Ferrari California T Handling Speciale real-world review

2017 Ferrari California T is very different to the previous generation California, especially if you tick the Handling Speciale option..
This video was created with the support of:
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Thanks for watching.

[@BYSMA4th]

I grew up to have a love for cars on shows like Top Gear. But as I've grown, I'm afraid I've outgrown the childish humor of Top Gear and The Grand Tour. So to have a show like this available for free on KZbin is a real blessing. Thanks for making these shows Harry! I really hope to see you branch out from European exotics to cars like the new NSX, the Corvette, or even a non-exotic like the new Lexus LC. I'd also love to see a behind the scenes video sometime of how the shows are made.

[@Maulinator69]

Just bought a 2018 California with only 5000 miles, traditional red and tan interior. She's my first, DEFINITELY wont be the last and honestly, I'm in love again.

[@that.guy11]

Brilliant stuff as always Harry, so much more interesting/entertaining than any of the young'un vloggers

[@pliaskamvilo3195]

Was thinking the same. Im subbed to Salmondrin, Shmee, etc and those guys are great in their own way but if you want a a mature, classy, sophisticated and informative car review, this is the place.

[@pmam1968]

Harry's the cool rich uncle we all wish we had.

[@davide8641]

i'm in italy now timing the T roof and i can assure averyone that those were exactly 14 italian seconds. Love your videos harry

[@AB-80X]

Interesting. Neither the roof on my 458 nor my neighbours Cali meets it's times. And they have both been properly set up with zero rattles and squeaks after coming from the factory. Here's a bit of a secret. If your Cali or 458 roof squeaks or rattles, take it to a Merc dealer. Both the Merc and Ferrari folding roofs are made by the same company, and Mercedes have really refined the "art" of setting them up properly. I've yet to see a Merc R230 or R231 with a rattle or squeak.

[@commanderrussels2612]

A Harry's Garage upload makes my day

[@slamcrank]

Harry, you have my favorite channel on youtube. Thank you for putting out these videos, and for your enthusiasm!

[@rockervdrive]

Thanks again Harry for the VLOGS! Not to mention camera crew and sponsors.

[@carnivaltym]

So cool, a real assessment by a driver who absolutely understands the market and genuinely understands and above all enjoys what the cars he drives have to offer. Superb review.

[@ukdub]

Perfect review, Harry does make it feel real world.

[@Tommyturtle-ft9gk]

'Hi Guys it's MEEEEE!' should study your channel and learn how to do a proper motoring VLOG. Pure class again Harry.

[@RAT.MAN.]

Scheme just reals out the figures the PR co give & waffles on for 10mins + just to get some revenue in.

[@Brascofarian]

He's an IT boffin living the dream, not a journalist. Bit of an unfair comparison. Although, I am subscribed to Harry and not Schmee so ultimately I agree he could learn a lot.

[@andrewgurney6019]

So true, Mr Shmeee is an arrogant fool, Harry is an class English gentleman, his love of cars shines through

[@tedtheturbot]

Lads check out Mr JWW's channel if you havent already..he does a great job making vids, really well done..

[@philclarke7712]

Tommyturtle1961 I don't watch schmee. Neither do I insult and deride people on the internet with absolutely no provocation. Call me old fashioned.

[@nassarahmmad8057]

About the only car journo who doesn't do the false forced laugh on acceleration runs . Genuine car man . Respect .

[@maricaibo3507]

"Proper quick..." Great phrase. I think Harry's in love- it looked like you zoned out there a couple of times ;-) Thanks, Harry. Keep it lo-tech!

[@ktruong2802]

these reviews are a treat Harry. keep up the good work

[@spadgm]

Another great review, love this channel!

[@SuperJapierdole]

What more could you expect from the review? Two best sides of motoring journalism is You sir and chris harris without TG thing. Just record. We we will watch till world ends.

[@DonLee1980]

Thank you Harry. Another honest review that crossed another potential dream car off my list.

[@erichakanson7010]

Harry, thank you for changing my mind on the Ferrari California. the regular model I considered sort of a (sorry ladies) "girls car" or even a Ferrari "lite." But your review of the California T has made me a believer. probably still not going to buy one but now I'd love to drive one.

