2005 Ferrari F430 Spider First Drive - Is the Last Manual V8 Ferrari Worth It?

Okay, yes I know that they did a manual in the California, but literally about one person bought it. If you want a manual Ferrari which is remotely affordable, the F430 is the most modern car you can buy. But 15 years after its introduction, does it live up to expectations?

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[MasterMalrubius]

"If you're looking for your first Ferrari."

I'll always be looking for my first Ferrari.

[JackNapier]

Guys, the F430 is the last manual mid-engine Ferrari. The California is the last front V8 Ferrari, the 599 is the last front V12 Ferrari.
The manual F430 is such an astonishing car to drive. Only 5% of the F430 production world-wide was manual.
Much more reliable than the F1 F430, and so much pleasure with that stick and this masterpiece of 4.3L V8 naturally-aspirated.
AMAZING.

[SCDC-Channel]

Epic Ferrari...I wish they bring back the manuals :(

[ToniR]

Great description: 1 good looking, 2 good sounding - and the rest is bonus - right, that's it!!!

[samgorsegames]

What a beast, one of my goals is to own a car with a gated shifter, you just can't beat it in my opinion

[simmo]

Great vid
As a petrol head the ferraris are above all else for me and to own one is a lifelong ambition
This review captured the romance of the car and your comment about the next vid has left me excited now 😂

[johnforeman]

I just bought an 08 F430 spider. I’ve previously owned a 92 348 and an 01 360 spider. Both with manual transmission. So this 430 I bought is an F1. Initially I thought, oh shit, I screwed up getting an F1, as I do enjoy the manual shift. HOWEVER, I’ve been really getting used to this F1 shifting. You need to practice for awhile, learning when to shift and how to modulate the gas pedal. Im actually really starting to enjoy it a lot. My doubts are gone.

[KL]

Nice video, and if I wouldn't know you're driving a 430, your description of it could have been about the 360. I have that one in manual and drive it nearly on a daily basis. It has so far not let me down. And it has the 5 valves per cylinder engine, as well as a sound that Ferrari has not matched since (I drive it mostly windows open to enjoy the sound..here in Malaysia that's not an issue, same for the occasional roar I love to make in any tunnel). I'd recommend the 360 manual over a 430 as the electronics in my experience are just less complicated and hence less prone to issues. Maintenance wise both are fairly ok and in range with any 5-series BMW if you ask me. Anyhow, the 430 is a great car, though you can also go for the 360 and get that awesome sound too. I enjoy your videos! Keep it up!

[Chrissy-H]

The F430 Scuderia was always my poster car when I was younger... I think they're wonderful. I'd no doubt settle for an F430 Coupe manual though if one of them came into range :-)

[joebloggs]

Some years ago I had the chance to spend some time behind the wheel of the F430 be it the flappy paddle gearbox but what a machine, it is just brilliant!

[jord]

That F430 needs a thorough detail inside and out. Can't imagine how much fun that would be on a Ferrari seeing every inch shine

[aidanbracken]

Any chance of a review of an Alfa gtv v6? the Busso engine is one of the all time affordable
greats.

[blackjacket_]

Your best video yet for sure. True emotions with nicely put information.

[CarpyStewie]

Ever since the F430 launched its been my single dream car! Rosso Corsa with Nero interior.... since the 430 Scuderia 16M Spider launched, I’ve promised myself that one day I WILL own one!

[brettself]

Important to note (not mentioned or featured in the vid, Jay?) is that the shifter box is raised, it's taller, like in the Ferrari of the 60s. Knowing this would be the last V8 mid with a manual 'box, perhaps Ferrari decided to liken the appearance to the cars of old.

The shifting geometry is quite different from the F355. The throw is shorter, the actual mechanical portion being sunken further inside the raised box permits for more noise dampening and better shifting manners. It is kind to the driver who really didn't want selecting a manual transmission to be a mistake.

The clink of the shift in the 360, F355, 348, 328, etc was from a nearer pivot point on the exposed stick. The closer to the open mechanicals, the more pronounced the sound of the movements of the switchgear. The F430 is very well-mannered and probably the best daily driving modern Ferrari. The F430 is an adult.

[the-bulb]

I own this car I was hesitant about buying it because I really wanted a 360 with that sound but with the capristo exhaust sound it’s fantastic

[anastassiosperakis]

Its successor may be much faster, but this is plenty fast for me, esp with the Manual. After all, it is more fun to drive a slower car fast than drive a much faster car far slower than its capability. And this car, with the red and cream combi, looks gorgeous.

[oliverjewitt]

How is it I think of a car and then a review is on about it? Absolute class car and video!

[freddaniali]

That is one hell of a car! I love the 430 spider!!!

[Kevin-eyet]

As always you are brilliant with the video content you are made for this honestly you know what to say you have everything down to a tee you would be good on a tv show look forward to the next video thanks Kev