The Definitive Ferrari 458 Speciale Buying Guide

The Ferrari 458 Speciale is many people’s favourite modern Ferrari, and for good reason. It’s a raw, visceral, and beautifully engineered machine that truly captures what Ferrari is all about.

From its naturally aspirated V8, razor-sharp handling, and track-focused pedigree, the Speciale is considered one of the all-time greats. But what makes it so special? And what should you look out for if you're thinking about buying one?

Keep reading as we break down everything you need to know, from spec choices to market trends.

History

Back in 2010, Ferrari introduced the 458 Italia, continuing its tradition of mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive supercars. It was an instant hit, praised for its balance, speed, and naturally aspirated V8.

The 458 Spider followed, bringing the thrill of open-top motoring, but the one everyone was waiting for was the track-focused, lightweight, hardcore version. Then came the Ferrari 458 Speciale.

Following in the footsteps of the 430 Scuderia and 360 Challenge Stradale, the Speciale took the already brilliant 458 and turned everything up to 11. It wasn’t a limited-number car, but Ferrari built it within a tight window (2014-2016).

We estimate there are around 2,000-3,000 Speciales worldwide, with roughly 250 UK-supplied cars.

Colour

One of the first things to consider when buying a Speciale is colour choice. Unlike the 488 Pista, there aren’t as many outlandish combinations, but you still have plenty of options.

Reds

The obvious choice. Ferrari and red go hand in hand.

• Rosso Corsa – The no-cost option and the classic Ferrari red.
• Rosso Formula One 2007 – More metallic, golden flake, £15K option.
• Rosso Fuoco – A deeper metallic red.
• Rosso Scuderia – A lighter, brighter red.
• Rosso Fiorano/Rosso Marinello – Darker, richer reds for those wanting a different take on the classic Ferrari look.

Other Popular Choices

• White: Bianco Avus (bright, clean), Bianco Fuji/Bianco Italia (pearlescent, slightly off-white but difficult to match if resprayed).
• Black: Nero Daytona (stealthy, but less contrast on carbon parts).
• Grey: Grigio Silverstone (most popular), Grigio Titania (lighter grey).
• Yellow: Triple Strato/Pistol (more unique, stunning in the right light).
• Blue: Tour de France Blue, Azzuro Dino, NART Blue (darker shades).

There aren’t many truly unique colours floating around, so if you're waiting for something special, you could be waiting a while.

The Stripe

For most buyers, the stripe is an absolute must. After all, it’s what defines the Speciale. But there is a market for those who prefer a cleaner, stripe-free look.

If you’re going stripe-free, a contrast roof is a great way to add some visual interest. Without a stripe or contrast roof, the Speciale can look a little plain.

There are two main stripe variations. First is the NART Stripe in the North American Racing Team colours (blue & white), but which is also available in different colour combos (e.g. black & gold, which works well on white cars.) 

Then, there’s the Racing Livery, which is two parallel stripes, leaving the body colour in the middle. It looks clean and sophisticated, often seen in black, but can be specced in white or gold.

You want to make sure that you avoid sticker stripes. Unlike the 430 Scuderia or 360 Challenge Stradale, sticker stripes aren’t the done thing on the Speciale.

Also, check the stripe is painted under the lacquer by running your hand over it; if you feel a ridge, it's a sticker.

Another thing to look out for is a car with Paint Protection Film (PPF). This helps prevent stone chips on the stripe, as respraying a bonnet with a stripe is expensive.

Carbon Fibre Options

The 458 Speciale didn’t come with any exterior carbon fibre as standard, so everything had to be specced. Here’s what to look for:

• Front Spoiler & Aero Flaps – £2.5K option, subtle but effective.
• Front Air Vents – £1.5K option, adds an aggressive touch.
• Side Sill Fins – £2.5K option, one of the best visual upgrades.
• Rear Diffuser – £5.5K option, a huge piece of carbon, but not essential.
• Carbon Fibre Engine Bay – £4.5K option, adds a premium touch.

Not everyone gets the hype around carbon, but it adds value and makes the car more desirable.

Wheels & Brakes

There’s only one type of wheel for the Coupe, but there is a different type for the Aperta. The main decision is which colour you want:

• Gold (classic, works well with stripes)
• Matte Black (stealthy, aggressive)
• Silver / Grey (clean and understated)

If you don’t like the wheel colour, it’s easy enough to respray. However, you really don’t want to respray calipers - they come in gloss black, red, or yellow.

