Ferrari 612 Review (2004 to date)

Quick Summary

The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is an interesting car with few direct rivals. The upper specification Mercedes CL models and the Aston Martin Vanquish are the closest in execution and target used buyers will also countenance Porsche 911 Turbos, BMW M6s and Bentley Continental GTs. Used examples tend to be well looked after with low mileages but do not buy the cheapest car you see as you will need plenty of margin for servicing and upkeep.

Overall:

Models Covered: (2 dr coupe 5.7 litre petrol[GTC Handling Pack])

FOUR-ZA FERRARI!

Four-seater Ferraris have often been an acquired taste and the 612 Sacglietti is no exception. Its challenging styling, high price from new and the fact that it's overshadowed by smaller models means that it's undervalued used. A brilliant GT car, the Scaglietti is starting to make sense pricewise as a used proposition.
Used Ferrari 612 for sale

History of the 612

Named after Sergio Scaglietti, a designer who worked for Ferrari from its very earliest days, the 612 was the work of one Frank Stephenson, the man also responsible for the Ford Scorpio. Stephenson had a lot to live up, his creation bearing the name of the man who penned the 750 Monza and the 250 GT Berlinetta, two of the prettiest cars in Ferrari';s illustrious history. Scaglietti was also a visionary, quickly realising the role aluminium could have in vehicle construction. Ferrari note that that "Scaglietti wasn't a man who relied on pencil and paper to create his magnificent designs; he worked like a sculptor, fashioning their forms from aluminium." Likewise, the 612 Scaglietti also used aluminium extensively to reduce weight and improve agility and performance. Ferrari's second all-aluminium model (after the 360 Modena), the 612 Scaglietti was first displayed at the Detroit Auto Show in 2004 in a production ready form. Vehicles hit UK dealers in summer of 2004 with the biggest change coming in September 2006 when a GTC Handling pack was announced as an option for the Scaglietti, targeted at drivers who needed the convenience of four seats but still wanted a car that was extremely sharp to drive. At the same time, the standard car received more leather indoors and a better infotainment system.
Used Ferrari 612 for sale

Ferrari 612 Road Test

The aluminium body of the 612 ensures that it tips the scales some 60kg lighter than the old 456GTA and Ferrari also claim an increase in torsional rigidity of some 60 per cent. Ally this to a lower centre of gravity and, for the first time in a Ferrari, a CST electronic stability control system and you have a recipe for a very neat handler. Factor in sophisticated underbody aerodynamics that include a rear diffuser and this Ferrari remains resolutely glued to the tarmac. Any car with 540bhp under the bonnet and 1835kg to haul up the road is going to be extremely rapid and the 612 Scaglietti doesn't disappoint. It'll hammer to 60mph in 4.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 196mph where conditions allow, making it marginally quicker than its Bentley and Mercedes rivals. If you want more focused handling, there's the GTC-H model that retailed at around £17,000 more that added bigger brakes, new alloys, grippier tyres, snappier gearchanges and a revised suspension set-up.
Used Ferrari 612 for sale

Buying a Ferrari 612

The 612 is almost truck-like in feel, despite the big V12 being not far off the magical 100bhp/litre specific output that's the holy grail for normally aspirated engines. Many customers don't extend the engine hard, preferring to burble around on the generous torque and plenty of 612s cover extremely modest mileages. Look for bodywork damage, as this represents serious outlay to have made good. Satellite navigation was an option on early Scagliettis and the system is not the most user friendly. Check for uneven tyre wear, evidence of accident damage, wear to interiors not corresponding with the car's documented mileage and insist on a full service record.
Used Ferrari 612 for sale

Ferrari 612 Typical Pricing

Big four-seater Ferraris have always struggled with residual values and although the 612 Scaglietti is better in this regard than some of its predecessors, it's still possible to pick up some early cars at surprisingly reasonable prices. The published figures show a 48% retained value after three years, which would suggest that the 612 can't compare with the residuals of cars like the Bentley Continental GT, the Porsche 911 Turbo or the Mercedes CL65 AMG and that you'll find 2004 cars retailing at around £84,000. In the real world, you'll actually be lucky to find one changing hands for anything less than £125,000. Some owners will have had the GTC Handling pack fitted and this will boost used valuations by around £7,000. Insurance? Group 20, naturally.
Used Ferrari 612 for sale

Ferrari 612 Parts

(approx based on a 2005 612 Scaglietti) The Scaglietti falls into that category whereby if you're worried about parts prices, you should probably be shopping elsewhere. Just the replacement cost of the Michelin OE-fit tyres are enough to have most people blanching.
Used Ferrari 612 for sale