Ex-Stig Finally Drives His All Time DREAM CAR

Throughout his time on Top Gear, the best car Ben ever drove as the Stig was a Ferrari 458. He has never driven the ultimate 458 however, the Speciale, so we organised for one of those special machines to arrive at DT HQ, and we threw Ben the keys. Is this Ben Collin's Dream Car?
A massive thank you to Prestige Performance Collection for lending us this car, which is for sale here - www.prestigeperformancecollec...
#ferrari #ferrari458 #458speciale #supercars
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[@Drivetribe]

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[@Ramsi-Berlin]

Genau das denke ich auch jedesmal, wenn ich diesen Titel lese ❕😅👍🏼 Ex ist einfach kein positiver Ausdruck.​@@Ge0Ken

[@RupertVickers]

@@Ge0Kenbecause he wasn’t the first or original Stig

[@night1ish]

So you’re telling me the Stigs daily is a 911 and his dream car is a 458? He really is a perfect car guy

[@BenCollinsDrives]

that is correct

[@night1ish]

@@BenCollinsDrives and now he’s replied. Guess I’ll die

[@royd72]

Snap, manual 911 992 T as a daily and Speciale as my toy

[@thatcandont]

I think dudes should daily wagons and the wife drives the 911 m-f

[@Matthew-ll9ke]

Not just a 911, a manual 911

[@chefcc90]

I wish we would stop saying he is Ex-Stig. He is the Stig. Always

[@JerraPremium]

I wish he would just go as Ben Collins, if that is even his real name😅 But it feels cheap to keep hinting as ex-stig, while he is doing do much better now

[@BenCollinsDrives]

trying to keep out of trouble ;)

[@mclarenjohnf1]

Some say the way to prove Ben is still the Stig, show him a photo of Rubens Barrichello!!!!!

[@Yvolve]

He isn't the Stig, which (in relation to Top Gear) is part of the Top Gear IP. His position was filled by someone else, who was then the Stig. Legally, he probably won't get away with calling himself anything but ex-Stig.

[@Yvolve]

@@JerraPremium Why not use a name that 350 million people know you by. Ben Collins simply doesn't have the same draw as the Stig, or ex-Stig. Any rando browsing YT will recognise the Stig, even if they didn't watch Top Gear. This channel is a business and you want to use the most recognisable name you can.

[@jujitsujew23]

Just shows James has impeccable taste between the Alpine and the 458 speciale

[@BGRUBBIN]

Except that time he ragged about the Alfa 8C being ugly.

[@reventon4547]

I'd wager Stig Collins mentioned the 458 Std. in conversation, and he took it to heart.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

he certainly does and can back him on the Alpine

[@adlibbed2138]

I wonder what James had to say to it's performance oriented version that is the A110 R

[@longtailgt]

Don't forget his gorgeous, based spec white 997.2 C2S that he has owned for 14 years.

[@BGRUBBIN]

Ironically the Stig has lots to say! This was great!

[@Davidude-]

imagine you were muted that much time 😁

[@VanderlayLux]

Ben is authoritative. He speaks, I listen. The value of his opinion of cars is right up there with Jason Camisa and Chris Harris. He also has strong opinions and does not sit on the fence. Good man. Great video.

[@iancharlton678]

Some say………. his tenure as the Stig was a benchmark, and that his natural affable nature to camera is extraordinary………… all we know is, he was the Stig, the better for it……. but even better uncorked 🇬🇧🥳

[@BeerdyBruceLeeCentral]

I had the pleasure of driving a 458 and a Ferrari 488 Pista Spider a few years ago and I have to say the 458 was a much better drive.

[@TrevorDennis100]

Blimey, it's hard to beat a comment like that. I once drove a full rally spec RS200 (450hp but it weighed feck all) around the site roads at Dunton, Ford Product Development. I was underwhelmed at first, but then that big turbo kicked in and it scared the bejesus out of me. I was left thinking 'how the feck could anyone control such a violent vehicle through those Welsh rally stages with trees waiting to kill you if you got it wrong?' The Borham rally boys told me that they had to change the Kevlar body panels after every rally because they were abraded away gravel.

[@jgt_]

I had the pleasure of driving a Fiat 126p. It was also red.

[@ceejay1364]

@@jgt_very nice. Im a proud owner of a red hyundai accent hatchback myself!

[@lachezarbonev]

Me too. Skoda Fabia combi DSG. In red of course.

[@BWGPEI]

THE Stig talking to us and driving his dream car - absolutely a great day!

[@michaelcourtney4969]

If the BBC ever bring back too gear they need to chuck as much money as is needed to get Ben to be a presenter

[@lukemclellan2141]

It's better for everyone the way it is.

