Ex-Stig Finally Drives His All Time DREAM CAR

[@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

[@tedtheturbot]

need more of the pov camera angle.. the only way to get any kind of feel for the thing is from pov

[@IcarusLIVE]

To think that this guy used to sit behind a helmet and not talk. He's one of the most brilliant presenters of a car I've ever heard.

[@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.

[@BGRUBBIN]

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

[@Davidude-]

imagine you were muted that much time 😁

[@Poussyeater-w5e]

"Some say..."

[@dlhussain81]

I think Clarkson gagged him

[@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.

[@adam872]

Agreed on all counts.

[@GunfightersINC]

Jason Camisa... lol.. you lost me there bud.. but Harris and Collins 100% agree with you.

[@carljones7992]

💯

[@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.

[@stevenclever]

@BeerdyBruceLeeCentral What did you find superior in the drive of the 458 over the 488?! I've also driven both & I thought the 488 was far superior so I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thnx!

[@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 🇬🇧🥳

[@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

[@andytabor3829]

Ben is so knowledgeable, enthusiatic and engaging. Should have been a no-brainer for a Top Gear presenter.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@Craftyboy89]

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

[@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?

[@Spiritualgangster888]

Ya James has a Rosso Scuderia one.

[@JohnFromAccounting]

​@@AS-oo4gv No he sold a 308.

[@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.

[@jamesj2964]

Ben you really need to do more reviewings on KZbin. It was a joy to watch your videos.

[@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.

[@mrpurple2943]

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

[@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 👍🏼

[@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 🤨

[@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 😂

[@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.

[@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.

[@NoName-st6zc]

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

[@AnonymousDub]

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

[@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 .

[@christianboyd4635]

The 458 and 488 are in my opinion the most perfect Ferrari’s ever made. Beautiful, fast, perfectly balanced and lovely cars.

[@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.

[@scottya138]

Wow! Ben is the perfect addition to this channel!

[@BirdDog.]

This guy needs his own show

[@theatrenest9982]

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

[@BurtSampson]

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

[@kleinsitwala2357]

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

[@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.

[@manangupta7338]

It's crazy how a 3 second 0-60 feels like a lifetime when compared to these new electric cars

[@marklewis2736]

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

[@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.

[@eEllistonEnsor]

Great piece of car journalism here. Ben is really finding his feet with the car review side of videos. I am really enjoying the work he is doing with DriveTribe. Top marks for all involved with this video. More of this please!

[@BWGPEI]

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

[@lh8372]

Awesome car, especially for it’s time. Chevrolet Corvette engineers bought a Ferrari 458 as a model to build the new C8 Corvette… 10 years after the 458 was introduced! Speaks volumes as to how great an automobile the 458 was in 2009.

[@R0n8urgundy]

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

[@automationvisuals7867]

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

[@PhantomMark]

Not driven the Special, but the regular 458 is the most awesome car I ever drove , never felt so connected to a car, 2 corners into driving it on track I had all the aids off, hanging the tail out and was having the time of my life, less than 2mins having driven the car, absolute perfection, I will be buying one to sit alongside my Giulia Quadrifoglio - another incredible machine I am deeply in love with.

[@gregspencer7287]

Ben Collins (The Stig) recently made a video of Drive Tribe saying the 458 is “the best handling car of all time.” He goes on to say it’s probably his favourite Ferrari and dream car. Pretty much the highest praise possible.

[@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

[@topg2820]

Every Ferrari needs to be driven the way like Stig does

[@2kanchoo]

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

[@brianfreeman8290]

Is Ben evolving into the very best reviewer? I think he may well be.

[@jalbertseabra2283]

Fabulous Machine ! And the relaxed driving of this famous Super Car-hero makes handling a Ferrari look so EZ !

[@donbuckley6123]

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

[@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.

[@jubbo95]

This is how it’s done! A 10 minute video where I felt like I got 30 mins worth of sounds sights and amazing commentary / feedback. The Stig still has it…. Even as a presenter! 💪🏼

[@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 !

[@TheTexican05]

The 458 has been my dream car since its introduction in ~2010. Listening to the Stig review one is now a dream come true. ❤️ 🍻 Love your work, Ben! (TG, your books and interviews)

[@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.

