Despite controversial styling, the 612's performance is Formula One: It reaches 60 mph in just over four seconds and tops out at 199 mph
In naming its new four-seater Granturismo after Carrozzeria Scaglietti, Ferrari acknowledged the immense contribution made by its collaborator in the past 50 years. Founded by Sergio Scaglietti in 1951 and now a wholly owned subsidiary, the company has created many of Ferrari's most memorable cars.
The 612's brief called for a car capable of carrying four adults in comfort-rather than being merely a "2+2"-without sacrificing the superlative driving dynamics expected by dedicated Ferraristi. The 612 Scaglietti affords increased rear-seat knee room, almost three inches more headroom, and greater luggage space than its 456M forebear. Meeting this requirement, which involved moving the engine back, could only be achieved by means of an extended wheelbase, hence the generous stretch.
In styling the 612, Pininfarina paid homage to one of its most famous past creations-the fabulous 375MM commissioned by Italian filmmaker Roberto Rossellini for his wife, Ingrid Bergman-whose long nose and scalloped sides are echoed in the Scaglietti.
The 612 features an improved version of the 575M Maranello's 5,748-cc 65-degree V12 engine producing 540 bhp and 434 lb/ft of torque. The F1A transmission has undergone significant improvement, incorporating extra synchronization cones for swifter changes.
The interior of the 612 Scaglietti is dominated by stitched handcrafted leather and aluminum. This is a sporting, sophisticated interior that reflects the 612's high-tech soul and old-world pedigree. Dual-zone climate control and a specially developed nine-speaker Bose digital sound system are among the host of desirable standard features.
Effectively a new car, this 612 Scaglietti has a mere 250 delivery kilometres (150 miles) recorded. Purchased new by one of the world's foremost car collectors, it represents a fantastic opportunity to acquire one of these most exclusive Granturismos at a substantial saving over the list price of $247,850. It is appropriately finished in Grigio Ingrid with Cuoio leather upholstery, the perfect color combination. The manufacturer's guarantee commences in December 2005.
SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 2004 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti |
| Number Produced: | Still in production |
| Original List Price: | $247,000 |
| Tune Up Cost: | $3,500, including cam belts |
| Distributor Caps: | N/A |
| Chassis Number Location: | Around right front shock tower |
| Club Info: | Ferrari Club of America, P. O. Box 720597, Atlanta, GA 30358 |
| Website: | http://www.FerrariClubofAmerica.org |
| Alternatives: | 2004 Bentley GT, 2004 Aston Martin Vanquish S, 2004 Maybach 57 |
| Investment Grade: | C |
This 2004 612 Scaglietti sold at Bonhams’ Gstaad, Switzerland, auction December 17, 2005, for $176,332.
The 612 launch was accompanied by all the hoopla that normally accompanies the introduction of a new Ferrari. The press marveled at the incredible performance and endlessly chronicled the Ingrid Bergman 375MM connection. They fawned over the advanced technology while analyzing the car from every angle. They addressed every feature and every specification but avoided the critical question: Will it sell?
Compromised rear seating is a fact of life with 2+2s. Just because people complain about cramped quarters doesn’t necessarily mean they want more room. At this price level the owner certainly has another car or two around. If he needs more passenger room, he’ll simply take another car. A jumbo sports coupe is the answer to a question nobody asked.
The 612 Scaglietti is a very big car. The Queen Mary 365 GT 2+2 is the only Ferrari to outsize the 612-and it’s only three inches longer. Side-to-side, the 612 is as wide as a Testarossa. Front-to-back it’s a scant five inches shorter than a Cadillac Escalade. The 612 even tips the scales heavier than a Cadillac DeVille.
The supersized dimensions are not without purpose. The extra length allows the engine to be placed way back in the chassis without compromising the interior space. The 612 boasts a 45/55 weight distribution, a vast improvement over the 57/43 ratio of the 456M it replaced. The better distribution aids the 612’s handling and the extra rear weight improves traction for better acceleration.
The Ingrid Bergman 375MM that the Scaglietti 612 borrows its lines from is one stunning car. The added length of the 612 gave Pininfarina’s stylists extra room to refine their design. The 612 Scaglietti’s interpretation of the 375’s lines makes them more elegant and sculpted. The result is a timeless update rather than a copycat retro, such as is currently in vogue. Many people find the 612 the most beautiful Ferrari ever designed; others see it as, well, big.
While the styling may be controversial, make no mistake-the 612’s performance is spectacular. We’re talking a quantum leap over anything else in its class. Gobs of Formula One-derived electronic wizardry allows Ferrari to put race car performance into a street car. The 612 reaches 60 mph in just over four seconds and continues on to 199 mph. Reports indicate the 612 is an incredible six seconds quicker around Ferrari’s Fiorano test track than the 456M that it replaced.
Despite all its wonderful attributes, the Scaglietti 612 is not a brisk seller. In the U.S., 612 customers can expect to buy a car for list price, with delivery in not much more time than it takes to order one built to your specifications. Used 612s are reasonably available, with six under 3,000-mile examples recently showing up in the Ferrari Market Letter.
The seller of this 612 must have wanted to get out of the car pretty badly. His take of the sale price was probably no more than $135,000, so he took a $110,000 bath in a matter of months. A rough calculation puts his cost of ownership at $500 a mile, a pretty scary number in anyone’s book.
In fairness, this sale was not representative of a 612’s true market value. Used 612s will retail for $15,000-$20,000 off sticker and wholesale for $10,000-$15,000 less than retail prices.
There’s only one way for 612 values to go for the next couple years-down. I’d figure prices to drop about $20,000 a year for the next five years and then slow down. It takes a well-heeled owner to absorb that kind of hit, but then again, if you can write a $250,000 check, you’re in the club.
The new owner bought this 2004 Scaglietti 612 well ahead of the depreciation curve. He should be able to drive the hell out of it for a couple years and come out pretty close to even. Hopefully he’ll take advantage of his good fortune and use it the way Enzo intended.