Ferrari's Big Mistake - Last Opportunity For A Bargain?

Product reviewed

Ferrari 599 GTB (HGTE variant) — HGTE = Handling Gran Turismo Emotion, i.e., a factory handling pack version of the 599 GTB.

Key features mentioned

Design & presence

• Imposing design: huge bonnet, strong curves.
• Photos look worse than the real car (described as “imposing,” but “photograph badly”).

Engine

• 6.0L naturally aspirated V12
• Power figures mentioned around 610–620 hp.

“Enzo-derived” architecture claim

• Some commenters/owners call it an “Enzo engine.”
• The reviewer states it’s not a true Enzo engine, but has similar architecture.

HGTE handling pack (response to weak reception of the base 599)

• Lowered suspension
  • Built on an adaptive-style suspension concept.
  • Compared conceptually to Audi “mag ride,” using “iron fibers” to tense/release across modes.
• Faster gear changes
  • Improved response from roughly 100 microseconds to 85.
  • A small spec change, but “enough to get you excited.”
• Exhaust and other tweaks
  • Exhaust changes plus “other trick bits” to make it feel more like a Ferrari.

Interior / special specification

• “Carbon fiber for days”
• Wheels differ from a standard 599.

Rarity & ownership availability

• Very low production, attributed to timing (see cons).
• Approximate figures mentioned:
  • ~3,500 units total cited
  • In the UK: ~600 cited
• HGTE is even rarer (exact HGTE count unknown; Ferrari never released numbers).
• Handling-pack cars may be delivered from factory or retrofit for around £20k.

User experience & driving impressions

Overall “feel”

• “Old school Ferrari” feel inside (2006–2007 era).

Driver aids / intimidation

• Described as very intimidating due to feeling lacking in modern driver aids.
• Feels like “holding on,” especially in Race mode.

Gearbox character

• Feels like an automated manual with a lurch between changes.
• Initially the “hardest thing to get used to,” but later becomes engaging and “rather nice to drive.”
• Compared to the Gen 1 Aston Martin Vantage gearbox character.

Balance & handling praise

• Claimed weight distribution around 47/53 (front/rear).
• Called “insane” given Enzo-style front architecture plus a huge front V12.
• Compared as a spiritual rival to the MX-5’s 50/50 fun factor—surprisingly balanced for a front-engined V12.
• Best on country roads, attributed to weight distribution and overall feel.

Pros mentioned

• Power/engine character: V12 “triumph” / “what an engine,” with dramatic auditory downshifts.
• HGTE improves the Ferrari feel
  • The base 599 was criticized as too comfortable/luxurious, while HGTE feels more truly Ferrari.
• Analog front-engined V12 experience
  • Described as among the last “true feel” analog front-engined V12 Ferraris.
  • Later F12/812 are framed as “a little bit crazy,” implying less classic character.
• Rarity + desirability
  • Especially the HGTE spec, with perceived collecting/investment interest.
• Value proposition
  • Mentions about ~£100k purchase expectation.
  • Claims it becomes “huge value” versus higher-priced models such as F430/458.

Cons mentioned

• Launch timing and market crash hurt sales
  • Launch year 2006, just before the financial crisis.
  • Buyers panicked; orders cancelled, leading to low production.
• Base 599 criticism (context for HGTE)
  • Seen as too comfortable, too luxurious, too good as a grand tourer—losing “quintessential Ferrari essence.”
• Intimidating to drive
  • Lack of modern driver-assist feel makes it “scary”/intimidating.
• Gearbox learning curve
  • The lurch and automated-manual behavior are initially off-putting.

Comparisons made

• Aston Martin Vantage (Gen 1): gearbox feel comparison.
• Audi mag ride concept: suspension behavior described as similar in concept (mode-based tension/release).
• MX-5 50/50 balance: benchmark for fun handling; 599 described as nearly matching balance (47/53).
• Ferrari F430: used for production-number contrast (~36,000 built vs 599 and rarer HGTE).
• Ferrari 458 (and F430 class): referenced in value-for-money discussion (599 at ~£100k as better value).
• Later Ferraris (F12/812): contrasted as less “analog” than the 599.

Ratings / scores

• A Vehicle Score app check is mentioned:
  • 709 out of 999
  • Benchmark noted: 640 = average
• Conclusion quoted: “it is a good car.”

Investment / tax angle (additional key point)

The owner is portrayed as buying with investment in mind:

• Claim of potential appreciation from about £100k to £120 (and more generally 10–20%).
• Mentions tax treatment:
  • “No capital gains tax on the gain” (stated as “tax benefits” for mechanical assets / general knowledge).
• Narrative contrast:
  • Early buyers/banks “losing money” during the crisis
  • Later buyers viewing the car as an investment car

Overall verdict / recommendation

Recommended for buyers who want a classic analog front-engined V12 Ferrari feel, especially the rarer HGTE for more aggressive dynamics.

Not ideal for buyers who want modern driver-assist friendliness or a seamless gearbox—because it’s described as intimidating and has a noticeable gearbox learning curve.

Despite that, the video argues it offers excellent value and collectability versus many modern supercar/Ferrari alternatives.

Unique points, consolidated

• HGTE exists specifically to correct criticisms that the base 599 is too comfortable/luxurious.
• Rarity is a major theme; exact HGTE production unknown but very small overall numbers.
• Real presence looks better than photos (design “imposing”).
• V12 engine character is a highlight; architecture linked to Enzo claim but not identical.
• Adaptive-style suspension concept; HGTE adds both lowered stance and faster shift logic.
• Retrofitting the handling pack can cost around £20k (and was done).
• Driving feels scary/intimidating due to fewer driver aids.
• Gearbox described as automated-manual: a lurch first, then more engaging behavior.
• Surprisingly good balance (47/53) despite front V12 layout.
• Value/investment narrative tied to financial-crisis timing and later appreciation potential.

Speaker breakdown (roles)

• Main reviewer (narrator/driver): design/engine/background, HGTE technical changes, driving feel, intimidation, gearbox behavior, balance comparison, rarity/value claims.
• Mate (owner): vehicle described as purchased for investment; private plate anecdote; lends the car for review.
• On-screen/other reactions (light joking): mentions of plate humor and general banter.