Speciale hunt - anything to know?
Discussion
Hey guys,
Going to start the hunt for a Speciale over the coming months. Not in the position to purchase yet, but looking to buy closer to the end of the year. Have basically "selected" this as the next car to have - and one I'll be keeping for life.
As I'll be keeping the car for life, it has to be just right in terms of spec and options. There'll be no compromise.
I'd quite like the Rosso Corso + NART combination, as it is classic Speciale, but seen a few other nice specs in Grey as well. There's one in Bramley's right now that has a beautiful interior spec, with tan leather instead of the standard Speciale black/red alcantara you see every day, and a grey exterior.
Must have options for me would be the Titanium Exhaust (not sure if that's standard fit), carbon engine bay (because porn), carbon front and rear splitter, and carbon canard thing, down the side. Not sure what it's called. The little fin.
I don't care too much about mileage, truth be told. I'd prefer if the car were driven and not just sat, so something with more than 2k and less than 10k would suit fine. I'll likely lop on 2-3k in the first year itself. It's a keeper so mileage/value equation be damned.
On this note, regarding value, this car, to my eye has got nothing different than cars sat at £320k, except the fact it has 4k miles on it. But I'd appreciate a second set of eyes on this to make sure it's only the mileage that is putting this one squarely in the bottom end of the market by a large margin. It's the one I'd buy if I were buying today -https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ferrari/458/458-speciale--extended-manufactures-warranty/6509303
Anyway, will be my first ever foray into Ferrari ownership, so wanted to know if there's anything I needed to know about this specific model. I've done some amount of research into it, but will continue to do more fact finding as we approach the time to buy. Not sure how much lower they'll go, but my ideal spec car is sat at £279k right now, and that's the lowest I've ever seen a Speciale.
Going to start the hunt for a Speciale over the coming months. Not in the position to purchase yet, but looking to buy closer to the end of the year. Have basically "selected" this as the next car to have - and one I'll be keeping for life.
As I'll be keeping the car for life, it has to be just right in terms of spec and options. There'll be no compromise.
I'd quite like the Rosso Corso + NART combination, as it is classic Speciale, but seen a few other nice specs in Grey as well. There's one in Bramley's right now that has a beautiful interior spec, with tan leather instead of the standard Speciale black/red alcantara you see every day, and a grey exterior.
Must have options for me would be the Titanium Exhaust (not sure if that's standard fit), carbon engine bay (because porn), carbon front and rear splitter, and carbon canard thing, down the side. Not sure what it's called. The little fin.
I don't care too much about mileage, truth be told. I'd prefer if the car were driven and not just sat, so something with more than 2k and less than 10k would suit fine. I'll likely lop on 2-3k in the first year itself. It's a keeper so mileage/value equation be damned.
On this note, regarding value, this car, to my eye has got nothing different than cars sat at £320k, except the fact it has 4k miles on it. But I'd appreciate a second set of eyes on this to make sure it's only the mileage that is putting this one squarely in the bottom end of the market by a large margin. It's the one I'd buy if I were buying today -https://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/ferrari/458/458-speciale--extended-manufactures-warranty/6509303
Anyway, will be my first ever foray into Ferrari ownership, so wanted to know if there's anything I needed to know about this specific model. I've done some amount of research into it, but will continue to do more fact finding as we approach the time to buy. Not sure how much lower they'll go, but my ideal spec car is sat at £279k right now, and that's the lowest I've ever seen a Speciale.
I have noticed they have dropped a little recently too or maybe just my imagination?
I'm sure the there was a LHD one for £225k recently?
Either way, they're an incredible car and I'm sure you'll love it, got to be a keeper, I think it's right to buy one with the attitude of not worrying too much about milage as they should be used!
I'm sure the there was a LHD one for £225k recently?
Either way, they're an incredible car and I'm sure you'll love it, got to be a keeper, I think it's right to buy one with the attitude of not worrying too much about milage as they should be used!
