Owning A Classic 90s V12 Ferrari 550 - Expectation vs Reality

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In today's video, I talk about my 1999 Ferrari 550 Maranello and why, despite mounting costs, it is still one of my all time favourite Ferraris.
Get the book here! rudolfvanderven.myshopify.com...
Chapter Listing:
0:00 Introduction
1:30 Launch of the 550
4:44 My First Memory
6:30 V8 or V12?
8:10 Buying The Car
16:33 How Has It Been?
19:57 550 vs F12
21:16 Quirks and Features
32:10 Conclusion
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

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[@jimj2683]

When will you test the newest range rover?

[@dadasadas9697]

Have you caught cold? Your voice is deeper than usual 😂

[@princesssolace4337]

U shud get the 550 Barchetta OEM wheels ...... and plz get sportier exhaust. The highlight of the v12 is muted and that is a sin.

[@alimuzhussain8394]

Hi Jayem There has never been a fair comparison between a 550 and 575 until this day. All the comparison has been with a 550 manual and a 575 with an early day F1 box. Would you care to do comparison with a 575 manual ? Thank you

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@alimuzhussain8394 have you got one?

[@SimianWonder]

I'll never tire of hearing about the reality of owning this car from someone as enthusiastic and grounded as James is. What a fantastic machine.

[@zgpm7031]

Yes. Considering you are financing his lifestyle by watching it. Don’t you want to get one for yourself? Instead of paying for this KZbinr to buy one on your dime? Only for him to shove it down your throat ?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

But the great thing about KZbin is that you're not being charged to watch the content. You watch, I create - it's the circle of life!

[@SimianWonder]

The comment I'm replying to was deleted, but I'll never begrudge someone making a living doing something they love and have a natural affinity for, and I'll not apologise for helping support them if they provide something I enjoy, which James very much does.

[@fluffych1cken]

The car isn't too shabby either 😉

[@joelstrain4275]

This is genuinely one of my favorite car channels. The format is reminiscent of something like early 2000s top gear, and Jayemm is a fantastic presenter.

[@jayaybe1]

I agree. And James' cheerful "Hello everybody" is always a nice pick me up, especially in contrast to many awful ( largely American ) "Yo, what is up?" greetings of some other channels 🙂.

[@chunkybuttz844]

@@jayaybe1 As a proud American let me thank you for this criticism. They always perform that ridiculous “selfie” shot, holding the camera out with one hand whilst using the other to gesture effeminately. I did grow up on classic top gear so maybe I’m biased to this presentation format.

[@ThunderChunky101]

Better imo - more honest production and more personal. Very often it's about mates cars, viewers cars, and (as we see here) his own cars.

[@ThunderChunky101]

@@jayaybe1 "Yo WHAT'S UP guys, comin to you LIVE back for another video remember to SMASH that like and subscribe..." yawn🥱

[@jayaybe1]

@@ThunderChunky101 I feel ya fam 😬.

[@slushyslushslushbruh]

The shot of the 550 going through the mist looks epic!

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Was gonna say the same. Really suits it, mystical, alluring, exciting!

[@kalui96]

sounded great, too

[@jameshunterford4099]

With the lights on. Absolutely great shot!

[@bikemike1118]

…looks misty

[@michaellorenson2997]

This car was possibly _too right_ for its own good. It was so handsome, and it pushed all the style, technical specification, _and_ driving experience buttons so perfectly, it oddly bordered on caricature. The perfect proportions, the beautifully sculpted tail, the evocative hood-scoop, the finely-honed and pleasingly organized face, the crisp yet flowing lines, the elegant five-spoke wheels, the handsome interior -- there were no missteps in this car, no quirky tangents, just perfectly cohesive Italian design. Based on contemporary reports, and despite reviewers' mixed feelings, it was obviously the best road-car Ferrari had ever offered, and I felt it would stand the test of time. You've confirmed all of that, ~25 years later.

[@reallynotpc]

I'm afraid your videos inspire me not to go into the classifieds. I can just imagine how wrong I could go! Thank you for taking me somewhere I would not go otherwise!