[@stevenchampagne5812]

this is an absolute fact

[@gillianpile7910]

Thought that you’d managed to wrest James May’s Speciale from him finally for this film, but that’s not his car. 😂

[@hankidyhank]

Yeah I went and checked the previous video from a couple of years ago, Mays is a 15 and this is a 14

[@AS-oo4gv]

@@hankidyhankdidn’t he sell it?

[@farishanafiah8461]

Clarkson may mocked May because he got the 458 Speciale when the 488 Pista is a much better car, but the fact that the Speciale still demands more money than the Pista pretty much says it all.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

disagree for the reasons in the film - both awesome machines, but for proper primal handling its the 458 all day long

[@weaksignal8009]

All motor 458>488

[@MarcSob22]

No, the Pista is way more fun more agressive, better in everything

[@FerrariLBC]

@@MarcSob22 We've owned both. Traded the Pista for a Speciale. Not as pretty, but I enjoy the drive more.

[@ActuallyDKM]

⁠@@MarcSob22the Pista definitely doesn’t sound as good as a 458.

[@islammedheryamz8546]

458 is the last properly beautiful Ferrari made

[@vincentzacharias8386]

488 pista, 812, la ferrar, F12, Sf90 in other words are you NUTS?!?!

[@farishanafiah8461]

​@@vincentzacharias8386488 Pista is just a reskinned 458 Speciale with a turbo engine. 812 is a more hideous version of the F12. LaFerrari's not too bad. SF90? Not even in the list!

[@farishanafiah8461]

​@@KS-xo3ohEven Clarkson himself said the 355 was the best looking Ferrari until the 458 came in.

[@eversonalmeida9866]

I can't speak about driving, but man, the Roma is stunning

[@leobroich122]

@@eversonalmeida9866Because it was a Maserati 😂

[@petermascall1158]

Great little video. I work with a supercar experience company and hands down the 458 we have gives me the biggest smile. Was a while before i got to drive it but it was worth the wait.

[@groundzerokc4030]

Really want to say pls make more of these! Beside the boys messing around, high quality cinematic car reviews by some of the best jounalists in the industry has always been the best of TG.

[@PwnageJ]

"the F12 is the only ferrari the stig would actually buy, if he had any concept of money which of course he doesnt."

[@BenCollinsDrives]

as credible a line as "once punched a horse to the ground" 🤣🤣🤣

[@abdullahbinshahid3199]

and the only ferrari that can hold a candle to the LFA

[@mikebarnshaw8125]

I'd say he has 🤨

[@seanfraser717]

I believe the 458 Speciale’s production was closer to 1,500 units. The 458 Speciale Spider was capped at just499 units. Regardless, the Speciale is such a modern classic. Great video celebrating how incredible this model truly is. 🎉

[@lucaduina2781]

2500 units for Speciale. 499 is right for Spider, though.

[@74SD455TA]

@@lucaduina2781 The Speciale Spider is known as the SpecialeA......A for Aperta meaning open.

[@lucaduina2781]

@@74SD455TA yeah I know I just wanted to match his syntax as to not be confusing

[@longtailgt]

​@@lucaduina2781 I know for a fact that they made more than 499 SpecialeAs. Around 550 to 570 or so is what it seems to be. And regarding the "49" RHD examples, it's actually around 70. And as for the coupe, again there is no concrete number available but it's around 2000 or so.

[@lucaduina2781]

@@longtailgt 499 being 570 seems very Ferrari, lol

[@Yanmak13]

I respect this opinion a lot since it comes from a proper driver, which has also driven most of the fastest cars from the last 20 years, under comparable circumstances.

[@scottya138]

Wow! Ben is the perfect addition to this channel!

[@tommywang8229]

Ferrari never disappoints when it comes to these special track focus MR supercars. From the Challenge Stradale and the Scuderia, to the Speciale and the Pista. Every single one is an engineering masterpiece, one of the best drivers car of all time. Can’t wait to see what they’re gonna do when it comes to the 296.

[@Craftyboy89]

I've driven a 458, and man it was a blast. Such a beautiful machine combined with a powerful engine and excellent handling.

[@theatrenest9982]

The Stig getting it perfectly right when it comes to paddle shifters!👍

[@bojidarivanov5435]

Couldn't agree more with Ben here, my favourite car and in my opinion one of the most beautiful cars, long pause , in the world.

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

A true fan! 😂 nice 👍🏼

[@BirdDog.]

This guy needs his own show

[@NoName-st6zc]

Ben Collins himself is one of the best things that happened in the last couple of years of youtube.

[@jasonnorth8838]

The 458 finally getting the praise it deserves! Also loved the editing in this episode,especially the music choice. Great job!

[@tomwebb7091]

Eh!?!?!.... it was praised to the rafters on launch.

