When purchased: March 2015
From: Meridien Modena (new)
Price: £200,000
Ext colour: White
Int colour: Black
Engine: 4.5L, V8, naturally aspirated
Gearbox: Automatic
Throughout its life, if truth be told, I was never that interested in owning a Ferrari 458. As soon as Ferrari announced it was stopping the manual gearbox and going paddles-only, I was out.
Or so I thought.
I was then invited by Ferrari to drive one at Milbrook on one of those ‘schmoozy’ customer events starting in a country hotel. Outside on arrival was a bright white 458 that looked sensational. You so rarely see white Ferraris, and the Pininfarina lines of the 458 particularly suit it, especially with a black or preferably dark grey roof.
On track, the 458 was unbelievable. From the moment I sat in the driver’s seat, I felt at home, unintimidated, and at ease. And it was the same at speed, on the high banked turns, the twisty alpine section, and in the wet. This was a Ferrari you could jump into and drive at monumental speeds in complete comfort and in any conditions. It was a dream.
But I still didn’t buy one.
No, for that to happen I waited until Ferrari announced it was stopping the production of the 458. Like a scolded-cat I lept into action, raced to Meridien Modena and bought the unregistered triple-layer Bianco Fuji with grey roof, tastefully specced 458 you see here. And I’ve done 15,000 glorious miles in this ‘everyday’ Ferrari. It’s epic.