Ferrari 612 Scaglietti OTO buyers guide and review

A total of 3,025 612s were produced, Unfortunately Ferrari 612 sales were slow and because the economy crashed in 2008 it made the sales even slower. In total there are only 199 equipped with a manual gearbox, which is a very rare and expensive option and only about 500 with the One to One personalization like this car. Not many people at that time could afford a Ferrari let alone to customize one, so the production numbers were small. For those who could afford one Customization choices were vast. At the very beginning OTO was the name of Ferrari's personalization program. That name was later dropped in favor of "Ferrari Atelier".
All OTOs were special ordered. Ferrari stopped pushing 612s to the dealers sometime in 07 and each had to have a buyer before Ferrari would build it. So it really was a one to one experience, which was necessary to find a buyer because the OTOs were the most expensive cars Ferrari sold at that time. One of the OTO standard upgrades from previous 612s is the transmission. Many people think the 612 has a 599 tranny, however it has a 599 transmission case (with 612 innards and gear ratios) to match up with the twin plate 599 clutch. It did, however, have the F1 Superfast system with minimum shift time of 100 ms, reduced to approximately 85 ms for the HGT2 package. So for over a year, OTO 612s with the HGT2 package shifted more quickly than the 599. That all changed in 09 with the introduction of the 599 HGTE. The OTO also had the option of carbon ceramic brakes which are very long lasting, 20" challenge wheels, and sport exhaust.Ferrari likes to give their models a facelift every few years, so 2008 saw the introduction of a switchable manettino. Translated from Italian, it means "little switch" or "little lever," and that looks like what it is. But it reality, it enables the driver to control driving modes without the hands being forced to stray too far from the wheel. The OTO also placed the starting button on the wheel, although you still have to insert the key and turn it to the on position first.
A very notable feature was the panoramic electrochromatic roof which offered three tint settings at the press of a button. The interior also has a Bose audio system, a slightly different display on the dash, cruise control and back up camera. Some of the options on these cars did carry on to other 612s, such as the bose audio. They made that available in 2007, so there are some non OTO cars with some OTO style options. Like other Ferraris it has the reverse leaver, reminiscent of a stick shift. You pull back and pull both paddles for neutral. The 2+2 seating and long wheelbase gave the 612 a level of practicality. The back seat in this car is small for a normal adult, however not impossible to get into. Plus the passenger seat moves forward. it is perfect if you, your wife and two kids want to go cruise. It also had baby seat straps and coat hangers, so while most people don’t think of a Ferrari as a family car, the 612 is a pretty good attempt at one.
When buying a 612, you can rest assured knowing the Engines are strong and have few inherent faults, they are however one of the last with cambelts and these require replacing every 4 to 5 years so budget for this labour-intensive job ahead of time. The F430 and 599 were the first to use the newly developed Ferrari-Maserati collaborative engines with chained drive. An all-aluminium chassis and body mean that rust is not an issue, so while you still want to check panel gaps rust is not going to be a problem.
There is something to be said for an unassuming looking fast car that doesn’t attract unnecessary attention. It may have slightly more muted exhaust note and a comfort biased suspension settings compared to some of Ferraris more sporty models, however you will definitely want to stay below the radar as 533bhp even in a car as heavy as the 612 means rapid performance. The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is becoming more desirable with each passing year.
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[@anthonytomase4406]

Love her enthusiasm and professionalism. Nice job. Have an 05 612.

[@viriatvsoflvsitania5422]

The 612 aged soooo well! I remember when they came out and a lot of people were complaining about the styling, but I always found them extremely good looking. At the current market, in my honest opinion they are the best value for money Ferrari you can get at the moment. Lovely car. And great video btw.

[@renatomartello3045]

Now time must go a bit backwards.. when the class and style was a really appreiciable

[@mikehermesmeglio]

I liked it straightaway too. Super classy!

[@robertcomella8486]

Wow....best 612 review I have ever seen...love that car, pure class....I have an FF currently but might add one of these...always loved the 612....great review, you really know your stuff!

[@F1YMS]

This was a really good overview of the 612 Scaglietti.

[@aramchomina-chavez-yx2tb]

your knowledge of ferrari's is impressive, well done, thank you for the review

[@patrickb1937]

Thank you Colleen really nice asked about this car earlier 💐🍾

[@dingodave3966]

Very much admire your approach to these reviews Colleen.

[@FerrarisOnline]

Thanks!

[@wyo550]

What a great video! Smart, knowledgeable and I learned a lot about OTO! Thank you!

[@FerrarisOnline]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it

[@berlinetta____2680]

Beautiful car. Thanks Colleen

[@Fizzor]

I enjoy this channel, the content is great, but one of the reasons I've watched the most were the flyby shots on the cars you guys are talking about / driving.