[@271production]

Really love this model. Its got the right mix of engine, gearbox and practicality. A car like this is still fun in normal traffic and at normal speeds

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

Harry Metcalfe always says his Testarossa is so easy to use, they took his one on a road trip to the Sahara. That was the vids which got me interested in his channel. The man knows how to use his wheels.

[@richardharrold9736]

Plus the time he drove it to the South of France with an outboard boat engine in the frunk and brought it back full of champagne...

[@sh-hg4eg]

"Frunk" is a horrid term.

[@richardharrold9736]

@@sh-hg4eg true, but it is useful and concise.

[@zloychechen5150]

JM, you're doing a fantastic job. I must say i only watch the cars that i'm at least vaguely interested in, but when i do, i can't stop till they're finished. Everything is absolutely on point, it's very well shot and produced, it's so genuine and with no snobbery. All of the best to you, keep it up. As for the sticky switches, until you've sorted it out properly, just wet-wipe the shit out of them. It will stop them from being annoying.

[@AntoniusTyas]

You definitely loved the 550 to bits. Deservedly so, and if this car goes away from your garage we will all be sad to see it go. Keep it for as long as you can, use it and share the experience with everyone.

[@CCFerrariF1]

You don’t need to use the button on the dash to open the boot, there’s a pull tab behind your seat on the parcel shelf under the carpet :)

[@jakublulek3261]

Cars are sometimes like a girlfriend. They cost you a heck a lot of money but the joy they provide in their company isn't measured by just numbers and you kinda stop carring and live it to the fullest. My old Cortina is exactly that case.

[@ozeskiman]

Loved the moody fog shots. A great wrap up of the under appreciated Maranello. I love my 575M. Your review really did highlight its brilliantness. There is nothing wrong with the car.. it's such a great driver, either on a long trip or dancing down a mountain road. When the V12 hits 4k it really pulls hard. It's one of the great looking PF cars. All the greats are in the design language. The GTOs cam tail, the 4 tail pipes and lights, the SWB bonnet scoop, and the shark gills. A real modern classic. A true gentlemans car. I love the fact that's it's just my skill that is keeping the car on the road. The only thing I'd like is, as you point out, a bit more noise. But that can be addressed. I've had my car for 8 years and it's now in the final process of getting its Classiche certified certification. Again thanks to your early review.

[@stevenstoj9445]

That picture of the rear is perfection

[@Reinturtle]

As someone who grew up in the 2000s I didn't really understand why you would buy this Ferrari. But every time I see it in these videos, it keeps making more sense!

[@eze8970]

Thanks J, good to have the in depth story. Glad you're still enjoying your 'first Ferrari'! Wishing you many more happy (& cost free) miles! 🙏🙏

[@MatsGarage]

That misty driveby shot at 29:30. Ace.

[@wimdepril6920]

The 550 is pure class. ❤❤

[@CraigMcB68]

I too own one, and I agree the bonnet scoop is of its time and👌🏻 . You feel a million dollars when you drive it.

[@grande_007]

I love the enthusiasm. It’s also the Ferrari I crave so pleasing to hear it’s not a disappointment.

[@martinclarke6209]

Hi James, just wanted to thank you for your recent help and guidance, I done the deal and brought the Car I was looking at! Yesterday I got to bring it home, 200 miles of pure joy and it didnt miss a beat! Still smiling and you're so right that click of the gear change is fantastic. Thanks again! Kind Regards ✊

[@usingtube]

And when I used to own an accord type R I used to say, the steering wheel is from a Ferrari 550… closest I’ll ever get to owning one 😂

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Good wheel too!