I bought a GS 458 Italia about 6 months ago in about the lightest most Speciale spec i could find and is my first Ferrari..As i love the 458 so much have been looking to upgrade it to the Speciale..However this plan is now on hold as i was fortunate enough to be given a .2GT3 RS WP allocation which is all i can currently afford..
In terms of the Speciales i was looking at, i avoided anything with less then 6K miles as these cars command a significant premium over ones with say 8K miles..So for me personally i'd target an 8K mile 2015 car in either GS or RC..An even better colour on the Speciale is Rosso Fuoco which is a triple layer metallic red and my first choice.The prices on the ones i was looking at was coincidentally £279K which is the most i'd pay.
In terms of options basically i'd prefer both the Carbon rear splitter and front spoiler as on my Italia and i think the CF engine cover and engine bay are very desirable..I saw a Speciale at the SS track day on Monday with just the black plastic rear splitter which looked cheap in comparison..Inside i'd get all the Alcantara especially roof lining and the optional JBL sound is a worthy upgrade..Unless you have a particularly steep driveway i'd avoid front lift as they tend to go wrong and add weight and complexity.
If there is a safer place to place your money in a car from a residual POV the Speciale has equal standing with the Porsche Carrera GT..These two are my favourite cars of all time and absolute dead cert future classics and will appreciate in values IMO
In terms of the Speciales i was looking at, i avoided anything with less then 6K miles as these cars command a significant premium over ones with say 8K miles..So for me personally i'd target an 8K mile 2015 car in either GS or RC..An even better colour on the Speciale is Rosso Fuoco which is a triple layer metallic red and my first choice.The prices on the ones i was looking at was coincidentally £279K which is the most i'd pay.
In terms of options basically i'd prefer both the Carbon rear splitter and front spoiler as on my Italia and i think the CF engine cover and engine bay are very desirable..I saw a Speciale at the SS track day on Monday with just the black plastic rear splitter which looked cheap in comparison..Inside i'd get all the Alcantara especially roof lining and the optional JBL sound is a worthy upgrade..Unless you have a particularly steep driveway i'd avoid front lift as they tend to go wrong and add weight and complexity.
If there is a safer place to place your money in a car from a residual POV the Speciale has equal standing with the Porsche Carrera GT..These two are my favourite cars of all time and absolute dead cert future classics and will appreciate in values IMO
teapea said:
I have noticed they have dropped a little recently too or maybe just my imagination?
I'm sure the there was a LHD one for £225k recently?
Either way, they're an incredible car and I'm sure you'll love it, got to be a keeper, I think it's right to buy one with the attitude of not worrying too much about milage as they should be used!
Yeah, they've had some downward pressure as a result of a pretty depressed car market right now (from a sellers POV). Great time to be buying despite it being summer, which leads me to believe the coming winter will be a perfect time to buy. I'm sure the there was a LHD one for £225k recently?
Either way, they're an incredible car and I'm sure you'll love it, got to be a keeper, I think it's right to buy one with the attitude of not worrying too much about milage as they should be used!
CC Car Mad said:
i think this car has been about a while and when I enquired the car had been the subject of an insurance claim. I'm sure the car is 100% correct in detail now .. the seller has a very good reputation but I believe that is why the price is what it is. If its a keeper do you care?
Hm, interesting outlook. I think on a personal level I'd prefer a car with no insurance claim, truth be told. I'd just worry. I don't want to worry. Besides, it would hurt it when it came time, 50 years on and I'm dead, for my kids to sell on (presumably). Or for me to liquidate quickly should the worst happen and I'm out of business for whatever reason. Just worth the premium for something collectible. I'm not, personally, looking at it as a collectible because that far on into the future, condition is king imo. It'll probably fair better than garage queens given the machine is being exercised, even. Just a personal outlook tbf. I'm sure there's nothing really wrong with that car. Just priced far under market, and still not moving. Indicates it's difficult to liquidate and reduces my flexibility with £300k should the worst occur. Taffy66 said:
I bought a GS 458 Italia about 6 months ago in about the lightest most Speciale spec i could find and is my first Ferrari..As i love the 458 so much have been looking to upgrade it to the Speciale..However this plan is now on hold as i was fortunate enough to be given a .2GT3 RS WP allocation which is all i can currently afford..
