Paintwork 2005 vs 2004

Was there an issue at Ferrari in 2005 that caused a major decline in the quality of the paintwork? I'm aware the paint quality had historically varied from car to car but thought that problem was solved in the 90s.

I ask becaused I've been looking at a 2005 and 2004. The paintwork on the 2004 is outstanding - deep, rich and great gloss. The 2005 leaves a bit to be desired, I don't see orange peel finish but it does have nearly the same gloss. The potential difference is the 2004 is at a dealer and has been detailed, while the 2005 is a private sale and could use some attention. I also recall looking at a 612 in the showroom in 2005 and being disappointed by the paintwork which was complete orange peel finish.

 

I don't know if there was an issue in 2005, but orange peel on European cars has been common for decades, well before the environmentally influenced waterborne paints in use today.

I would look at more cars before you conclude anything.

The other thing is that orange peel tends to be reduced with successive buffings -- on my 328, the protected areas in the tail light panel, door jambs, and inside the buttresses on the rear deck have considerable original orange peel, while the large flat surfaces do not, due to 20+ years of detailing, buffing, etc.