[@BenCollinsDrives]

Loving the Drive Tribe vibe and hope you enjoy this one. Please keep us posted on what cars you'd like to see on here - but just... don't say Rover.. ;)

[@Blaw.music96]

I'd love to see you doing a back to back test with some of these track focused ferraris. The challenge stradale, scuderia, speciale and pista. Btw why do you think they didn't make one lighter, more focused version of the f8?

[@Blaw.music96]

Ps. Great content, I love to hear your take on these cars, after all... there's not many people with so much experience behind the wheel of all these on track.

[@mrpurple2306]

Ben, but what about the Rover SD1 Rally cars! ;)

[@JerraPremium]

Ben please take a quick dive into the phenomenal T-5R ❤️

[@gianlucapiatta7361]

Fiat coupe 24 valves

[@AnonymousDub]

People need to remember the 458 Italia and vanquish s ultimate are the most beautiful modern supercars ever made.

[@automationvisuals7867]

So now that the second question’s been answered, what is Jeremy Clarkson really like?

[@philippestrickler3461]

I am super happy that a talented pilot likes the 458 and the 458 speciale . You justifie your choice and appreciations . Thank you for this detailed test . The chrono on Fiorano track leave me speachless .

[@rexseven93]

It is such an utter shame that the 458 wasn't also a traditional manual. It would have been the end of many eras.

[@tanmaysai5961]

Lovely video! Nice to see Ben showing his analysis. Splendid!

[@hendo337]

It's like a bear, a burning bear. 😂

[@in2mu5ic]

So great to get all these videos from Ben and hear the great Top Gear stories and references! Keep it coming!

[@RickPalmer]

Brilliant video! Hope to see more from Ben. Super knowledgeable, experienced, proper car car guy and very good on camera.

[@barryjohnston3943]

Cracking review. Thanks for the video.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

Ben is a great writer and presenter. I could watch him all day.

[@tomsawyer751]

Bloody excellent review. Need to see more of Ben doing this!

[@Carrera90]

Great video Ben …really enjoying your videos….great content explained with knowledge and experience…. No playing up to the camera 👍🏻

[@jaferkhan4108]

These are the kind of videos we wanna see... Tests by His Royal Stigness ...

[@gtsspeed2619]

Well presented Ben. I loved my 360 Spyder but 458 is just gorgeous from every angle. Also loved Ben’s book on driving - funny and informative.

[@KMAN8599]

Awesome video...very well presented 👏👏

[@sergiogiacomosammartano7623]

I will never forget the reaction Vicki Butler had to the 458 while testing it for Fifth Gear... that was priceless. I think the 458 is probably the best car Ferrari rolled out from their factory during the past 20 years or so. Pure driving experience, N/A joy.

[@itsavlife]

I drove one of these on a track in Florida years ago and it is why the 458 is still my favorite Italian Supercar. I love that car

[@BurtSampson]

I love how passionate he is about cars. He's true car guy. 100%

[@timmo3351]

“They don’t come up for sale very often”. Checks Auto Trader, just the 30+ Speciales available 😂

[@stubailey9433]

Great review.

[@Chorongy-]

I've driven a lot of racing Sims gran tourismo did this car justice. It felt light, Nimble, you could push it through corners and come out okay. I'll never have the opportunity to drive it for real but it was the best feeling in a game

[@garethherring7261]

Great vid… always brilliant when the Stig is involved! Is that James May’s 458 Speciali? 😂

[@GreggCesaroni]

I’ve driven a normal 458 and I thought that was insane. Very fun and playful. Speciale, I can’t imagine. The engine sound I’ll never forget.

[@wucebrillis81]

ok now i want one ! cant affort one , but Ben collins just talked me into one !

[@leebell7585]

Brilliant stuff!! You should have been testing and presenting all along..

[@kristalturner509]

Another Ben Collins video! Can’t wait 😊

[@phillipjdeane8586]

Loved that one and love the 458, thank you Ben.

[@R0n8urgundy]

I’m no Ferrari fan, but as someone whose done many track days I can honestly say that car is a masterpiece.

[@LaughWithEddie]

I would love to see more videos like this one😊🙌🏼💯

[@CookieRoxette]

I haven't watched a full car review from Ben before. I'm now left wondering (apart from the fact he's a real racing driver), why the hell hasn't he been doing this for years (maybe has?) Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. In reality, a video about a car which in my lifetime I will never be able to own but it doesn't matter - I can still enjoy based on the presenter connection with the car and audience. Please, please, please, lets have more of this for us mere mortals who dream with our 'normal' everyday transport solutions!

[@thailandretromods]

Never really been a Ferrari guy... But this! This car.... Is a dream for me.

[@BigWoody823]

One of my favorite vids so far!

[@jrbuch]

Of the few Ferraris I've been in or ridden (360 Modena, 365 Boxer and the F430) I've only ever driven a F430 GT3, and my abiding memory was wow, this thing is so balanced. Not just the chassis but the engine too. I can imagine that the 458 Speciale must be just epic.

