[212Export]

I apologize to stretch the Supercar list of threads with a almost "identical" header some further but I would be interested for comments from you:

Since almost 3 years I had my eyes open for an F50. It just never seemed to be the right one. (Either english not totally proper nor german version with if and when's, or Swiss accidented but not told about initially), so partially out of frustration I decided to buy a F40 to drive and not a perfect F50 to wait for. Unfortunately or better fortunately so the F40 experience proved to be a spectacular one. Without further arguing for all the why's (see other threads) this brings me somehow into a clinch with myself.

On one hand, I have found a spectacular looking Swiss F50, first hand, 5'km for a reasonable F50 price. Unfortunately that car misses the Barchetta roof and the headrests (they would be delivered new from factory and included in the package about 1-2 month after signing the contract). Also this F50 has no passengers cabin insulation, a option the first owner decided to choose (behind the seats shines the naked beautiful carbon wall) resulting in some higher than usual noise levels. Other than that, the car would be a great buy as probably only 7-10 F50 ever have been originally delivered to Switzerland.

On the other hand, there is (for me the only alternative atm) a nice F40 with lower mileage (20k's), LM spec (plexi windows etc.), 2 owners, also 100% Swiss car.

What I liked on the F40 I owned was the fact that I used it often for far distances, also because of the fact that the car to me was usable like a GT car (lots of luggage space compared to F50, not very noisy). I do believe that I would use the F50 much less or at least for much shorter stints and trips.
Since I do plan to keep "D", I may should rate "D" as the long trip car and not put importance to the "long trip" argument on that 2nd possible Ferrari purchase. The F50 is much rarer but will it be usable the way I treat the poor Ferraris of mine

Any thoughts are welcomed.

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

For the last several years, you have kept your desire for F50. Therefore, the answer seems simple. F50 for you to relish. I do not think you would regret your choice. Ask Boxer. w/ smiles Jimmy

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

For the last several years, you have kept your desire for F50. Therefore, the answer seems simple. F50 for you to relish. I do not think you would regret your choice. Ask Boxer. w/ smiles Jimmy

Thank you Jimmy. I do not ask Boxer...because I know his answer perfectly!

[Saint Bastage]

Originally Posted by 212Export

I do not ask Boxer...because I know his answer perfectly!

Perfect. I'm still giggling.

[360 Modena]

I think Boxer would say buy, keep and drive both the F40 and F50.

A perfect solution to your dilemma, no?

[212Export]

Originally Posted by 360 Modena

I think Boxer would say buy, keep and drive both the F40 and F50.

A perfect solution to your dilemma, no?

Yes, that would be the best. But as mentioned on other threads, 2 F's will be the maximum because of space and time to drive. (have kids at home too) And I'm not willing (yet) to sell "D" as I would miss a classic and great car in the stable. Either Daytona/F40 or Daytona/F50 would be a nice (small) collection.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS

For the last several years, you have kept your desire for F50. Therefore, the answer seems simple. F50 for you to relish. I do not think you would regret your choice. Ask Boxer. w/ smiles Jimmy

212,
I think Jimmy knows the answer (and I know Boxer does ). At some point I think you need to scratch that F50 itch. You have the perfect long distance, continent conquering, classic Daytona, which I've seen first hand take everything mother nature (and it's owner ) could throw at it and just keep on going. So I wouldn't worry about that.

The big question is, if you bought the F40, would each time you open the gararge door a question arise, "I wonder if I should have bought the F50?" or worse still "I wish it was an F50" If this is the case then I think the F50 is the one (and lets hope it is as good as you expect it to be!)

Just my 0.02. In the end do whatever will make you the happiest

[Killer58]

"New" Math: D + F50 = a winning combination

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Barry

212,
I think Jimmy knows the answer (and I know Boxer does ). At some point I think you need to scratch that F50 itch. You have the perfect long distance, continent conquering, classic Daytona, which I've seen first hand take everything mother nature (and it's owner ) could throw at it and just keep on going. So I wouldn't worry about that.

The big question is, if you bought the F40, would each time you open the gararge door a question arise, "I wonder if I should have bought the F50?" or worse still "I wish it was an F50" If this is the case then I think the F50 is the one (and lets hope it is as good as you expect it to be!)

Just my 0.02. In the end do whatever will make you the happiest

Thanks for your thoughts, Barry. Yes, do what makes you the happiest...sometimes not to easy to find out. Normally no question F50. But...there are some counter thoughts working:

Today, (as this now needs to get seriously forward for me) I had a long talk to a well known Swiss mechanic who used to work on many classic racing Ferraris. Thru knowing all those GTO and LM clients of him, he became also the mechanic for their F40 and F50's private street Ferraris. Actually he told me that he is in the posession of 2 F50 prototype engines, which, interestingly, have instead of chain driven cam actuation the steelwheel driven cam actuation (like the relevant F1 engine, which the F50 origins from). He told me very interesting things about the technical layout and perfectionism of that engine and many additional things which I knew already and which makes the F50 so deservable for me.
On the other hand he also warned me about a couple of things: Firstly, he said that when buying an F50, I have to know that the whole engine layout is that of a race car. I.e. the gaskets are nowwhere the usual, attainable gaskets, normally found at usual engines (like the F40). Almost all engine related gasket are O-Rings, with a sudden tendency to leak more often. That again may/will lead to more repairs engine and gearbox wise. (He actually has 2 F50 in Service with exactly that problem). That said he advised to not drive the F50 in wet conditions.
Also, while mentioning that the engine of the F50 is generally bullet proof, he found lately that more and more parts seem to be absolutely unattainable any more. This may come as a result of the very low production number of the car. While F40 and Pre F40 cars have many Fiat parts to be exchanged with, the F50 is a very different story. He mentioned to be ready to probably wait 6-9 months until a sudden part may be available to the owner. Not to mention if a more serious accident would occur, as the basic carbon Tub is almost always involved in any "stretch or hit" of the back axles, wheels etc.
Summarizing, he says the F50 is the most special street Ferrari of them all with some dire consequences in costs and waiting time for repair if something goes wrong.