[@Tommolitor]

I think if you would do a review of a pencil, I still would love the video

[@MasterMalrubius]

Yes, but it would be a carbon fiber mechanical pencil with automatic graphite writing shaft extension. And would cost $5,000.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

Always love your videos Harry! ps: The windmill @ 7:17 :O

[@mentallyhandicappedpoptart2649]

Nice review Harry

[@antonoat]

Great insight, thanks Harry. Yesterday I came a long the Charlbury to Burford road, it's like a rollercoaster ride, very enjoyable, can see why you like it! cheers

[@2.fresh767]

Big H is a proper car journalist. Keep up the good work Harry.

[@liltr3w339]

GREAT CONTENT HARRY, ONCE AGAIN !! ITS A PLEASURE TO WATCH ALL UR VIDEOS, CHEERS !!!

[@hummer149]

Yessss, have been waiting for a new upload

[@scottjayson72]

I always love when you begin your videos in your garage...I get to see a COUNTACH😄

[@MBisFrenchy]

I was actually in the old California (2012) yesterday. 3 people. My knees (5 8) were mm away from the dash. The rear passenger (5 4) had no room. They do for small children (5-8) though as long as you aren't too tall.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Harry - a great video and an honest review (as always). Love your videos; knowledgeable and totally unpretentious. Just like jumping in a car with an old mate who's showing you his latest pride and joy and going for a drive. It seems you warmed to the California over your time with it. A great moment when words fail you as you get lost in the performance and noise of the car. I've said it before, but a true enthusiast. Wonderful stuff! BTW - thanks for your earlier advice re Route Napoléon - hopefully heading across early summer as you suggest. I've always loved the lightly trafficked open roads of France.

[@sparky191]

Thanks Harry. Another great video.

[@-DC-]

one of the best contributers there is thanks Harry.

[@LILLO84]

Absolutely quality video AS ALWAYS Mr Harry. Your passion and knowledge about any cars of any brand is beyond anything else on KZbin really, you make all these young folks like Shmee or car spotters absolutely terrible to watch, don't even get me started with the americans like Solomondrin or Doug De Mouro their ignorance and search for stupid reasons to bash on cars they don't like is outrageous but you sir just put up facts without being biased and that's RARE these days on the internet. Greeting from Italy

[@clairebannister4749]

you may like Davide Cironi.. :)

[@campkira]

it a good entry level ferrari

[@CB-RADIO-UK]

Great video Harry. Thanks for the upload.

[@tronn_carter]

"They say they've done it for the Polar bears as Mr. Clarkson might say.." Hilarious bit there haha but I must say, this was an outstanding review Harry. Thanks for all the great content! Looking forward to more!

[@Dan-up6do]

Great vid Harry, I've seen a few California's around and i'm always surprised by their colossal size, i know it's just the way cars are now but it shows when you mentioned the cars weight. Those A pillars are massive too. Totally agree with you on the indicators on the wheel, seems that Ferrari are sticking with it even though i wish they wouldn't.

[@OmarG123]

this is a amazing reveiw Harry love ur reviews they are all good no wonder you have barely any dislikes

[@ThomasHarrisonLord]

4:16 - A Bentley Zagato under the grey dust sheet? I think so. Which I seem to remember being featured on an Evo Magazine video which also had Harry Metcalfe in it.

[@p00pie]

Harry please never leave KZbin.

[@TeamAtterz]

Absolutely fantastic video as always. You also have such a soothing voice it stops my better half nagging me, so overall it is a double win!

[@NicholasSpartan]

Harry thanks , an excellent review as always. If I may, I never understood the fact which Ferrari is producing an amazing car everytime , but somehow the design team keep using the side turn light from an old Fiat Ceicento...! I m telling you its the bloody same !

[@seinsmeld13]

Harry, I agree with you about the launch feature. I have it on my car and have never used it. In closing excellent review. Cheers from a Canadian fan.