In terms of the Speciales i was looking at, i avoided anything with less then 6K miles as these cars command a significant premium over ones with say 8K miles..So for me personally i'd target an 8K mile 2015 car in either GS or RC..An even better colour on the Speciale is Rosso Fuoco which is a triple layer metallic red and my first choice.The prices on the ones i was looking at was coincidentally £279K which is the most i'd pay.
In terms of options basically i'd prefer both the Carbon rear splitter and front spoiler as on my Italia and i think the CF engine cover and engine bay are very desirable..I saw a Speciale at the SS track day on Monday with just the black plastic rear splitter which looked cheap in comparison..Inside i'd get all the Alcantara especially roof lining and the optional JBL sound is a worthy upgrade..Unless you have a particularly steep driveway i'd avoid front lift as they tend to go wrong and add weight and complexity.
If there is a safer place to place your money in a car from a residual POV the Speciale has equal standing with the Porsche Carrera GT..These two are my favourite cars of all time and absolute dead cert future classics and will appreciate in values IMO
Solid input, thank you! Forgot about the JBL. Didn't know about the front lift breaking, will definitely add that to my notes. Rosso Fuoco is one of my favorite F-Car colors. Seems difficult to find with a stripe though. In terms of the Speciales i was looking at, i avoided anything with less then 6K miles as these cars command a significant premium over ones with say 8K miles..So for me personally i'd target an 8K mile 2015 car in either GS or RC..An even better colour on the Speciale is Rosso Fuoco which is a triple layer metallic red and my first choice.The prices on the ones i was looking at was coincidentally £279K which is the most i'd pay.
In terms of options basically i'd prefer both the Carbon rear splitter and front spoiler as on my Italia and i think the CF engine cover and engine bay are very desirable..I saw a Speciale at the SS track day on Monday with just the black plastic rear splitter which looked cheap in comparison..Inside i'd get all the Alcantara especially roof lining and the optional JBL sound is a worthy upgrade..Unless you have a particularly steep driveway i'd avoid front lift as they tend to go wrong and add weight and complexity.
If there is a safer place to place your money in a car from a residual POV the Speciale has equal standing with the Porsche Carrera GT..These two are my favourite cars of all time and absolute dead cert future classics and will appreciate in values IMO
Edited by CyCy on Friday 7th June 11:42
I think the rosso corsa + NART is a classic combo and would agree that alcantara inside is more authentic than full leather. The stitching in a contrasting thread is a nice touch to match the exterior. But it's your car, you pick whatever you fancy if you plan on keeping it. Mine is giallo modena which you see less of than the rosso I think.
I have the titanium exhaust but not the carbon side fins. I personally don't like those and the front side vents in CF but agree that the front and rear splitter / lower diffuser look better in CF. Don't chip or ding them as they're a pain to repair. Also, the front lift is quite handy for use in towns and car parks and I've never had an issue or failure with it. Battery life is the only pain as with a tracker you need to keep using the car (as I do) or keep it plugged in to a trickle charger (which I can't do as I don't have a garage).
Even with the upgraded sound system, it's pretty basic. Having a conversation with the passenger is tricky too at motorway speeds but who cares.
Mine is coming up to 16k miles so I'm sure dealer would bid me a tenner on it but I wouldn't sell it as there's really nothing that tempts me as a replacement. I have not driven a Huracan Performante but like the look of these for sure. I was lucky to be offered a Huracan for a week recently as a courtesy car and it felt less well put put together than the Ferrari. The exhaust was amusingly loud though! A Pista is undoubtedly faster but then I'm sure the 488 was pitched as this on release but I did not enjoy the car overall vs the Speciale.
Enjoy the search, they are great cars. Shout if you have any more questions!
I have the titanium exhaust but not the carbon side fins. I personally don't like those and the front side vents in CF but agree that the front and rear splitter / lower diffuser look better in CF. Don't chip or ding them as they're a pain to repair. Also, the front lift is quite handy for use in towns and car parks and I've never had an issue or failure with it. Battery life is the only pain as with a tracker you need to keep using the car (as I do) or keep it plugged in to a trickle charger (which I can't do as I don't have a garage).