[@benzinapaul7416]

Great video James. I had mine 20 years ago and just watched this with my 5 year old son, he's always asking me what my old Ferrari was like and this video has answered his questions....apart from why don't I still have it. Bizarre quirk of my car, the gearknob was incorrectly marked with reverse opposite where it actually was. I loved mine, I was 29 when I bought it, my mates couldn't understand why I did't buy a 360 or 355. Mine was Rosso with Nero interior, I wanted a dark coloured car but the best example for sale at the time was Rosso Corsa. I bought a TubiStyle exhaust for it and to be fair it wasn't the best sound, I've said to you before though, yours sounds louder than mine did

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Mine definitely doesn't sound louder now, with the standard exhaust.

[@RedLP5000S]

The 550 Maranello will go down in history as one of the pinnacle Ferraris, and most loved.✌🏻🇺🇸

[@jonnybr2871]

James, I feel the same way with my manual 2009 DBS, we're ambassadors of promoting what these cars were and are. It costs me a fortune, I'm lucky enough to afford to be able to run it, and the immense pleasure in the ownership and driving, and the petrol station nod, softens the blow. We're carrying the cars for when the really rich future guys wake up and hopefully we will be rewarded for maintaining the provenance during these crazy times.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I do lust after those so much

[@mcsykes9718]

One of the best Ferraris love the gated manual box.

[@ezpz4659]

Way ahead of its time. The fact this thing can keep up with my 2006 CLS55 AMG is insane.

[@GeorgeAusters]

This was the first Ferrari i've ever been in.. And I agree it is so comfortable!

[@kowkes]

Man alive, I'm a hard core fan of Porsche cars and this video makes me now need to have a 550. Well done you. Now I just have to take my time and find one that is reasonable.

[@jonlyons1033]

Fun fact (if you're an anorak) The first car in the world to be registered in this millennium was a silver 550. In Christchurch Nz.

[@SN.77]

Thank you for the open and honest ownership review Jay. With that in mind, I wondered if you could do a review on aftermarket car warranties? There is so many out there but with very little real world reviews from a trusted source. If there were decent warranties, perhaps people would venture into owning exotica, with a safety net. Many thanks

[@JDR1971]

Loved these when they first came out and still love the Ferrari front engine V12 cars. I've never driven or ridden in a Ferrari and probably never will but the 550 is definitely my style.

[@englishjames007]

Great video, as always. Keep'em coming , mate👍

[@spierchips]

The 550 maranello is beautiful looking car true timeless classic, only matched by the f12 berlinetta in my opinion.

[@sanjmal9568]

Excellent video, and glad for your presentation. It’s refreshing to see a KZbinr both educated in his knowledge and engaged by the cars. One point of concern is how many times you have to re-re-re-churn the historical fact of your cars whenever you start a video.

[@akarilotube]

I've always had an affection for the 550, maybe one day.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Awesome B-roll shots. Great car. Keep up the good work.

[@netcrashYT]

Love seeing a car like this driven even in rain!

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

There she is! Love this thing by far my favourite of all jays cars !

[@chrisgriffin205]

Hello James, I completely understand your pain vis-a-vis your Ferrari 550. You see in the late 70's I owned a Jaguar Series 3 XKE Roadster. Loved it but - well you know!

[@highlandmalt6368]

A friend had a blue one. In 1999 he totalled it outside Henley on Thames. Ferrari inspected it and said they had never seen one that bad where the occupants survived. It was a fantastic car, and I've fancied having one ever since and I have no real interest in mid engined cars or later cars without a normal manual gearbox.

[@Spheredalai]

Jay, i think you should make a compilation of you launching cars from roadside, wether from old videos, upcoming and unused shots, make it absolutely random, I'd love to see it

[@ChrisWalksFast]

Love the ownership videos. Can’t wait to see more on the Scud and s2k!

[@michaelsdiscusandatticaqua9155]

I love the videos of you in your cars the best, it doesn’t seem to matter to me if it’s the wrecked bx or one of your super cars or any one in between. Lots more content of your cars please 😊

[@Pietervdv]

I bought my Rover P5B Coupe during Covid too, unseen. I have yet to drive it, as it was/is a project, but that's about to change after two years of restoration.

[@alexjaybrady]

A silver F550 was the Ferrari I saw as a youngster and knew I had to have one one day! (I have a 1/18th scale one on my desk!!) Thanks for these fun videos showing your experience!

