Despite the rather dismal financial outlook faced by many UK consumers, it seems there are still plenty of people out there ready and able to pay a premium to get their hands on the latest supercar. Glass’s reports that the acclaimed new Ferrari 458 Italia is in such demand that well-heeled enthusiasts are now competing to bypass the three-year waiting list by paying more than £25,000 above the £170,000 list price.
UK deliveries of the 458 will begin in the summer for those customers lucky enough to be at the head of the queue, and intense competition for the earliest cars is driving prices skyward.
“Clearly the recession hasn’t diminished buyers’ interest in this stunning new model,” comments Richard Crosthwaite, Prestige Car Editor at Glass’s. “It’s not unusual for the first examples of such exclusive sports cars to change hands for inflated prices before the first owners take delivery, but the premium required to bag one of the early 458s is exceptionally high – a reflection of just how desirable it is.
“Ferrari has a long track record of carefully controlling availability – and, therefore, used values – of its smaller models. The 458 is likely to remain in short supply for some time, which will keep it in favour with the fashion-conscious supercar buyer and help to protect residual values.”
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