[@soleengine]

I was just looking at 458s on Auto Trader, clicked onto KZbin, and you'd just uploaded this video. Great timing!

[@JoeMama-oq8wl]

It really was just a shame that the Stig never got to speak in the many years on, or even after, Top Gear. Such a genuinely knowledgeable, charismatic, & likeable guy ! Thank you, Stig, for all you say & do ! May you have the best life you can imagine. 👍👏👏👏 Also, that Ferrari really seems like a Fantastic work of Art. Great choice !

[@Taylor___]

Ben Collins is an awesome presenter. Thank you for these videos!!!

[@legolas5684]

Amazing video, I enjoyed watching and listening to the legend himself talk.

[@superflex6587]

This guys content is getting very good. Love watching his vids

[@joemcb1234]

Cool video! love the watch!

[@user-zh7ji4rb3x]

We love Ben's reviews - he really does get it. It doesn't make me want a 458 but it's great to hear what he rates.

[@ctrskistad]

5:44 check out that fender fitment!

[@its_marc]

Breaks my heart that we had so long of Ben Collins as the mute stig, he is SUCH a good presenter.

[@miguelmc2289]

Good to know Ben Collins aproves my all time favorite car. Love this video.

[@jjmarriott]

Ben’s presentation skills really are coming on leaps and bounds with every video!! Really enjoying his videos 😊

[@shaikymandel7593]

Who knew the Stig can review a car so well!

[@2kanchoo]

I never would have guessed this would outlap an Enzo by a full second. Wow.

[@donbuckley6123]

Oh my. Oh my….. beautiful! Looks, sound. Oh my. Thanks Stig!

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

Glad they are collaborating with the Stig again. An important part of the magic of Captain Slow Pinkie and Perky

[@owen9461]

Excellent presentation, was fixed the whole time

[@KCJbomberFTW]

Imagine if OG top gear just released the stig one day and he reviews the 458 like this 😂 honestly just as good as the other 3

[@marklewis2736]

The Aperta version was the limited edition car with 499 built. A few thousand coupes were produced.

[@georgestone9363]

Top script, if indeed there was one. Love your work.

[@jfk64kennedy95]

when Stig went "Are You Kidding Me??" he sounded like Jeremy 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@cmd_76]

Now that was an amazing episode, an iconic car driven by an icon himself 👌

[@kleinsitwala2357]

Why did they never have this guy doing reviews? His delivery and commentary are brilliant.

[@peterad1529]

The 360 has always been a car I loved as a kid but I’ll take his word for the 458 I wouldn’t turn it down if I could drive one 😂.

[@Rocky-hh3yg]

I remember Clarkson saying there’s only two people he respects for their car opinions Tif and Ben, I think that still rings true today.

[@conker116_]

Man I wish they got this man in on new top gear

[@Moncru]

The Ben Collins just kickstarted another price spike for the Speciale

[@OO7JAMS]

2 Legends …. 1 Italian and 1 British 👏❤️🇿🇦

[@petersluik7192]

Who knew the Stig is that well spoken? TG missed out on an excellent car reviewer. Maybe they can rectify it with the inevitable resurrection of TG!

[@mlgboy1]

What a great car, not ususllay a Ferarri fan but I wold have one of these in a heart beat. Also enjoying Stig's excellent taste in watches with his "Bremont Superocean Descent II"

[@jariheimoluoto4959]

What a car and what a guy driving it.

[@RichardJones-et5we]

So right.. beautiful sounding NA V8! Last of the true great lightweight ferrari! ❤

[@Brrn8978]

ArE yOu HaVIn A LaUgH?!! 2:06 😂😂

[@ShaunRoberts1]

Great video, nicely done. Dead right about Ferrari control systems, absolutely fantastic. Love the watch btw

[@pgr3290]

It was pretty nuts. It's only 20 horsepower shy of a Mclaren F1, but with a much smaller displacement

[@bghoody5665]

These Ben Collins reviews are awesome.

[@francy5305]

i knew i should have tuned the radio to hear the Stig's thoughts back in the day

[@Jakes_Cars]

My favourite Ferrari, I’ve been fortunate enough to have a go in 2 of them, beautiful machine and the end of a era for Ferrari, nothing from now on will ever compare this the generation of Ferrari

[@MC_33.]

Very insightful - great review. I’m giving Ben my worlds best car reviewer award 🥇

[@matte8441]

Such a timeless car. Hard to believe the 458 came out in 2009, it still looks on par with 2024 cars.

[@cinimini4854]

It might not say much, but the 458 Speciale if one of my favorite cars to drive in games too. It strikes a nice balance between an aggressive and beautiful design, and an even better balance between its predictable handling and its straight line speed. And if its real counterpart is approved by Ben Collins, I have no reason to doubt, that it's a masterpiece of a car.