CHASING CARS
ENGINE 5748cc/V12/DOHC per bank POWER 515bhp@7250rpm TORQUE 434lb ft@ 5250rpm MAXIMUM SPEED 202mph 0-60MPH 4.2sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 13-16mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, six-speed man MoT 12 months on sale ODOMETER 17,360 miles
ASKING £194,950 PRICE
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
The engine fires eagerly without fuss and both water and oil gauges sit at 70 degrees once it’s reached temperature with oil pressure at just over five bar; correct and stable readings, in other words. It drives very smoothly. Second and third gear are a bit baulky when the gearbox is cold – aclassic Ferrari trait – but quickly become slick and easy to swap ratios once warmed through. Acceleration is urgent, and torque delivery seamless. We only got it up to sixth gear briefly – the long upper ratios combined with the huge performance mean the top two are largely redundant away from a motorway. The ride is firm for a GT (but supple for a supercar) and generates no untoward noises. A tendency to tramline on uneven roads is a result of low-profile tyres rather than a fault with the car.
BODYWORK CHECK
Bodily, it’s excellent. There’s a slight ripple in the top of the rear rubber windscreen seal and the vast bonnet stands ever so slightly proud on the nearside front corner when closed but that’s a common issue with 550s and 575s. The alloy wheels are all in perfect condition and the Pirelli P-Zero tyres are so new that they still have rubber bobbles on their sidewalls.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
Pull the driver’s door handle, and the windows drop to equalise air pressure, winding themselves back up to their seals when closed. The interior looks barely patinated, corresponding with the low odometer reading. All of the touch points are free of scuffs, scratches and nail marks and there’s barely a crease in either of the leather chairs.
UNDER THE BONNET
The engine bay is similarly spotless apart from a small spot o