[@user-sv8ce7lw6t]

The second you put it into paddle. You could see the excitment on your face. Cant wait for the next racing season. Congrats on getting your competition license!

[@jamesdellaneve9005]

What a nice car. Great spec for the year. Nice review!

[@HammAlexander]

Excellent and complete review

[@jagpimp7322]

Great work as always.My friend has a 612,he loves it.

[@vitormanuelsousa5655]

Another great video! Congratulations!😍😍 Still waiting for the 456GT video !😊😊😊😊

[@Taco-bomb-GTA]

Great review !

[@timgosling6189]

The 612 mid-life update replaced much of the 360 era tech with F430 stuff, including the steering wheel, better F1 transmission software, and also a better, 599-style head unit in the centre console. And yes many people do find the horn buttons by accident! When they were new 612s were judged a bit harshly for their proportions but I think they've improved with age and they do all sound absolutely gorgeous.

[@andrewstubbings5628]

I love the 612 super cool and the interior is fab and suits the exterior great combination! Subtle understated with a killer streak perfect car!!

[@autofanaticcars]

These are awesome GT cars to enjoy. I did a full restoration on a rare 612 a few years ago with the rare gated manual gearbox and many one off performance mods i designed and manufactured for it. The only issue with the 612 now is some parts are obsolete to obtain and most Ferrari dealers turn these cars away because of the electrical systems which shares many quirks in the electrical layout to the Maserati Quattroporte. The engines are amazing when paired with a custom exhaust and the driving position and seats are super comfortable. These cars do suffer from aluminum corrosion issues like many Ferrari of this era with paint bubbles in random locations. I always loved the factory red book photo album that came with these cars showing the car being built on the assembly line in various stages.

[@robinbryson6745]

This has been very useful so thanks, Colleen. Interestingly - and frustratingly - the 2008 612 that I am looking at here in the UK has the dash issue but it is taking far longer to fix...!

[@nonamenameless5495]

Really nice presentation, especially as you highlighted common issues one should be aware of, lots of good insight presented in a casual way, thanks for that. I remember when the 612 came out and I must admit, I was among the vast majority that despised the design, loved the 456 preceding it. This gradually changed during the past 3-4 years and I really grew into appreciating its design more and more, the greatest point being the fact that the overall design seems so serene. My uncle owns a 355 GTS (used to be one of my favs but we all called him mad when he got it and I still remember the first drive: it started to rain heavily and we found out the roof was leaking) and I came along when it was due for servicing. They had a 612 in the shop, only seen 3 or 4 in the flesh before and I was almost stunned to find out how much I like its elegant shape. The thing I love most is how little dramatic it is...until you hear the engine start. I m a Porsche guy and the type that would go for a GT3 Touring with a manual all day any day over a winged GT3 or God forbid some newer RS model (got a Cayman as my daily driver) and Ferraris always have had too much of the "look at me thing" in my book but the 456, FF and lately even more so the 612 make me lust after a Ferrari. The fact that I disliked it for so long and that it s one of the last stealthy, drama-free Ferraris makes me want the 612 even more.

[@FerrarisOnline]

The 612 and 599 are classy not flashy. 😎

[@weirdinventor]

thank you for the video, keep up

[@echozgus]

beautiful and elegant ferrari

[@robhorsey9906]

Well done review. That car has grown on me, especially in that dark color. Also hard to argue with a 533HP V12! Regarding the sticky switches, what years of Ferraris does this affect? Are they still using a similar coating today? Thanks!

[@seanscott7120]

I went to Art Center when Ken Okuyama was the design chair and Jason Castriota was a student. Among many other incredible designs, Jason pened the 599 and Ken the 612. Talk about perfect synergy. Great video as always, I want one but gated!

[@bernardwarr4187]

Another great video, many thanks. So tell me, what’s the difference between a 599 and a 612, other than the cam belt?

[@imbluz]

I like the understated beauty of this car. It's not too flamboyant, yet still looks nice.

[@artpereira]

I always loved the 612 and That colour and wheel combination is the best to go for for the 612 In my view.

[@grigiogt8793]

I really liked this video because It really gave me an idea of what this car was like to drive and own. I’ve been looking at the Roma which seems to be this generation’s 612. It sounded amazing. If you ever get a gated manual car, could you do another review, please? Like other viewers, this car has grown on me. Excellent video! Thank you.

[@FerrarisOnline]

Thanks. We try to do a video on every car that comes our way. So if one comes in theres a good chance we will do a video.

[@paulm6481]

Beautiful classy car. A true exotic GT.

[@vandorinternet5882]

Beautiful car, I love it

[@starfishjennie]

I love this car!!!!

[@kostaskarathanos3041]

Great video with the right amount of information. Still, from 100ms down to 85ms is just 15ms😊

[@wlawson86]

You could try mounting your microphone on the sun visor for driving scenes. That way you can wear your seatbelt normally. Bravo for keeping the seatbelt away from the mic though!