[@danielmarshall4587]

AWESOME vid, great story, ...good good stuff. Every continued happiness and success.

[@sidneygriffiths5737]

Great vid. Absolutely fantastic car!

[@jo05dk]

The newest V8 Ferrari i'd buy, is a 430. The newest V12 Ferrari, would be this..or perhaps the 575, i'm not that sharp on the differences. But this, the classic, elegant and comfortable Ferrari V12 GT car, is fantastic imho. This, to me, is heritage and class. Everything i loved and admired about Ferrari. The newer and angrier V12s don't speak to me, and neither does especially the turboed V8s. This and a F355, and i wouldn't need more Ferraris in my life.

[@nigeldeforrest-pearce8084]

Marvelous Video of a Ferrari I swear I will one day Own!!! I Have Noticed that You have picked up the”Quirks and Features “ Habit. Steady On, My Friend!!!

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

It's all been worth it Jay.

[@xtlmad]

you've got me looking for 550 ads again... and I have a 599

[@Barbarian75]

Had problem with sticky surfaces in Alfa Romeo 156. My solution for surfaces without symbols was to remove them, soak in Vanish Oxi, scrub off the sticky stuff all the way to the hard plastic and use a rattle can spray Vynil from Halfords. Worked like a dream. Might not be to way to do in Ferrari 😂 and doens't work on surfaces with any symbols

[@Cavallino69]

I just bought a 99 550, and your vids were a big part of my choice. It sits beside my QP5 Sport GT S. I will blame Jay for every repair my Italians force me to pay for ;)

[@steffydog]

Lovely, thanks, always great to see 🏁👍

[@winston-1111]

I really love this car. Brings back so many memories from reading the great stories in Top Gear or Evo back in the day! It is on my list of cars I must one time own in my life. Great video!

[@andrewdhome]

Great video, as always! Used Car Vertical for the first time today. Absolutely fantastic. Forgot to use your code 😂

[@natldn5578]

Thanks for this Jay. I love your channel, it brings real world view to these cars and makes a buying decision easier for those able to get into these dreams. I hope my dream starts in a few weeks; I’m just waiting for the right car to pass my inbox 😂

[@rosewood1]

Love your review. It's mad it's honest and I know what you mean. The one car I wish I had never sold... was my red V12 Ferrari which howled. But I can't imagine keeping a Ferrari outside! This is such a gorgeous car. Thanks for sharing.

[@seinsmeld13]

I now have my dream Porsche a 718 Spyder. What a terrific car. She's now put away for the winter. When I get her back out in the spring it will be like getting a new car. Cheers mate.

[@rogeradshead7345]

James, I'm slightly worried that this video has the feeling of an epitaph: I'm hoping that isn't the case, and that we're going to see your car in some more exotic settings before too long...the recent fog shots being perhaps the best yet. Having completed more than double your mileage (I don't have multiple cars to shuffle between), I have to agree very closely with most of what you say...including my love of the bonnet scoop: What a signature from head-on, and to know that it is 100% functional just adds to the sense that LdM, M Sch, Ramachotti, and co got most things right...and very few wrong. BTW, I wasn't able to find the link to Rudolph's book...which I will likely be ordering. Many thanks again.

[@eugenendungu4062]

I remember watching Bad Boys 2 when I was younger and just remember looking the 575 M even though I didn't know the model line I always admired the 550 and 575 even if the 575 was the first one I found out about 😌

[@georgesteffey8375]

Just finished the video - I want one now! It looks like a very fun car to drive.

[@dadcars]

When I was hunting for a DB9 I spoke to a chap with one who when I asked why are you selling, he said well because I have a 550 as well. I love how low the front is. At least with the exhaust being understated it allows you to hear the clink clank of the gated shifter 😉

[@davidarter6271]

When you have a car that gives you so much pleasure that you always look forward to driving it, the cost of keeping it falls to insignificance. Life is about enjoying yourself and this car clearly delivers in spades.

