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One of the best ways to experience a sonorous Ferrari V12 engine is behind the wheel of a convertible model, with the top down, enjoying the rich roar only a dozen Ferrari cylinders can make.
Modern Ferrari Spider models offer scintillating performance on smooth wide roads, but the reality of driving in the UK means that the more relaxed pace associated with classic Ferrari convertibles offers a more comfortable but still exhilarating driving experience.
Here are three of the very best.
Fifties Glamour: 1959 Ferrari 250 GT PF Cabriolet series I
The last of only 40 made, this model cost $14,950 new, making it one of the most expensive cars of its time, $3,000 more than the California Spider and $2,500 more than the “Tour de France” Berlinetta.
John Collins, chairman of Talacrest, says: “This car epitomises the glamour of the Fifties, when a Ferrari road car was a very rare sight indeed. It’s an easy car to drive with comfortable, compliant suspension married to the iconic V12, and it would have been in another league to any other convertible GT car available at the time.
"It is actually a foot narrower than a modern Ferrari Spider, so it works really well on our country roads. This particular example has only three previous owners and is one of the best in existence."
Sixties Style: 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II
The Series II model is a completely different car to the Series I and represents the final model from the 250 Spider and Cabriolet range. Whereas the Series I was a purely hand-built, very limited-edition model, the Series II is one of Ferrari’s first exercises in series production, albeit one of only 200 made. The Series II has a totally different body style and is a practical grand tourer at a third of the price.
Fitted with an outsideplug Colombo V12 engine, four-speed gearbox with overdrive, newly introduced four-wheel Girling disc brakes and the latest Koni shock absorbers, this is a near-150mph car with handling to match.
“The factory hardtop really makes this car and when fitted gives it a real closed GT feel, so in many ways it is convincing as either a Cabriolet or Coupé,” Mr Collins says.
“This was subject to a complete restoration over five years costing $400,000 and is in superb condition.
Seventies Flair: Ferrari 365 GTC/4 Spyder
Here we have a Coupé model that was crafted into Spyder configuration by Carrozzeria Autosport of Bacchelli & Villa with trim by Luppi, both established Ferrari specialists in Italy. Of the 500 GTC/4 Coupés made, only a handful were converted to Spyder bodywork.
“Ferrari never made a Spyder derivative of this model, which I don’t quite understand, as the looks together with the more tractable state of tune of the similar engine used in a Daytona makes this a relaxing and flexible car to drive and eminently appealing to the typical buyer of a convertible,” Mr Collins says.
“It is still a quick car. I reckon it is good for 160 mph and the power steering makes it so much easier to drive at low speeds than a comparable Daytona.”
At a sixth of the price of a genuine Daytona convertible, this model is probably one of the most cost-effective routes into V12 Ferrari convertible ownership.
Compact size, lack of depreciation and discreet elegance
These cars are easy to drive on narrow country lanes, they have all got great visibility and there is no question that these are all more tactile to drive than moderns vehicles that have low-profile tyres and computer-controlled dynamics.
“Over time these cars have proved to be good financial investments and have long since lost any price sensitivity to the number of miles on the clock, which cannot always be said of modern Ferraris,” Mr Collins says.
“You buy them based on their condition and always buy the best example that you can afford. Do your research, buy cars with good history and in first-class original or restored condition and you will get to enjoy al fresco Ferrari motoring that offers an experience I think other marques can’t match.”
These cars certainly proved that driving with the roof down in a V12 offers an intoxicating mix of sounds and sensations that modern cars with fewer cylinders but almost clinical efficiency, find it hard to equal.
Watch the video to see these three legends of the road in action>>
As well as providing you with a thrilling driving experience, a classic Ferrari can be a great financial investment – if you buy wisely. As the world’s leading classic Ferrari dealer, Talacrest has sold more than 1,700 classic Ferraris to customers all over the world in the past 30 years.
In addition to Ferrari, Talacrest deals in the most sought-after Aston Martin, Jaguar, Lamborghini and Porsche models, and has helped customers to build their collections.
Talacrest is the ultimate destination if you are serious about buying or selling the very best classic collector‘s cars.
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