Classic Car Weekly (UK)

Best Ferraris to buy Our five classic choices

Life savings at the ready? Why not lift your aspiration­s into Ferrari territory with these five beauties?

- WORDS Giles Chapman PHOTOGRAPH­Y Magic Car Pics

Anyone who’s been in and around car magazines for a while knows that a cover with the headline ‘A Ferrari for Mondeo money’ is bound to be a big seller. It’s a promise that many of us long to see fulfilled.

And the four-day London Classic Car Show (which kicks off tomorrow) should stoke the furnace of desire even more with its big celebratio­n of Ferrari’s 70th anniversar­y. But don’t fret; this piece is not about staggering through your classic car life with some obscure Ferrari that no-one else wants, watching aghast as its bills for wonky electrics and endless engine overhauls gradually bleed your bank account dry.

In fact, do not buy a cheap Ferrari unless you know these particular onions. Keep that 10, 20 or even 30 grand stuffed firmly in your wallet. The five Ferraris here, while attainable by marque standards, are still undoubtedl­y expensive toys – there’s no point in economisin­g.

When buying a Ferrari, demand service history and restoratio­n receipts from expert specialist­s and, if possible, safeguard your investment by continuing to do business with them.

It will vary, of course, but you should bank on running costs of £350 in service, maintenanc­e and cosseting for every 1000 miles of Ferrari motoring – and that’s on top of everyday consumable­s such as petrol, oil, tyres and batteries. Remember, too, that this is for a car that’s already been brought up to scratch and is up to date on every conceivabl­e operationa­l front.

Put it this way – Ferrari ownership can be yours for as little as 35p a mile. Not scared off yet? Then step this way.

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