Even with the upgraded sound system, it's pretty basic. Having a conversation with the passenger is tricky too at motorway speeds but who cares.
Mine is coming up to 16k miles so I'm sure dealer would bid me a tenner on it but I wouldn't sell it as there's really nothing that tempts me as a replacement. I have not driven a Huracan Performante but like the look of these for sure. I was lucky to be offered a Huracan for a week recently as a courtesy car and it felt less well put put together than the Ferrari. The exhaust was amusingly loud though! A Pista is undoubtedly faster but then I'm sure the 488 was pitched as this on release but I did not enjoy the car overall vs the Speciale.
Enjoy the search, they are great cars. Shout if you have any more questions!
If you're really thinking about keeping it for life, which is a great call and something I would do if I could, then you should consider that any carbon interior/exterior parts can be ordered and fitted by your local Ferrari garage, and because of Topaz Skin you could buy a car in whatever colour offers the best value for money then re-paint it exactly as you'd like. I'd want a TDF blue with a silver and white stripe, but I could buy a yellow car, give it a good detail, protect the yellow paint with the skin and then paint it TDF blue, you'd get a factory new look with self healing paint.
JW82 said:
I think the rosso corsa + NART is a classic combo and would agree that alcantara inside is more authentic than full leather. The stitching in a contrasting thread is a nice touch to match the exterior. But it's your car, you pick whatever you fancy if you plan on keeping it. Mine is giallo modena which you see less of than the rosso I think.
I have the titanium exhaust but not the carbon side fins. I personally don't like those and the front side vents in CF but agree that the front and rear splitter / lower diffuser look better in CF. Don't chip or ding them as they're a pain to repair. Also, the front lift is quite handy for use in towns and car parks and I've never had an issue or failure with it. Battery life is the only pain as with a tracker you need to keep using the car (as I do) or keep it plugged in to a trickle charger (which I can't do as I don't have a garage).
Even with the upgraded sound system, it's pretty basic. Having a conversation with the passenger is tricky too at motorway speeds but who cares.
Mine is coming up to 16k miles so I'm sure dealer would bid me a tenner on it but I wouldn't sell it as there's really nothing that tempts me as a replacement. I have not driven a Huracan Performante but like the look of these for sure. I was lucky to be offered a Huracan for a week recently as a courtesy car and it felt less well put put together than the Ferrari. The exhaust was amusingly loud though! A Pista is undoubtedly faster but then I'm sure the 488 was pitched as this on release but I did not enjoy the car overall vs the Speciale.
Enjoy the search, they are great cars. Shout if you have any more questions!
16k miles! I seek to emulate. That's absolutely fabulous to hear of a Speciale not being babied. I plan the exact same with mine. As a lifer, mileage is no longer a point on the equation. I have the titanium exhaust but not the carbon side fins. I personally don't like those and the front side vents in CF but agree that the front and rear splitter / lower diffuser look better in CF. Don't chip or ding them as they're a pain to repair. Also, the front lift is quite handy for use in towns and car parks and I've never had an issue or failure with it. Battery life is the only pain as with a tracker you need to keep using the car (as I do) or keep it plugged in to a trickle charger (which I can't do as I don't have a garage).
Even with the upgraded sound system, it's pretty basic. Having a conversation with the passenger is tricky too at motorway speeds but who cares.
Mine is coming up to 16k miles so I'm sure dealer would bid me a tenner on it but I wouldn't sell it as there's really nothing that tempts me as a replacement. I have not driven a Huracan Performante but like the look of these for sure. I was lucky to be offered a Huracan for a week recently as a courtesy car and it felt less well put put together than the Ferrari. The exhaust was amusingly loud though! A Pista is undoubtedly faster but then I'm sure the 488 was pitched as this on release but I did not enjoy the car overall vs the Speciale.
Enjoy the search, they are great cars. Shout if you have any more questions!