[@wucebrillis81]

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

[@jaferkhan4108]

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

[@wdblackman]

The 458 is one of the most balanced I've driven. It just felt like being in a kart. I loved it! I wish I could try the Speciale!!

[@conker116_]

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

[@siddharthsr1]

This man has driven many many cars from the veyron to the zonda r gt3s you name it and him saying that the 458 is the best handling car of saying something!

[@hkn777]

What I just watched was the best Ferrari review I’ve seen so far…

[@bradhosmer6668]

4:47 A nonchalant flick whilst uttering 'master of all controls'.

[@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!

[@Unknown_Tranquility]

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.

[@jeffshootsstuff]

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

[@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.

[@BRED1996]

Wow what a brilliant overview from this man

[@locophoto6881]

I've driven 458 many times...sometimes I even leave work at 4:59......other days 5:00......but the 4:58....ahhh.....to leave two minutes early and still get stuck in traffic.....that's when I need something truly special....like the 9:11....leaving eleven minutes after get to work to avoid getting stuck in doing my job all day that keeps me from driving .....therefore I really recommend the 9:11 much more than the 4:58, unless you like your job and want to keep it.

[@MazerRackhamX]

You can tell he's the Stig, because of the way he is.

[@andrewkortlang7947]

Neat!

[@phillipjdeane8586]

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

[@spongesurf12]

458 Speciale has been at the top of my dream car list since it was first launched. In Giallo Modena w/ Navy and White stripes. I don't know if I'll ever own one at the prices they go for, but I saw one in my ideal spec and it was stunning.

[@Klutch58Customs]

I'd love a go in the spec' . I drove a 'stock' 458 a few years ago and it replaced the 355 as my personal favourite Ferrari after 20 miles!

[@eddiearies]

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

[@leadlefthand]

To be fair, racing drivers have that feel for the car to get it to its maximum limit. If whoever wrote the Top Gear article thought the Speciale "lacked" that type of commitment, it's probably because he didn't yet reach the limit of the car so the handling felt muted, whereas The Stig makes a living out of reaching the limit of whatever car he drives. So Ben's experience of the Speciale is vastly different to how mere mortal car enthusiasts experience the car.

[@vpreggie]

Ben is The Stig. Always and forever, and he has carved out quite a niche as Ben Collins, too. When he speaks I listen.

[@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

[@in2mu5ic]

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

[@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!

[@drummerdoingstuff5020]

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

[@Kazuya720]

4:30 "the 458 was for me practical unspinable..." seconds later 4:52 quick countersteer to prevent spinning :D

[@tomstevens751]

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

[@kristalturner509]

Another Ben Collins video! Can’t wait 😊

[@iandavies1893]

I'm a massive porsche 911 gt3 RS fan but the Ferrari has to be it's equal.

[@jjmarriott]

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

[@danielcrisan4164]

Lexus LFA, Ferrari 458 speciale & 992 Porsche gt3 rs pdk! Perfect garage!!

[@sandygilmour5444]

Great how he knows the test drivers at Ferrari Brilliant 👏

[@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.

[@emirtrbic1683]

best driver between journalist and best journalist between drivers

[@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 😂.

[@RickPalmer]

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

[@its_marc]

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

[@nocomment_2023]

He’s the STIG? You are THE BEST presenter I’ve heard PERIOD.... I think they missed a trick

[@ironspear5099]

When 458 launched in 2009 I was thinking to my self man this is the most beautiful car I ever saw. All this years later I still didnt change my mind.

[@e-money9251]

Same as me, I am a massive ferrari fan since I was a kid but never have I ever fallen in love with a car as much as the 458 and when the speciale came out my love for it was sealed

[@Mike-sg9tl]

Finally, a KZbin reviewer that knows what he's talking about

[@paulshepherd5649]

1:58 "Not my word Lynne, but those of TOP GEAR MAGAZINE"

[@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

[@ConnorHammond]

Still hoping Ben Collins' channel gains more traction. Glad to see him on larger channels, in hopes of that. Been spreading the word, all the same.

[@adamwhite9304]

My all time dream car , and the best man to review it 👌🏻

[@miguelmc2289]

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