1. The front-engine Ferrari market: Which models are a smart buy?

2. Understanding the market shift

3. Models with stable depreciation rates

4. Models with stable or increasing prices

5. Models with changing price trends

6. Key takeaways for value-conscious buyers

The front-engine Ferrari market: Which models are a smart buy?

The market for front-engine Ferraris experienced significant fluctuations in 2023, leading to substantial losses for owners and increased caution among potential buyers. However, as we move through 2024, certain models are showing signs of stability and even appreciation, while others continue to depreciate. If you’re considering purchasing a front-engine Ferrari or simply want to understand the shifting market dynamics, this article will break down which models are currently a smart investment and which ones to avoid.

Understanding the market shift

During the pandemic, Ferrari prices skyrocketed due to surging demand and limited supply. Some models saw price increases of up to 40%, attracting speculators looking for quick profits. However, this trend came to an abrupt halt in early 2022, and by mid-2023, most front-engine Ferraris were depreciating at above-average rates.

Now, in 2024, the market has begun to stabilize, but price trends are diverging, making it more crucial than ever to choose the right model if you’re looking for strong residual value. Let’s examine the key categories:

Models with stable depreciation rates

Certain Ferraris have been depreciating at a predictable and stable rate, making them less risky but not necessarily the best investment. These include:

• Ferrari California: Prices for both the base model and California T surged during the pandemic, peaked in early 2022, and have since been on a steady decline. Over the past year, base models lost 9.6% in value, while the T model depreciated by 8.2%. While still a solid entry-level Ferrari, its continued depreciation makes it less appealing for value-conscious buyers. Interestingly, the Lexus LC500 presents a compelling alternative—it’s around €18K cheaper and holds its value better.

• Ferrari Roma: Despite mixed opinions on its design, the Roma has followed a clear depreciation pattern since its launch, losing an average of 12.2% (or €27K) last year. While there are early signs that depreciation is slowing for older models, it remains a relatively high-risk purchase.

• Ferrari GTC4 Lusso: The V8 variant of this model shows signs of flattening depreciation, whereas the V12 version continues to lose value at a higher rate. Over the past year, the V8 depreciated by 5.7% (€10.6K), while the V12 dropped by 10.9% (€24K). Low supply adds some uncertainty to these figures, but for now, depreciation remains steady.

Models with stable or increasing prices

For buyers looking for a more stable investment, several front-engine Ferraris have shown resilience in the market:

• Ferrari 599 GTB: Unlike models in Category 1, the 599 GTB’s prices surged during the pandemic but did not experience a severe correction. While prices softened slightly in mid-2024, they have since recovered, showing a year-over-year increase of 0.9%.

• Ferrari 550 & 575M: Prices for these classic grand tourers have remained stable since late 2023. The 550 saw a modest 1.3% increase, while the 575M jumped by 18.2%. However, due to the small market supply, the 575M’s increase is likely exaggerated by a few high-value sales.

• Ferrari F12 Berlinetta: After a massive price surge during the pandemic, the F12 experienced only a minor correction. Since mid-2023, prices have remained stable, with just a 1.5% decline last year—a change not statistically significant enough to indicate a downward trend.

Models with changing price trends

Some Ferraris are currently at an inflection point, where price trends could shift in either direction:

• Ferrari 812 Superfast & 812 GTS: Both models saw steep price drops from mid-2022 to mid-2023, with the GTS falling from €670K to €600K. However, 2024 has brought a noticeable flattening of the depreciation curve. The 812 Superfast’s depreciation rate dropped to 5.1%, while the GTS’s rate slowed to 3.1%. Despite these improvements, high supply levels remain a risk.

• Ferrari FF: Prices for the FF declined sharply between mid-2022 and mid-2023 but have since stabilized. Over the last nine months, there have even been slight increases in the model’s market top and bottom. While this suggests the FF may have reached its price floor, the market is too small to draw definitive conclusions.

Key takeaways for value-conscious buyers

Looking at annual depreciation rates across these categories, clear patterns emerge. Category 1 models (Roma, California, GTC4 Lusso) continue to lose value at steady rates, making them less ideal for buyers seeking long-term stability. In contrast, Category 2 models (F12, 599, 550, 575M) present a safer bet, with stable or slightly appreciating prices. Meanwhile, Category 3 models (812, FF) show signs of a potential market turnaround, making them intriguing options for buyers willing to take a calculated risk.

That said, predicting long-term price trends remains speculative. While historical data helps anticipate short-term movements, external factors—such as macroeconomic shifts—can impact the entire market.

Inspired by the analysis of our friend @fourwheeltrader. Make sure you check his other videos https://www.youtube.com/@fourwheeltrader/featured.

Are you already a proud owner of a Ferrari? If so, check out our selection of parts for this car at the following link:

https://octoclassic.com/

Photos sources: Motor Trend, auto-drive.pt, guideautoweb.com, ar.inspiredpencil.com, classic.com, autoevolution.com, wideworldferrari.com, conceptcarz.com