Why Is the Manual-Transmission Ferrari 575M so Expensive?

Right now in the world of used exotic car sales, there appears to be an enormous premium for stick-shift versions of the Ferrari 575M. Although I think things have died down a bit, recent sellers have been asking something like $50,000 to $100,000 over the price of a regular automatic-transmission 575M — just for three pedals and a stick shift. Which leads to the question … why?!?!

Now, I understand that the stick-shift Ferrari market is hot right now — as it very well should be, considering that manual transmissions are more exciting than automatics to drive, and a lot cheaper to maintain. Pricing for stick-shift versions of many Ferrari models is shooting through the roof, and largely for good reason: I’d pay a big premium not to have to deal with Ferrari’s old “F1” transmission, too.

But the 575 … it makes no sense.

Allow me to explain. In 1997, Ferrari came out with the replacement for the long-running Testarossa, which was a front-engine, V12-powered model called the 550 Maranello. The 550 Maranello used a 5.5-liter V12 that made 480 hp, and all 550 Maranello models used a mandatory stick shift.

Five years later, in 2002, the 575 debuted. It looked virtually identical to the 550, save for a few tremendously small design details — and performance was roughly the same, too: It had a 5.7-liter V12 instead of a 5.5-liter, but engine power was only up 28 horses. The major difference was that the vast majority of 575M models used an F1 automatic transmission, while only a few had a stick shift. But aside from the transmission change, for all intents and purposes, the 550 and 575 are largely the same — relative to, for example, the Ford Fusion and the Ford Taurus. Those are two different cars. The 550 and 575 can’t be distinguished unless you’re looking at a guidebook.

Now, admittedly, the 575 sells for more than the 550 — partially because of its extra power and additional refinements, and partially because it’s simply newer. So I can understand paying a few thousand more for a newer car with a little more power. But then we get to the stick-shift thing.

Here’s what makes no sense: A 550 Maranello, which came standard with a stick shift is, for example, $150,000. A 575M is maybe $180,000. But it’s not uncommon to see a stick-shift 575M listed for $250,000 or more. How can this possibly make sense? Remember, while the manual was rare in the 575M, every single 550 — a largely identical car — had a manual transmission! This is THOUSANDS of cars! Is the extra 28 horsepower really that important to you?! You’re paying $100,000 for 28 horsepower? And a different grille?! Just to have a stick shift in your 575M?!

It makes no sense — and, hopefully, the market sees that. Unfortunately, based on the current asking-price situation, it doesn’t appear to. Instead, it appears people really are paying $100,000 for 28 extra horsepower and a different grille. And so goes life in the strange world of used Ferraris. Find a Ferrari 575M Maranello for sale

Doug DeMuro is an automotive journalist who has written for many online and magazine publications. He once owned a Nissan Cube and a Ferrari 360 Modena. At the same time.

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