1999 Ferrari 456 M GTA from Italy - Comments

I would love to compare a same year 99 or newer flimsy Chevrolet as you expressed it to yours. LS1 6 speed. A Corvette is bulletproof, and not in the shop every 4000 miles.

Ever wonder why you see such low mile examples for sale? It's because of maintenance issues. If you want low production, a used Viper would be another choice. I can get in mine and drive anywhere without hesitation, and do. Same with the Viper. It was used a daily commuter in Fla for long stretches. The newer ones are even better. Gas, tires and fluid changes vs issues.

If I had a car blow up 3 times, I would either change my driving habits or determine if it's the automobile.

At nearly 60, I have learned a lot about finicky vehicles. I would much rather have a high performance sports car that isn't in the shop constantly. Or even worse, have second thoughts bringing it out to drive. I have owned such vehicles, and other than a 1/2 mile drive to pick up a Sunday newspaper, they sit parked.

Some may like looking at cars as art, but I do not any more. I can go out buy a room of 1:18 diecasts and look at them on the shelf with equal effect. I actually have a den dedicated to Rolls Royce, but would not own a real example. If it's a trailer queen or you are part of the polisher set at shows, I guess that's an alternative. I guess I am a driving enthusiast, that will drive distance consistently do shows, and still drive home with a frequent show win trophy as well.

Anyway, good luck!

Well first of all, comparing any Ferrari to an M3 or a Corvette; it's like comparing a beautiful unique and rare jewel that you will only find at Tiffany's or such, to Walmart jewelry that is a dime a dozen, and everybody wears.

The Ferrari 456 GT is a rare piece that is for very exclusive people. It's for an older gentleman that made his money, has nothing to prove to anybody, so the color of his Ferrari would be gunmetal grey or azure blue at the most. And he would use that car on a quiet Tuesday (while regular 9-5 folks stay home) put his Brioni suit on with the Audemars Piguet watch, and take his lady to Casa Tua restaurant for an exclusive dining experience, and afterwards to his yacht in Miami Marina for cocktails and some private moments.

I hope with this brief note I explained the difference between a special masterpiece and a Bimmer or a Vette as they call them. Regards!

"The only negative comment on this thread has been from someone who believes, quite earnestly it would seem, that a Corvette is a better car than a Ferrari GT. How exactly? Well, we're told its for "practicality" reasons, though I'd wager that patriotism plays a key part"

Nah, I don't think it's "patriotism". He was advocating for the M3 too, not just the Corvette.

That said, the Ferrari is still worlds ahead of the Corvette.

Worlds apart; what in appearance or sound? Drivability, performance and maintenance; a newer generation Vette or Viper will be far more rewarding. A previous Ferrari poster indicated Chevrolets are flimsy. That opened that topic up. You can also drive them on the track, and then drive them home a great distance. And we have.

Blowing up 3 times isn't very inspiring.

You may view yourself as such, and that's your prerogative. Others may view it as someone driving a 65k current value vehicle that's 13 years old. It's not that exclusive at that price level.

I like to relay that the most popular credit card carried by millionaires is a Sears card. Just because someone can afford a new Ferrari, does not mean they want to own one. I will take a 96 Viper GTS and a 2012 Carbon Flash Corvette.

Imagine anyone wanting a very collectible 750hp Supercharged Viper; first year of the GTS in 1996. I believe production was just slightly over 1000 made out of the typical Viper production 5000 made annually. That addresses the exclusivity comment.

Also do I dare have time to look down at any designer watch, so as not to miss my Poker Run departure on my offshore Fountain Powerboat.

Some buy to drive, not just a piece of jewelry.

Cheers!