You can’t get a manual transmission from Ferrari or Lamborghini today, but collectors are willing to pay hefty premiums for their last stick-shift models. This trend specifically applies to the cars that offered the choice between the real manual and the “robotized” manual, which Ferrari called F1 and Lamborghini called E-Gear. Today, a Ferrari F430 with the stick-shift can command a 100% premium over the F1 model. Some independent shops are even providing conversions back to full manual transmissions. Is that a wise purchase?
More than 10 years after the introduction of Ferrari’s 458 Spider, this open-top version of its mid-engine Berlinetta remains one the marque’s most sought after cars. Our most recent “Model Masterpiece” explains why.
The Ferrari California’s cabin was premium luxury all the way, but with a layout that hewed more closely to contemporary luxury GTs than the more purist performance themes seen in Ferrari’s other models. As with other Ferraris, of course, customers could avail themselves to a wide range of personalization options.
A 2004 Ferrari 360 Spider with just one-owner will be up for auction by RM Sotheby’s at its Amelia Island Concours auction in March. It features a F1 transmission and with just 392 miles. The $125k-$175k pre-sale estimate is about what its base price was when new.
The Ferrari F430, unveiled at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, is described as the “evolution” of the F360 that preceded it, and debuted the E-Diff for the make. Today, 15 years later, it stands out amongst the three generations of mid-V8 models that it precedes.
Ferrari 458 Italia reset almost every measurement bar one could apply to a high-performance sports car. Editors at Motor Trend magazine wrote: “The 458 Italia surrounds you so completely with its talent, it almost feels an organic extension of your senses… This Ferrari turns mere mortals like you and me into driving gods.”