[@MrSkykay]

Hy Harry, great as always, but I and 4 million others still miss an extensive test of the most beautiful ferrari of all times...the F355

[@uhn2000]

Loved the review! I drove it and I gave it 5 but then again I didn't know the exact price.. which is why Harry gave it a 4 :) What a package from Ferrari and great review Harry. Can't wait for your Lusso one :)

[@sportsfreundberlin]

The carbon cover for the cup holder is £1400???

[@Brascofarian]

it's obscene.

[@GiulioImparato]

because they know there will be some arab billionaire who would pay that amount of money for that just to say his ferrari is full-spec

[@bigjohnfury5662]

Brascofarian I've got a bird that wears loubies..now £1600 for a pair of high heels is more obscene

[@eedesign878]

It is worth about 3-6€ in material costs and maybe 30€ in labor cost.

[@andrewgurney6019]

But what would you bird do for you if you bought another pair of Loubies?.....a lot more fun than putting your can of red bull inside some carbon fiber I am sure

[@HawaiianSurfer96]

Hi Harry! How would you compare the DB11 to the California T? Just your general thoughts

[@nateisright]

Great review, Harry! The California has been around for a few years but I still haven't come around to the idea of a V8 in the front. Front engine Ferraris have V12s, but the Cali is very good still. Make mine Rosso Fiorano over Cuoio!

[@mattharvey78]

I wasn't a believer in the California until I drove a California T in Florence on my holiday in Italy last year. As my first Ferrari experience I was afraid that I would walk away disappointed because of all of the iffy things I heard about it, but the engine sounded everything I dreamed it would be, we were cruising with the top down on a sunny day, and even my wife could fit in the backseat because I'm not a giant. I'm completely sold on the California T even without the handling package. I just need to complete my plot to obtain one...

[@cloudboygaming5355]

pls do a bentley continental GT 2017 review. your reviews are the best in depth unbiased car reviews ever. other KZbin car reviews are just ''pre-set parrot poems''. Love U Harry.

[@jamesavickers5961]

Cheers me up no end seeing harry for a proper car review grazie ciao

[@bammetjepindakaas]

Great review once again!

[@jrbuch]

I saw the engine in the california t when I was at the Ferrari factory in Italy last year. Interesting to note that they've got adjustable actuator rods on the wastegates. So a few quick turns and you'd be able to increase the boost a little.

[@ghibli608]

Dear Harry, The reason why you can't fold the roof down whilst driving is because of legal requirements. The law requires the license plate to be visible at all times when driving in traffic. And the bumper is supposed to be the end of the car; when opening the roof, the trunk lid surpasses the end of the bumper... Not allowed.

[@EdgyNumber1]

Rear seats are there for tax reasons. Actually a sensible design decision. Excellent sensible review Harry... especially on suggestion of which options to seriously consider. Good stuff.

[@TheShaunksread]

"a rich seam of Torque" nicely descriptive turn of phrase there Harry.

[@clairebannister4749]

Nice work Harry, thanks again for a quality chat.. Perhaps the non special handling one would be a better UK road car but with the sports exhaust..

[@Tony-hj7bm]

your reviews are the best

[@giaccomodelbosco2269]

Only Harry Metcalfe will get me to watch a 25 Minute Video about a car I absolutely dislike.

[@Noukz37]

Hahahha I was just thinking the same thing man XD

[@rjadiemen]

Whats not to like about this car?

[@AB-80X]

+RJAVD The sound, the colour spec and the looks. It is and always will be the Maserati bastard child.

[@Lightunseen]

For some reason, i always read Harrys last name Metalcafe...which does sound kinda badass to be honest.

[@mdcohen]

RJAVD I'm not a fan of big GT cars. I suspect the OP isn't either.

[@Zoot1343]

Thank you, excellent review. Heading to Calgary to look at a black on black T. While there, I will also look at a Aston V12 manual. Sill love the Vantage design. Tough decision. Cheers from the west coast of Canada. Adam

[@ericlovett9022]

A Ferrari California acceleration compared to "TVRs of old.". What a compliment to Peter Wheeler. That Harry is one of your best observations of so many.

[@andilenhlamba2115]

I love your review. Really felt like I was in the Ferrari

[@holyworrier]

What fun! Thanks, Harry. Nice to learn that the California is no longer a bit of an embarrassment.