[@claretbadger8612]

Had mine for 2 years and loved it. No issues at all and servicing at an indie was not expensive. Tubi back box helped the sound too without being boomy. Regret selling it but the market was too strong to justify keeping.

[@mick8473]

Just remove the soundproofing from bulkheads and listen to actual engineering noise than wasted energy in a fart box.

[@jameshunterford4099]

That interior is stunning!

[@veemacks7255]

I think all the money you've invested in it will come back if/when you sell it because anyone wanting to buy a 550 (or in Sam's case a 360) really would be crazy to not pay over the odds for one given all the love and care it needed. I'd like to think the same is true for my car but the difference is mine isn't documented online for all to see.

[@stephendavies6949]

Your enthusiasm for your car has brightened up a very dull, dreary day.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That's great to hear Stephen!

[@tonyquickpasta]

When is the collab with STG? Would be great to see you both drive eachothers modern classic manuals.

[@thejudge-kv2jk]

Its ageing quite well actually, nice. Guy near my old office had a British racing green one and it looked amazing. You must be a similar age to me (34) - I had Clarkson's Motorsport Mayhem on VHS. Think Father Christmas got it for me!

[@cafe405]

It's a beauty. I'd still go for the 612 Scaglietti personally, even more understated if anything, but certainly see the appeal of the 550.

[@sidneygriffiths5737]

612's 20-30yrs after the 550 though! No real comparison! The Maranello in book thought........ Classic!

[@claudiomarangone614]

IMO- 612 garish clown shoe 456 understated cool elegance

[@F1Oversteer]

I wave of envy from the thumbnail soon dissipated into a brilliant informed review. Sometimes the financial pain is worth it. Money doesn't even exist really. Happiness does 😄🥂😎

[@neptune45]

I had the odd problem that the Ferrari Dealer could not figure out. It seems that when the car got really hot from running the Tail of the Dragon. 319 curves in 11 miles. So in 22 miles you had ground out 638 curves, and the car would not take any gas in the tank. It took 15 minutes to put in 2 gallons. No vapor lock, etc etc. It had to cool down for about 2 hours. Not fun when you are low on gas, you don't want to sit at the gas station that long and drink a soda and carve something into the wooden bench with a pin knife. We never did find out. I sold it partially for that reason. Got a 458 Italia. But the 550 was the smoothest engine and a dream to drive. The seats were just right. I miss it but I like the newer stuff, less worry and cost less to run. Glad you still have yours.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I would love to try my Scud on the Tail, last thing I drove it in was a Nissan Frontier!

[@robseignior4389]

Content first class. Commentary first class. Ferrari 550 first class.

[@daviddemarco183]

Cost vs smiles - smiles win!! A dream car is the ultimate goal. I own 2006 Audi S8 V10, my dream, cost ridiculous, smiles per miles as a daily awesome! Dreams come true, enjoy them!

[@dallisb1047]

The 550 to me is classically beautiful car.

[@encinobalboa]

V12 with manual. Yes, paddle shift is faster but people are spending huge money to convert models that never had factory manual option.

[@simon_hollins]

I feel the same joy driving my Maserati Spyder as you evidently do in your 550 (which I’m sure is a better car). Petrolheads 😜 Your videos are getting better and better 👍

[@simon_hollins]

@@Lee_Pitcher Neither, 4200.

[@andrewbuckley2892]

Hand brake is some kind of afterthought... I took mine out adapted it so it has a couple of mm bias towards the door , still just about impossible to use but no longer do I get squashed against the steering wheel at the traffic lights !

[@herme99]

Belgian pave used to be good for finding loose parts in cars, but I find these days UK B roads do an excellent job of disassembling interiors.

[@Nialletto]

1) Watches video. 2) Looks at prices on Autotrader. 3) Checks finance eligibility. 😁

[@saxon-mt5by]

... cries!

[@Barbarian75]

Buying Ferrari and driving it home through empty COVID roads. Dream comes true!

