Yesterday's Lamborghini Gallardo was an example of the model that ushered Lamborghini into an era of building user-friendly and tractable automobiles. With Ferrari, we would say that the 360 was the first Ferrari model offering a reasonable ownership experience. The F430 added refinement to the aluminum monocoque from the 360, and introduced the first new V8 to the Ferrari lineup since the original Dino V8 was first offered.

Styling, too, was an update to the 360. The same basic form is present, with tightened edges and updated details that we really enjoyed during its time as a new car. Looking back, the 360 has aged slightly better, but the F430 still holds its own among the modern mid-ship V8 Ferraris.

Year: 2005
Model:  Ferrari F430
Engine: 4.3L V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage:  18,030
Price: $175,000 obo
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2005 Ferrari F430

This 2005 Ferrari F430 / 6-speed gated manual transmission is ready for a new owner. It has a clean Carfax and a clear Florida title. It has not had any paint work, and all service records will be included with sale.

Service on the F430, like on the 360 before it, is made much more convenient by the inclusion of a bulkhead service panel to access the engine timing belts and serpentine belt. The 308 and 328, with their transverse engines, were serviceable through the rear wheel cover, while the 348 and 355 require engine removal for belt services. The F430 lies somewhere between the two on the difficulty scale, requiring removal of the front seats and a bulkhead panel to gain access to the front of the engine.

For those with no clear brand preference, it's difficult not to compare the F430 to the Gallardo. While the Gallardo did go through a brief phase as a YouTuber car, it's now old enough to be split between budget exotic owners and those who just enjoy what cars of that era offered. The F430 comes with the more-appealing powertrain (to us), but is less of a breakthrough - that was the 360 for Ferrari - and more of a thorough reworking of a Ferrari 360. Pricing for Gallardos is slightly friendlier right now, and that's how we would spend our money. For those in search of a clean, manual F430? This low-mileage example could make for a very good buy, after some chiseling down on the price.

-Graham