[@probono3284]

It was only an embarrassment to those who had never owned one and would never own one. There are so many armchair critics whose opinions are formed by reading other people's opinions rather than experience, and I'd guess that 99% of the people commenting on here have never driven - and never will drive - any Ferrari at all. The original Cali was a great car that 99% of its owners loved. Of course it wasn't the hard edged Ferrari that the other 1% demanded but it was never meant to be. But it had a great engine (and sounded far better than the T version) and was a joy to drive for the vast majority of people who don't want to drive a car like a racing car.

[@stephenoverstreet9898]

Ace video again, Harry!

[@miklu26]

Thanks Harry, great as always 🖒

[@01322521959]

Great review Harry

[@salibaray]

Beautiful car when you learn to appreciate it and see the car up close, still a Ferrari in the end, a practical one too

[@andrewgurney6019]

The automobile grand master, thank you

[@olaflind8436]

Awesome review on great car!

[@richjohn9356]

Cali T with handling pack is super. Not much body roll and very very quick and practical, very under rated ,I agree

[@petewatson4093]

Just bought a Cali T & I love it. I've had a 458 Italia too. The 458 was an amazing car but very aggressive as you can imagine. The Cali T suits my needs better :)

[@details78]

great job Harry!

[@theflyingsteamerstoke8534]

Excellent video and very informative. We had the pleasure of driving the old California and fell in love with it because it was the first Ferrari we had ever driven and what we love about it is that it's the point of entry that many people will have with one of the most prestigious marques in auto history and is still, after the negatives, an utterly joyous machine to be with. Plus we do think that the downsides of these cars are only really appreciated by people with plenty of experience with prestige cars. Great stuff though!!

[@alisonsmythe1287]

You're so right. The original Cali is a great car for most people, and everyone I know who's owned one loved it. Most of its critics on here are people who derive their opinions from the media. They've never driven one and most of them never will, but bitching about a car they could never afford makes them feel a bit less of a failure.

[@chris51330]

Just seen your channel it’s good - subbed

[@stevenjackson8226]

I've had lots of track experience with the earlier normally aspirated V8-powered California. Yes, rightly so, a good old kicking. As it showed up, showroom stock, an confused and confusing car to drive. Even had it drag rocker panels on the ground around corners. Otherwise, perfectly lovely as an indulgent tourer. Not surprising, perhaps, that Ferrari might offer a "Handling Speciale" for those owners who might actually really want to drive this car. The 458 Italia? Lovely thing to drive.

[@sevesellors2831]

Great reviews Harry what is your favourite super car, and have you driven the Dino 246 GT?

[@thelightersideofpracticals2629]

I could watch Harry talking about paint drying....he is the best on the internet.

[@macarows4014]

I really hope that you will test F12 Berlinetta soon!

[@Stigs722]

Another great video! Makes SOL look like a clown.

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

Stigs722 Not really a fair competition.

[@astronmr20]

Different strokes for different folks.

[@j4k3yyy]

great video harry

[@TheVorstwout]

Awesome Harry !

[@Dave.S.TT600]

Great Review. Harry's standard reviews are very good but this is like Harry's persona in Speciale-Mode. His persona is firing on 12 cylinders even though the car has eight. Haha Cheers Mate

[@johngoodridge7815]

Built to take SL sales, but now has to live with the AMG GT C. Like to see you in one of those Harry, IIRC you gave it's predecessor the SLS soft top a pretty good write up back in EVO days.

[@Malc180s]

The SLS was a proper car though... The GT looks a bit chav.. A bit...cheap looking.. It looks like a 60 grand car, not a 130 grand car.. I don't think there's going to be much overlap in buyers.

[@RogerBaileyOnCars]

Harry - that suspension button, so would you say the ride was livable with once the button is pressed or still a bit to harsh

[@AngelInTheDesert]

Roger Bailey also is there a difference between comfort & bumpy road and sport & bumpy road?

[@CCFerrariF1]

When knocking it into Bumpy Road mode while in "Sport" mode on the manettino it will give you the comfort suspension with the sport performance. No difference in the suspension from comfort and bumpy road mode though.

