Hi everyone, I'm looking foward to sharing some exciting progress on a 599 in the coming weeks and months. This is my first Ferrari. It's always been a dream to own a Front-engine, V12 GT car! But first I have a quick question. Should I get diagnosed if I have ordered Fabio's 6-1 headers, Out Of The Gate's 6-speed conversion, and carbon GTO panels all before taking delivery of the car? This must not be normal, but maybe these things happen when buying a Ferrari? Excited to say I placed a deposit on a car today, and may pick it up as soon as Friday! Thanks for your help on my mental health question, Sasha Anis
Welcome......I clicked in thinking you were depressed.. IMO Ferrari made a large mistake in "forcing" new buyers of the 599 into the paddle shift. So in order:: Gonna be loud Enjoy the ride. GTO mods will be eye catching!
Hey Big Tex, Anyway, it wasn't Ferrari Sales management that forced the F1 semi-automatic transmission to become de facto for 2008 and later 599 models. It was actually the buying public of which only less than 10% of total 599 sales (or 36 total of 2007 models) who'd ordered the 6-speed stick from the factory. Ferrari did accept special orders for one or two 599's post 2008 with 6-speed manual trannys but those were the exception, not the rule. Then nostalgia (and/or post sales market profiteering) ruled circa 2016 when a 2007 with a factory original 6-speed manual tranny sold at auction for over $350K and then the whole shebang started. PS: "Bubba" is the same nickname my grandson carries and who has the same family name as mine. So he'll be carrying on for me!
How about dealer sales management? I had a manual 599 order and before it was locked in Red 10, the dealer wanted a large non-refundable deposit of $50k or 75k (if memory serves). Something about "if I backed out, they would be stuck with the car for a long, long time." They had me second guessing myself.
You can save the headshrinker money, you are definitely crazy. I have a 2005 612 and I have the same disease: Out of the Gate shifter tower and actuator plate and Fiammenghi headers, cats, H-pipes, and valved mufflers. Also some aftermarket carbon fiber aero bits. Definitely crazy. On the other hand, the 599 conversion is in a sense the best bang for buck in the auto world. For a capital outlay of $35-$45k you get the same experience as those who have paid a $300-$400k premium for a factory gated six 599. Plus, unlike them, you're allowed to drive your car.
Here's some sound advice: Get the car first and live with it a year before you drop $100k. You're going to need $15k for shocks after you get the title and....a few other things.