Ceramic Brakes come as standard, so unless the car has seen heavy track use, you shouldn’t need to replace them.

The Interior

Step inside the Speciale, and you’re immediately surrounded by carbon and Alcantara everywhere. Unlike the exterior, the Speciale’s interior is loaded with carbon fibre as standard:

• Carbon Fibre Driving Zone (LED Steering Wheel)
• Carbon Fibre Dashboard
• Carbon Fibre Central Bridge
• Carbon Fibre Door Panels & Kick Plates
• Carbon Fibre Racing Seats

This not only enhances the racing feel but also makes the Speciale one of the most focused interiors Ferrari has ever put together.

When it comes to materials, Alcantara is the way to go. It’s lighter, grippier, and designed to keep you planted when pushing the car hard. Some models come with 3D fabric in the centre of the seats, while full leather interiors are rare but not popular for resale.

Most Speciales will never see a track, but if you do want more of a track setup, then look out for:

• Four-point harnesses: They give you a strapped-in feeling but are not advisable if you’re going to use the car on the road (stick with seatbelts).
• A fire extinguisher
• Road legal road bar
• Telemetry, to check your lap times
• Track camera to record your laps

If road usability is your priority, keep an eye out for Satnav & Bluetooth (these are optional extras, surprisingly not standard), parking sensors, a rear camera, the advanced front lighting system, cruise control, and a suspension lift (the Speciale isn’t that low compared to something like the Pista and has good clearance, but not having it could be a deal breaker if you have a steep driveway or deal with a lot of speed bumps.)

The Aperta

The 458 Speciale Aperta takes everything great about the Coupe and adds open-top driving to the mix. Built as a matching pair with the Coupe, it shares much of the same DNA but has a few notable differences.

One of the most striking visual changes is the stripe design. On the Aperta, it’s inverted, meaning the blue moves to the outer edges while the white takes centre stage. You’ll also spot a pinstripe running alongside it, a signature feature exclusive to the Aperta.

With the roof down, the Aperta offers even more road presence, helped by its wider stripe that expands towards the rear. The "458 Special A" badging at the back further distinguishes it from the Coupe. Another unique touch is the carbon fibre B-pillars, an option only available on the Aperta.

Perhaps the most obvious change is the wheels. The Aperta comes with a completely different, diamond-cut finish, adding even more road presence. But at its core, this car is all about hearing that screaming V8 with the roof down. That and, of course, its incredible rarity.

The Prices

The first thing you’ll notice is how much more expensive the Aperta is. The reason is simple: rarity. Ferrari only built 499 worldwide, making it one of the rarest modern Ferraris. Of those, only around 50 are right-hand drive in the UK. Right-hand drive examples carry a £100K+ premium over left-hand drive models. For comparison, the price gap between right and left-hand Coupes is more around £40K-50K.

The original list price of the Coupe started at £208K, but today they range from £250K for an average spec car to over £300K for low-mileage, special examples.  

The Aperta was originally listed for £20K more, but prices have since skyrocketed. We sold our first Aperta at £200K over list price because of its rarity. That turned out to be quite a bargain as they shot up in price, going as high as £700K at one time. While the market has softened, you’ll still need £500K+ for a well-specced example, and these cars remain desirable collector’s items.

Recap

The Ferrari 458 Speciale has already cemented its status as one of the all-time greats. From its naturally aspirated V8 to its lightweight track-focused design, it represents the pinnacle of Ferrari’s driver engagement and engineering excellence. Whether you’re drawn to its aggressive styling, razor-sharp handling, or exhilarating soundtrack, the Speciale delivers an experience unlike any other.

When buying one, key considerations include spec choices like paint, stripes, and carbon fibre options, which can significantly impact desirability and resale value. The market has fluctuated over the years, but this car’s rarity and status as the last naturally aspirated V8 Ferrari mean it will likely continue to be highly sought after. The Aperta, with its extreme exclusivity, commands an even greater premium and is a collector’s dream.

Fortunately, running costs and reliability are relatively manageable compared to other supercars, with Ferrari’s service plan and warranty extensions offering peace of mind.

If you’re looking to buy or sell a 458 Speciale, we’re always interested, so get in touch! And if you found this guide helpful, be sure to share the post and explore our current Ferrari stock at Romans.