Ferrari 612

Our verdict

The elder statesman of Maranello, the Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is every inch a proper Ferrari, but it’s comparatively understated and seats four in serious luxury. Still good for nigh-on 200mph though.

Comfort

If you're after a bit of cosseting from your Fezza, this is the only way to go. Spacious, refined and stitched together like a Saudi oil sheik's private jet. All that's missing is the in-flight drinks.

Performance

The Scaglietti's 5.7-litre V12 is not the most advanced Ferrari has to offer, but it's still a thing of near-peerless wonder that will rip it to 60mph in 4.2 seconds and all the way to 199mph.

Cool

The 612 is arguably the coolest Ferrari on sale because it's trying the least hard. It's not as flash as an F430, or as complicated as a 599. It still does the business, but in a whisper rather than a roar.

Quality

Hand built Ferraris used to go wrong all the time, but there's little room for error these days. Superb finish and sound mechanical reliability. This is no Porsche, but nothing major should go kaput.

Handling

Despite its size and the fact that this is Ferrari's grand tourer against the sporting focus of its stable mates, the 612 still handles beautifully. Superb steering feel and a supple, responsive chassis.

Practicality

This is a genuinely practical Ferrari. (You can count the number of times that phrase has appeared in print on one hand). There's room for four and a big boot. Go cross a continent.

Running costs

The 612 is the most expensive Ferrrari on sale at £183,000, and has the worst fuel economy. To make matters worse, the annual service is enough to bankrupt even a Chelsea first-team regular.