Well I knew most of that before but it makes me just thinking if (knowing me) would be ready to accept the fact that waiting for certain parts may result in not driving a car for a whole season eventually.

If I remember right, Boxer had some issues as well with leaks combining the repair with a clutch change (if I'm not wrong). Well it will be interesting to hear from Boxer, if he ever had difficulty to get parts ? On the other hand maybe he did not need any ever so far as he drives his F50 probably less than I would ?.

[Barry]

Lots of factors to consider 212, and I have no expertise to comment on them from an informed perspective, but it may simply come down to head vs. heart? Will the 8 year old child that is inside most of us win out? In my case, it usually does - though this is not always the best decision in the long run. Still... you only get one chance at life.

I wish you well, whatever your decision (it's a wonderful problem to have )

[Boxer]

You know my position.

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Barry

Lots of factors to consider 212, and I have no expertise to comment on them from an informed perspective, but it may simply come down to head vs. heart? Will the 8 year old child that is inside most of us win out? In my case, it usually does - though this is not always the best decision in the long run. Still... you only get one chance at life.

I wish you well, whatever your decision (it's a wonderful problem to have )

Thats the problem Barry, its the 8year old within me on both cars, one side for the rarity and the topless F50 experience. But the same 8 year old has experienced "wonders" with the nimble Grand Tourismo F40. Decisions !?

[Jimmy Chen Shiba DDS]

Go for the F50, 212...I believe you would be more happy and that seems to be your destiny. It seems as if you can acquire the absolute, with the top off too !!! F50 can sooth the pain of F40 parting. w/ smiles Jimmy

[JazzyO]

I can't really answer this question for you. I can only say what would be my choice.

I would go for the F-40, while I wait for the perfect F50 to come along. Where the car was delivered, IMHO, is not important. But it IS important that it has everything that came with the car. There are fabulous F50's out there but they don't come along often.

The F-40 will be the perfect companion while you wait for the F50. And it will appreciate in value. Can't really go wrong.

But this is just what I would do, to go for the F50 now is also perfectly valid.


Onno

P.S. Concerning hyphens... I always used to think it was F-40 not F40, based on the logo pressed in the rear wing. However, I have looked up some manuals on the net which show a different logo. So it seems F40 is correct too.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by Boxer

You know my position.

+1

[a1exander]

If I were in the same position as you it would certainly be the F50.

I have driven in both the F40 and F50 and have come to the conclusion that although the F40 was a "milestone" car the F50 is far more accomplished.

I suppose it has to do with personal preference and how one "connects" with a car.

I wish you a positive outcome in your search

[tazandjan]

Peter- Also makes a difference if you love V12s and are not fond of turbochargers. I fit into both categories.

[212Export]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

I can't really answer this question for you. I can only say what would be my choice.

I would go for the F-40, while I wait for the perfect F50 to come along. Where the car was delivered, IMHO, is not important. But it IS important that it has everything that came with the car. There are fabulous F50's out there but they don't come along often.

The F-40 will be the perfect companion while you wait for the F50. And it will appreciate in value. Can't really go wrong.

But this is just what I would do, to go for the F50 now is also perfectly valid.


Onno

P.S. Concerning hyphens... I always used to think it was F-40 not F40, based on the logo pressed in the rear wing. However, I have looked up some manuals on the net which show a different logo. So it seems F40 is correct too.

You bring it partially to the point Onno. If you look at my list of pre owned Ferraris, you can see many different models over time. Believe me, if I wanted a certain car, it NEVER took me more than 3 days to reflect and decide.
For the first time, not so with this F50 here in Switzerland. Yes, the F50 is the absolute streetable supercar in Ferrari terms for me. Some may buy for themselve a F1 for the racing track to have their equivalent dreams fulfilled. However I believe to know how I will use the car. Not only those short stints to the lokal bakery or a 50 km trip to a F-gathering...that's just not me. I'll use the car for medium to long trips, to really get a knowledgeable hand and my HEART to it.
Here lies part of my F 50 hesistation: - where do I put the luggage - how do I close the car overnight when arriving in Barchetta version - will the soft top be sliced by any wanna be theft - how will I manage the inside rumor on longer trips - will the missing passenger cabin insulation once applied (after 2-3 month delivery time) make it better or will I get used to drive longer trips with ear protection ?

Boxer is the most knowledgeable person to me in respect to the F50 equation and others. He owns his F40/F50 now for many years. However (I guess out of the same practical thinking reasons) I have never seen him use the F50 on any Fled nor long stint. And if the reason for this may be the same as my hesistation, then I have full respect for that.

The F50 is a dream, but maybe just not quiet fitting my way of using a dream. And yes Onno you are probably right that if that F50 would be just correct, with all things together as it should (Barchetta top, headrests, wooden box, inside noise insulation), and not within 3 month or so, I would most likely would have bought many month ago.

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by 212Export

Boxer is the most knowledgeable person to me in respect to the F50 equation and others. He owns his F40/F50 now for many years. However (I guess out of the same practical thinking reasons) I have never seen him use the F50 on any Fled nor long stint. And if the reason for this may be the same as my hesistation, then I have full respect for that.

The F50 is a dream, but maybe just not quiet fitting my way of using a dream. And yes Onno you are probably right that if that F50 would be just correct, with all things together as it should (Barchetta top, headrests, wooden box, inside noise insulation), and not within 3 month or so, I would most likely would have bought many month ago.

Get the F50 and I do use mine on a few trips.