‘You know things have gone full circle when paying more to do more work feels like a luxury feature.’
But whispers from Maranello say the gated shifter could make a comeback.
It’s not just nostalgia—it’s a rebellion against driving by spreadsheet.
The question is: can Ferrari still remember how to do passion properly?
Keep reading. Your clutch leg will thank you.
Chronological Story: A Love Story Told in Gears
In 1947, Ferrari’s first production car, the 125 S, came with a manual gearbox.
It was glorious. There were no driving modes or paddles—just metal, oil, and revs.
From the 1950s to the 2000s, the manual Ferrari became a legend. Gated shifters, gear whine, and missed shifts are all part of the theatre.
You didn’t drive these cars, you conducted them.
By 2012, the California was the last regular Ferrari with a manual.
Barely anyone bought one. Paddles were quicker, slicker, and required less actual driving.
Ferrari offered the 599 GTB with a manual, but only 30 or so of them exist.
They’re now more expensive than a Knightsbridge penthouse.
Rarer than honesty in politics.
Ferrari fell for the dual-clutch gearbox. Faster shifts. Bigger numbers. Less soul.
Manuals were dropped like a dodgy stock tip as ‘too slow, no demand.’
A Comeback?
Ferrari insiders whisper of a limited-edition manual. Inspired by Porsche, Aston, and even Toyota.
Emotion, not efficiency, is the new currency.
‘The return of the manual is less about performance and more about performance art – a ballet of clumsy feet and mechanical sympathy.’