[@user-hc9qv9yb9m]

Italian Disco: when all the dash lights come on.

[@FerrarisOnline]

Ha! Thats what im calling it from now on.

[@VovaYanchich]

I like how the clothes are matched to ex- and interior.

[@robi4387]

I prefer bare metal bikes but end up with rat rod cars.

[@andrejdestradi7414]

Big ciaooo Bella from iTALiA🙋‍♂🌹🤗

[@paulmarmora3706]

Yes they only made 199 manual but only 60 made it to the US, and they are the last of the gate shift Ferrari made, extremely rare. One came up for sale in march and sold for $600,000

[@keithsclassicgarage1133]

As I get older, I appreciate luxury sports cars more.

[@BenzinioB]

A real treasure source for Ferrari... I dont know what people dont like about the 6 12 as a grand tourer it tick all the right boxes. Yet another underrated car... However in this segment I'll go for the Maserati GranSport...

[@paulm6481]

I am of the age that I like cruising and just going fast a little. Get a base Mustang GT or Challenger RT. with either manual or automatic and their naturally aspirated V8s give you the grand touring feel

[@upsidedowndog1256]

I love the review as always. I think Ferrari intended this to kind of "blend in" to traffic, not be so flashy but still be a Ferrari..in stealth mode. Marketing thing. I am an Enzo fan so anything that can't win a race is not a Ferrari. Looks mean nothing.

[@carolynlindholm4879]

Wow !

[@jimmyyoh8144]

The OTO major change over the eaelier 612 IS THE GLASS ROOF.

[@kemalayasloglu1246]

1:48 when she says" whatever" her right eye didn't agree to that

[@jatayb]

Ferrari, always the best!, v12, Ferrari's specialty!, and the most beautiful pilot! 😜

[@tymwalt]

I know I can fit into this one lol!

[@daleysreviews]

Oooooooooo😍🏎🏎🏎

[@mpeugeot]

Looking cute today... Plus, I like the 612 too, maybe that is what is making you look good today. ;) Sticky switches are sooooo horrible... You are doing someone a huge favor. Sticky stuff ruins everything it touches!

[@FerrarisOnline]

So many clothes ruined due to sticky switches...

[@mpeugeot]

@@FerrarisOnline You aren't kidding... LOL. I seriously lost a LOT of clothes to sticky switches (Military Uniform Items) before I realized too late. Navy Whites and Sticky Switches are a NO GO!

[@a.m.9357]

This lady is a born model. She can easily outshine 60% of the so-called professional models who damage our eyes daily with their crass exposures.

[@claudiocorleone7856]

Agree and intelligent. I would rethink whatever she is doing with those tattoos awful!

[@Beanfart3834]

It shares its engine with the 575

[@PatHaskell]

I like the fact that she appears young yet she pronounces “button” correctly.

[@sunkistlbc]

No scoops no buy

[@miguelramirez644]

😎👍🏽

[@fabiocene]

It does not share the engine with the 599, which derives from the Enzo's.

[@robi4387]

She probably meant 575 Superamerica. TBH many salesmen wouldn't know and no one would challenge them.

[@youarewhatyouare]

The closest i get to this sort of life is sticking plastic over my rotton bathroom tiles

[@josephjewellers]

Maybe not as luxury but better alternative to Bentley Continental and Aston DB9

[@robertdavis4834]

I like your videos , as another viewer also said. So when you said that the dash board shrinks over time, that just blew my mind. When cars that cost just a 10th of what a Ferrari cost, do not have those issues, I would be pissed .

[@Fluterra]

You can’t approach it with that mindset. It’s not the point that a Corolla’s (plastic) dash does not shrink.

[@FerrarisOnline]

No corrollas and many other plastic dashes get supper brittle and crack and shater. Cant repair that

[@adminabsensifpar9810]

❤👌🥰🥰🥰👍❤

[@sellsidedream8766]

Better in a manual

[@cestusfr]

Put your seatbelt properly.

[@carlosacosta2558]

👍🏼😷😷🇵🇷🇵🇷🇵🇷

[@thomaslahr9022]

Having the start button the wheel makes zero sense. Just a gimmick which clutters the wheel. Unfortunate decision by Ferrari here.

[@robi4387]

Agreed, The start and the Manettino switches should be on the dash but that would have involved too much work for Ferrari. I also prefer paddles that rotate with the steering wheel.

[@WHYTESWORLD]

I can’t listen to a woman talking about cars, in the same way that most women wouldn’t take a man talking about handbags seriously.

[@clarkinnes582]

Completely wrong music for this video and mixed by a 4 yr old, come on guys give it more thought!!!!!!!!

[@keithcummings691]

Price range on the 612 today

[@alessandro1645]

Si ma lei chi è??? ❤❤❤