or older for the US, only 15 years for Canada. Although I'm sure there's services that legalize them for use on US roads before that time frame.

 

I believe he is storing it in a garage (unregistered & not road legal) until the 25 year mark, which for a F512M is in 3-4 years' time. The purchaser was a big collector. From memory it was a unique colour and very low miles, one of the best. Seller had owned the car many years and could vouch for it, separate to the auction, which isn't the case for many Japan cars which I guess accounts for the discount.

 

The 92s will be eligible this year and the 94s in 2019 for the 512 TR and the F512M will be eligible in 2019/2020, depending on build date.

 

IMHO used Ferraris from official Japanese distributor Cornes are usually in exceptional condition for very reasonable prices.

I bought my Tokyo 360 Spider and 430 Spider new from them and traded them in with barely break-in mileage. Took a bath on trade-in value but didn't have time to try to sell myself in Tokyo. Whoever bought my trade-ins got practically new cars.

I myself wouldn't hesitate to buy used Cornes cars at all.

 

As tres55 points out, the discount can be significant. Although mine wasn't far below American market price, the only other two manual 456s in Canada were $130k and $190k with higher mileage than mine. I think that speaks for itself.

 

While looking for a Maranello I followed some examples from Japan as well...

At that time, theses cars where imported by some "strange" Importers (import/export of - almost everything....), so I wasn't convinced, that I'll get a better car from Japan. But in general the price level has been much lower for Maranellos two years ago and the price difference has been just appr. 10 % between an European/Japanese car. Generally, was always smitten by their low milages!

Would always consider a Japanese Maranello as an alternative, they where prestigious objects in Japan, well cared for (…has to be checked) and seldomly used (…including all advantages/disadvantages&#8230.