Yes, part of the Speciale reasoning for me is to begin collecting greatest cars of my generation. Greatest doesn't mean quickest. The Pista is a good car, I've no doubt. Very fast, too. But as a former 720S owner, speed isn't everything. The Speciale would give me an x-factor that the 720S wouldn't be able to. The LT version of the 720S is automatically added to the list given it's going to be utterly ballistic, and should be rawer and more emotive.
I've driven the Performante, and it's absolutely spectacular as an emotional experience. Didn't get too much seat time or very open roads, but it felt very special indeed, for the bits I could give it a bit of a boot. Recommend getting the Huracan Perf Evo. Be a cool car to have as the last pure N/A V10 Lambo. Buy that one and kick the crap out of it, I say.
Thanks for the offer, as the time closes I'll make sure to keep coming back to this thread and necroposting, haha!
WCZ said:
I wouldn't be discouraged by 'high' mileage cars at all, they are much better value for money and are usually in fantastic condition.
this is one of the greatest cars ever made and you won't be in a hurry to sell it anyway imo
I would honestly prefer a car with miles, something like 6-10k is acceptable to me. I don't intend on selling the car in my lifetime. Things do change, though. Who knows. I've never driven one, so may not get on.this is one of the greatest cars ever made and you won't be in a hurry to sell it anyway imo
teapea said:
I think the worst thing about owning one would be the fear of putting miles on it, which is a shame.
Former McLaren owner. Depreciation is my b
h. 
AndrewD said:
Good choice! I bought one 4-5 weeks ago, Rosso Corsa and NART with all the options I think you mentioned but not lift. Front is higher than Porsche GT cars and I find it is just extra weight to lug about.
That is a fabulous car! How are you finding it? Is it living up to your expectations? Lucky man!PantsFire said:
If you're really thinking about keeping it for life, which is a great call and something I would do if I could, then you should consider that any carbon interior/exterior parts can be ordered and fitted by your local Ferrari garage, and because of Topaz Skin you could buy a car in whatever colour offers the best value for money then re-paint it exactly as you'd like. I'd want a TDF blue with a silver and white stripe, but I could buy a yellow car, give it a good detail, protect the yellow paint with the skin and then paint it TDF blue, you'd get a factory new look with self healing paint.
That is a fantastic point. I've never considered they'd be able to do complex things like stripes, et al, easily. 
Good to hear that mileage is not so much of a consideration. My experience of Stradale ownership was that I purchased a super low mileage car and subsequently hated putting any mileage on it
In the end, I hated using it because of mileage and got rid. I really disliked how mileage sensitive the car was and was glad to get out of it. No fun in just looking at something in the garage.
Mileage - killed my life long love of Ferrari's. Shame. Being a little older and wiser i'm not sure a limited run car will ever adorn my garage again.
In the end, I hated using it because of mileage and got rid. I really disliked how mileage sensitive the car was and was glad to get out of it. No fun in just looking at something in the garage.
Mileage - killed my life long love of Ferrari's. Shame. Being a little older and wiser i'm not sure a limited run car will ever adorn my garage again.
Candellara said:
Good to hear that mileage is not so much of a consideration. My experience of Stradale ownership was that I purchased a super low mileage car and subsequently hated putting any mileage on it
In the end, I hated using it because of mileage and got rid. I really disliked how mileage sensitive the car was and was glad to get out of it. No fun in just looking at something in the garage.
Mileage - killed my life long love of Ferrari's. Shame. Being a little older and wiser i'm not sure a limited run car will ever adorn my garage again.
I can respect that. I'm fortunate enough to be able to write off the £300-odd K when it comes to this. Just gonna put the money in and pretend I lost it all. Then I'm gonna drive the thing on track like my cock is on fire. In the end, I hated using it because of mileage and got rid. I really disliked how mileage sensitive the car was and was glad to get out of it. No fun in just looking at something in the garage.
Mileage - killed my life long love of Ferrari's. Shame. Being a little older and wiser i'm not sure a limited run car will ever adorn my garage again.