[@afroarabian]

Angel Gentchev comfort mode sets the suspension to the soft setting. The button is only used in the other 2 modes.

[@MusicAnimeNSX]

I have a 2014 California 30 HS. I absolutely love the car. Not quite as fun as my 2003 NSX, but it rides far better than my brother’s SL550. The last NA V8 Ferrari.

[@bertieperret]

Harry I want to know more about your wind-turbine!

[@treyquattro]

I measured 21.46 seconds for putting down the roof: from about the time I discerned Harry hit the button to the beep at the end which I presume announces that the ballet is finished. Probably splicing the two perspectives overlapped some?

[@erike7297]

I think I'm really starting to love watching Harry's garridge. Its quite lovely.

[@animeonperseest]

Could you do a 456 or 612 review. Older front engined 2+2 Ferraris are so rarely covered in youtube.

[@blindmonkey9999]

Ace review!

[@warakanda7356]

why are those car manufacturers fond of creating cars with rear seats, but they are rather useless. anyway, thanks for the review bro. it's really awesome..

[@Asdasty]

To make it appear Luxurious. Jag did something with the Xk so that it is seen as more of a Grand Tourer than a sports car.

[@1958plymouth440V8]

They bring insurance down.

[@TheWorldTeacher]

I bought a Porsche 911 over the Boxster SOLELY due to the rear seats, as I had three kids at the time.

[@Asdasty]

Cant possibly regret that choice. Its a great car.

[@Avrelivs_Gold]

ORANGE MOCHA FRAPPUCCINO

[@1seipai]

Excellent review. EVO is not the same without you.

[@Vontharau47]

Im loving your Videos, Harry! Could you get your hands on the new BMW M760Li please?

[@michaelrobinson5592]

Good video 👍👍

[@AB-80X]

It's kind of interesting to see you bring up the original Cali suspension. Over on Ferrarichat, I always get flamed when i bring it up. Back in the day my better half and I, considered the Cali, but not only did we find it too slow, but the suspension was horrid. We ended up selling our 599 and got into a 458 Spider later on. But it puzzles me that even after the Cali T came out, people are still not acknowledging the fact that the suspension is not set up right. I guess our coveted little horse badge really do make some people blind. And all the same can be said for the useless rear seats.

[@328gts1987]

Thx Harry, good review. Would consider the Cali T if I didn't have the F430 spider ;-) Can you review the F430 spider once? As a nice 2nd hand sportscar consideration?

[@daveglover6115]

I had a push button floor start on my 1962 850 Mini! Now, years later, it's 'trendy' to have it! Now we have to abide by so called 'ergonomic' car designers! That steering wheel does not belong in a proper Ferrari! Yes - I am a subscriber to this great channel!

[@morbsgti20vt83]

The headrests always seem to be too far back on most of those modular kind of designs.

[@djm9676]

I have had a 360 Spider, and a 430 coupe so I bought a “normal T” so I could take my little Grandson out. Plenty room for kids in the two back seats. Really the engine is so fast. Incredible. Yet so easy to drive. A real GT. Spend more and enjoy these over any Merc. Great car.

[@phil-Leotardo.171]

Harry you should do a review of the Grotti X80 Proto or The Pegassi Tempesta

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

The rear brake lights and indicators are just not where you'd expect them ... I can see people missing those ...

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

James Hibbert Totally. Weird.

[@tihicar]

James Hibbert That's because of roof opening/closing.You can see at 18:30 the reason

[@Djpaul-lo1px]

Anyone that can’t see a wide high mounted led brake light needs their eyes examined.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

@@Djpaul-lo1px no-one mentioned that. You ok, dude?

[@HawaiianSurfer96]

What is the right toggle on the infotainment system actually for? Ever wondered..

[@JohnyMcNeal]

Just yesterday I was wondering when is there gonna be a new video. :)

[@carlhagman6640]

Look at the car under cover next to the Alfa Spider at around 4:30 - 4:40. I see a Bentley grille and a double bubble roof - Could it be 1 of 10 Bentley Zagato Continental GTZ's?? Mighty cool if it is!

[@sebb427]

It probably is, the grill outline matches only the Zagato's.