[@MuscleBandit]

Great video as always James, I wonder if Ben Collins (The Stig) watches with us all...

[@Chester-UK]

Wonderful! Thanks for such a thorough and honest account of a car that would be the perfect weekend pleasure vehicle for me, but sadly reality is never going to allow it. Mad unplanned maintenance costs aside, I also think this reasonable to run for a Ferrari GT car. I’m so grateful to be able to experience this through video and look forward to seeing the car at a meet hopefully soon. Should it not be at the dealership being repaired! So OK, on to the inevitable question, what would provide even a facsimile of the experience for a more humble budget? What do you believe would be a few steps closer from my current Mk3 TTS (of which you’re welcome to drive of course, that would make a nice continuation from the excellent Mk2 review recently)? I think I know what the answer will be, but I’m going to hold back just in case I’m wrong. Thanks again for the bravery to take on an unseen 550 and cherish it, and for the superb channel.

[@Tom--Ace]

A maserati gransport is a reasonable analogue of the experience, for a much more reasonable budget (albeit no manual, similar speeds)

[@yashveersingh1795]

Great video thanks 🙌💫🔥

[@markscars1069]

Did the same thing with mine. First time I drove it was driving it out the back of the old Dick Lovett showroom in Swindon. Only way to go when it’s your ambition or dream being realised.

[@simonjago9611]

Just superb. What a fantastic car. Always liked these.

[@chesspiece81]

I think a big front-mid V12 would be my first Ferrari. A 550, 575, 599, F12, FF, or 812 Superfast. I would really want a manual if the car was available in a manual, even if I had to swap it like a 599 GTO clone in a manual. But since the F12, F12 TDF, FF, and 812 were never offered with a manual, the 7 speed F1 would be perfectly fine IMHO. Obviously with no cats, full exhaust, tune, whatever other performance braking and suspension are available and some wheels.

[@perarduaadastra873]

A 9 litre V12 would be great. With Variable Valve Timing. Lots of torque and thus instant power, no need to rev the engine high unless one wants. Twilight now for the gods of internal combustion. ✅

[@RJW14]

cable throttle to multiple throttle bodies is heavy yeah.... but imo that also makes it easier to dose. My BMW has a cable to 6 intakes, with 12 I imagine it's a bit heavier still but the kick you'd get..... Gorgeous cars. The GT1 versions were quite dominating on the track as well.

[@lawrencebmarshall]

Wow, didn't realize a 99 Ferrari still used the same style ac knobs as in my 85 Mondial QV. They got a lot of use out of those crappy knobs as the 1980 mondial had them.

[@TheDreadnoughtgames]

Hi James, get your garage to check out the thermostat, your temperature gauge shouldn’t be going up and down like that. The idea is the thermostat keeps the engine at its ideal temperature regardless of outside weather temperature. If the temperature gauge is low, you’re probably causing unnecessary engine wear… great videos though!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Na, all Ferraris of the period I have driven are like it. worth pointing out the oil temp does not deviate as significantly as the water

[@66Pipes66]

My Cerbera is the same, it gets hot, the fan comes on and it cools down fairly quickly

[@laurensfloydjr9990]

Jay, beautiful Ferrari. Someone mentioned in the comment section that it sounded like a BMW do some era. Does the 550 have a totally stock exhaust or if not, what has been done to it over the years?

[@andygtv]

An aspiring David Lee.Nice video 👍

[@dwarfshortage244]

Beautiful, I want one!

[@brianhoefer7148]

Well done!

[@jimsteinway695]

I’ve thought of trading my 991.2 GT3 for a 599 0r a 550 but the GT3 is maintenance free and can do anything, for a car that costs a ton to care for. I would get one with the proper steering wheel on the correct side

[@jazzyonno]

Regarding the squeak, did you change the seat angle by any chance? If the back of the seat touches the leather of the parcel shelf because of reclining the back rest with the seat in the furthest position, then it squeaks. Took me a long time to find. :)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Na it was a rotational one. Handbrake I think

[@ScottWaring]

Awesome video, beautiful car.