I shouldn't say that with any surety yet, anyway. Many sleepless nights and long days of work ahead of me yet to get to the end of the year in a fashion that will allow this. But it's somehow managing to work out so far. We'll see.
In terms of options I went for the carbon engine bay, diffuser, side fins. The front end carbon was a no for me as not practical due to stone chips and potential crazing. I went for the front end lift as quite a long front overhang. Four point harness makes it feel special. The radio and nav option, there wasn’t a stereo upgrade as far as I’m aware. As for the titanium exhaust, I’ve got this, but note that it’s just the end tips in titanium and not the actual system, a tad expensive for what it was! The gold wheels and carbon centre caps look so good on the car.
forcedinduction7 said:
In terms of options I went for the carbon engine bay, diffuser, side fins. The front end carbon was a no for me as not practical due to stone chips and potential crazing. I went for the front end lift as quite a long front overhang. Four point harness makes it feel special. The radio and nav option, there wasn’t a stereo upgrade as far as I’m aware. As for the titanium exhaust, I’ve got this, but note that it’s just the end tips in titanium and not the actual system, a tad expensive for what it was! The gold wheels and carbon centre caps look so good on the car.
Still very much enjoying my 2015 Speciale which I bought new. Pretty basic spec, Rosso Corsa with Grigio twin stripes, minimal carbon fibre, classic fabric / alcantara interior, sat nav (absolutely rubbish!), parking sensors (nuisance!), and reversing camera (tick!). Now with 13,500 miles, including some great track days. I didn't go for the carbon fibre engine bay, as the engine is the real gem and it doesn't anything to detract from it! I may fit carbon fibre winglets in the future. Never had any issues with front ground clearance, just drive carefully over lumpy bits. I would certainly recommend protective plastic film, essential if the car has painted stripes. Annoyingly the extra-thin weight-saving windscreen is very prone to stone chips, and the painted finish on the wheels was poor (my ongoing complaint). I'm insured through Mannings UK, 5k miles p.a., trackday cover, agreed value at £300, £2.5 excess (£25 on track): premium is £2,900. Tracker is just over £300 p.a., and road tax £570. I'm still inside the 7 year service pack, and new tyres all around cost me just under £1,500 from my friendly local tyre man.
Do it!!
MW
Do it!!
MW
mikewood said:
Still very much enjoying my 2015 Speciale which I bought new. Pretty basic spec, Rosso Corsa with Grigio twin stripes, minimal carbon fibre, classic fabric / alcantara interior, sat nav (absolutely rubbish!), parking sensors (nuisance!), and reversing camera (tick!). Now with 13,500 miles, including some great track days. I didn't go for the carbon fibre engine bay, as the engine is the real gem and it doesn't anything to detract from it! I may fit carbon fibre winglets in the future. Never had any issues with front ground clearance, just drive carefully over lumpy bits. I would certainly recommend protective plastic film, essential if the car has painted stripes. Annoyingly the extra-thin weight-saving windscreen is very prone to stone chips, and the painted finish on the wheels was poor (my ongoing complaint). I'm insured through Mannings UK, 5k miles p.a., trackday cover, agreed value at £300, £2.5 excess (£25 on track): premium is £2,900. Tracker is just over £300 p.a., and road tax £570. I'm still inside the 7 year service pack, and new tyres all around cost me just under £1,500 from my friendly local tyre man.
Do it!!
MW
That's pretty solid! Thank you so much for the break-down of costs, helps me get a better idea of what to expect. Do it!!
MW
I think the 7yrs of Ferrari Service is a fantastic little bonus. Expecting to budget about £3k per service after that, and then picking up an eventual Power15 warranty (I believe the Speciale qualifies but not super sure..).
My insurance is going to be a whole hell of a lot more than that, though. I'm 23. It's going to hurt. My 720S was pretty high five-figures, but it was worth it. My E63S has only just come down to £5k, in December. Expecting less this year too.
Reckon it'll come in at roughly £10-15k given NCBs, driving history, work history, etc. Haven't binned anything just yet *touch wood*.
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