Ferrari Debacle: 512TR (Testarossa) or 550 6speed?

[slow&rusty]

Which would you choose for the same money?


or

[nvr2mny]

Personally, I've ALWAYS loved the TR, especially the 512.

[onewhippedpuppy]

I personally believe that the Testarossa is the next great investment Ferrari. Kids of the '80s (me) grew up lusting over these things on TV, in movies, and from posters on our walls. Like the Countach, it is an icon of the era. That generation is just now getting to the point where they have disposable income to buy a dream car. I've seen articles in several publications stating the same thing. The 550 is a beautiful car and one of my favorite Ferraris, but it doesn't have anywhere near the provenance of the TR. Plus, have you heard the sound that a flat 12 makes?! I vote TR, all day long.

[cstreit]

What Matt said. All of it.

[Nickshu]

What Matt said. Get the TR. The 550 is cool, but it looks a little bloated and too understated, sort of like the transitional years of Aston's where they look this way too (DB7ish era). While it's probably much more refined and easier to drive, it just doesn't look bonkers enough for a supercar.

Plus the 550 is a front drive/rear axle setup. If I'm going to own a Ferrari it's going to be a mid-engine monster. Love the TR!

[yetibone]

550: no timing belt, actual luggage space = greater practical value.

512: more collectible, iconic = greater dollar value.

[Paul K]

Always liked the TR, but the front isn't nearly as well done as the rear, IMHO.

Therefore, 550. It looks good from any angle.

[Tobra]

Do you want to drive it or look at it?

[Nostril Cheese]

$500 for distributor caps and $300 for rotors + Italian build quality.

Why not get a really nice 993?

[MrAlien]

I agree that the TRs will become more collectable, though I am not sure how much higher the value/price will go. they are also more complex cars, and service costs can be insane!

[javadog]

Had a TR. Would buy a 550.

JR

[74-911]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

I personally believe that the Testarossa is the next great investment Ferrari. Kids of the '80s (me) grew up lusting over these things on TV, in movies, and from posters on our walls. Like the Countach, it is an icon of the era. That generation is just now getting to the point where they have disposable income to buy a dream car. I've seen articles in several publications stating the same thing. The 550 is a beautiful car and one of my favorite Ferraris, but it doesn't have anywhere near the provenance of the TR. Plus, have you heard the sound that a flat 12 makes?! I vote TR, all day long.

This ..... back in 1987 or so Porsche NA put on Porsche Precision Driving with Derek Bell at tracks around the country. I went to the session at the old Texas World Speedway near College Station. A couple of weeks before the weekend, received a letter from Porsche that Bell would be in Europe driving a 962 for Porsche and Brian Redman would be taking his place and we could get deposit back if we wanted... no way.

To make long story short:
had a great time and learned a lot about driving a 911;
Listening to Brian Redman tell war stores late in the day at the end of the driving session, particularly about driving the 917 (said it was terrifying to drive, particularly in the rain) was great;
and then him telling the owner of a red Testarossa just like the above pic to get in and he would show him how to properly drive an Ferrari. After 2 or 3 laps around the road course at full tilt (first time I had ever heard or seen a 12 cyl. Ferrrari being driven flat out) when they returned to the lot where we were the owner of the car literally fell out of the passenger seat and looked physically ill. Not sure if he feared for his life or the car more during that little run with Mr. Redman.

[Porsche-O-Phile]

f40.

In all seriousness I'd go for the TR. Way more "cool" factor.

[HardDrive]

550. 550/575 Maranello happens to be my favorite Ferrari. Much more subdued styling than the typical Ferrari, but still very beautiful. Much more practical as well.

[herr_oberst]

Ferrari debacles:

[img]http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads23
/Ferrari_Enzo_pink1398534125.jpg[/img]

[nota]

is not the TR about 1/3 to 1/2 the 550 current price ?
so 3 TRs = one 550

[javadog]

Originally Posted by nota

is not the TR about 1/3 to 1/2 the 550 current price ?
so 3 TRs = one 550

No.

JR

[slow&rusty]

Great comments guys. Looks like you guys are thinking along the same lines as me.

[scottmandue]

You sir are a very lucky man to be stuck in this dilemma...

Again to echo Matt that TR has always been an object of lust for me (and obviously for others in my general age group).

To a purist a mid engine is (arguably) the preferred arrangement... however there is something visceral about a front engine rear wheel drive setup.

As Torba said, are you going to drive it or look at it? I would drive both and get the one that put a bigger smile on my face.

[Sarc]

JR,
Care to expand on your ownership experience? Always enjoyed reading your insights into the cars you've had the opportunity to own.

I imagine like many older Ferraris, parts supply is becoming an issue.

The TR (as well as the Countach and 930) were my objects of youthful obsession, but give me a Blue Scuro 550 any day of the week.