[Paco]

People who are considering buying a 550 Maranello should check out the latest EVO issue (March, no. 77).
They will find an interesting buying guide (including parts prices) by Harry Metcalfe who tells how he bought the car of his dreams. He describes it as "better than good, magical."

But some flaws are pointed out too : oil leaks are common due to failed camshaft seals; cracking in the neck of the radiators (about 3000 $ to put it right); and fuel tank developing small cracks which release small amounts of vapour into the cabin (about 1800 $ to fit a new one).

 

[360 Spyder]

Hey Bart...have you had any of those problems with your beast?

 

[senna21]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

...cracking in the neck of the radiators (about 3000 $ to put it right)

Wow that's expensive! You could go out and have any one of the Racing Radiator shops here in the U.S. custom fabricate you an aluminum one for a perfect fit and I'd bet better flow and cooling for under $700.

...and fuel tank developing small cracks which release small amounts of vapor into the cabin (about 1800 $ to fit a new one).

I guess Ferrari is using the same construction method that was used on the Pantera's gas tank.

 

[Dj Dirk]

Bart is probably going to buy that issue and frame that article :green:

 

[360 Spyder]

Bart is probably going to buy that issue and frame that article :green:

I think he'll buy a couple just so he can frame each page of the article. :wink:

 

[Paco]

Is it possible to buy a normal 550 Maranello and then ask a specialist to equip it with the Fiorano pack ?

 

[Boxer]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

People who are considering buying a 550 Maranello should check out the latest EVO issue (March, no. 77).
They will find an interesting buying guide (including parts prices) by Harry Metcalfe who tells how he bought the car of his dreams. He describes it as "better than good, magical."

But some flaws are pointed out too : oil leaks are common due to failed camshaft seals; cracking in the neck of the radiators (about 3000 $ to put it right); and fuel tank developing small cracks which release small amounts of vapour into the cabin (about 1800 $ to fit a new one).

Just got a copy. Thanks for pointing out the article as I normally do not buy EVO every month. Really good write up. Now it has me thinking.....

 

[Andrew]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

Just got a copy. Thanks for pointing out the article as I normally do not buy EVO every month. Really good write up. Now it has me thinking.....

I'll add fuel to the fire for you. With the trips you take throughout Europe I think a 550 would fit nicely with your current V12s and your driving habits. Go for it! :wink:

 

[Dj Dirk]

yep, it's very good article, and the entire issue is very interesting, there's a big Aston V8 Vantage article as coverstory, another one about the Sport Exige and then a Murcie Roadster Vs Zonda Roadster

 

[Boxer]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

Just got a copy. Thanks for pointing out the article as I normally do not buy EVO every month. Really good write up. Now it has me thinking.....

I'll add fuel to the fire for you. With the trips you take throughout Europe I think a 550 would fit nicely with your current V12s and your driving habits. Go for it! :wink:

Tempting but....not even in at my most creative could I justify both a 456 GT and a 550 Maranello. :wink:

 

[Dj Dirk]

SURE, 1 modern ferrari is more then enough
but classics on the other hand :green:

 

[Boxer]

Dj Dirk, We are of like mind which is why I am continuing my slow patient search for a 365 GT4 BB 8)

 

[Bart]

Can anyone tell me a finer car than the 550? I do not think so.

8)

 

[Andrew]

Can anyone tell me a finer car than the 550? I do not think so.

8)

See my posting below. F40!

 

[Boxer]

Enzo250GTO, I could not agree more, IMO, the F40 is the ultimate drivers Ferrari. It is the only one of the Supercars which I hope eventually to be in a position to be able to acquire. Clarkson's comments about the F40 on the Enzo Top Gear show, summed it up brilliantly. Cheers, Boxer

 

[Paco]

F40 must be awesome, of course. But a 360 Modena is as fast on the Fiorano track (1 minute 30 seconds per lap)...

Anyone knows what's the performance of a 550 Maranello on the same Fiorano track ?

 

[momo]

F40 must be awesome, of course. But a 360 Modena is as fast on the Fiorano track (1 minute 30 seconds per lap)...

Anyone knows what's the performance of a 550 Maranello on the same Fiorano track ?

While the 360 is as fast I don't believe it is as fun to drive. Some of the older Ferraris are more raw and true driving machines. I think the later TRs are also a great car. Not the most reliable but a raw driving machine with soul.

I too would like to know if anyone knows the lap times. Anyone?

 

[Stradale]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

People who are considering buying a 550 Maranello should check out the latest EVO issue (March, no. 77).
They will find an interesting buying guide (including parts prices) by Harry Metcalfe who tells how he bought the car of his dreams. He describes it as "better than good, magical."

But some flaws are pointed out too : oil leaks are common due to failed camshaft seals; cracking in the neck of the radiators (about 3000 $ to put it right); and fuel tank developing small cracks which release small amounts of vapour into the cabin (about 1800 $ to fit a new one).

I have many friends that own the 550. None have those complaints! I just don't understand the flaws. What flaws? The car is fantastic!! Period.

 

[Rev-happy]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

People who are considering buying a 550 Maranello should check out the latest EVO issue (March, no. 77).
They will find an interesting buying guide (including parts prices) by Harry Metcalfe who tells how he bought the car of his dreams. He describes it as "better than good, magical."

But some flaws are pointed out too : oil leaks are common due to failed camshaft seals; cracking in the neck of the radiators (about 3000 $ to put it right); and fuel tank developing small cracks which release small amounts of vapour into the cabin (about 1800 $ to fit a new one).

I have many friends that own the 550. None have those complaints! I just don't understand the flaws. What flaws? The car is fantastic!! Period.

]
Well said.

 

[Paco]

Re: Harry Metcalfe (EVO editor) bought a 550. "Magical&

People who are considering buying a 550 Maranello should check out the latest EVO issue (March, no. 77).
They will find an interesting buying guide (including parts prices) by Harry Metcalfe who tells how he bought the car of his dreams. He describes it as "better than good, magical."

But some flaws are pointed out too : oil leaks are common due to failed camshaft seals; cracking in the neck of the radiators (about 3000 $ to put it right); and fuel tank developing small cracks which release small amounts of vapour into the cabin (about 1800 $ to fit a new one).

I have many friends that own the 550. None have those complaints! I just don't understand the flaws. What flaws? The car is fantastic!! Period.

I hope so, because I think I'm gonna buy one...