Someone Thinks This Laker Purple Ferrari 296 GTB Is Worth Half a Million, Is It Though?

The 296 features a very interesting powertrain setup. It’s a rear mid-engine plug-in hybrid with rear-wheel-drive and a twin turbocharged V6. This means that you can drive it purely as an EV over short distances, before unleashing its combined 819 horsepower. The 296, or 296 GTB (Gran Turismo Berlinetta) isn’t meant to replace anything in the carmaker’s portfolio, but rather to serve as the spiritual successor to the Dino 206 GT.

By itself, the electric motor is capable of generating 165 horsepower, while the 7.45 kWh high-voltage accumulator allows for an EV range of roughly 16 miles. It’s not impressive or anything, but it’s better than nothing, I suppose.

Anyway, in a straight line, the 296 GTB can rocket from zero to 60 mph in an official 2.9 seconds, while its top speed is rated at over 205 mph. The thing is, we know it’s way quicker than that, with several independent tests producing 0-60 times in the 2.4-second range. It’s truly astonishing what this car can do in a straight line, where it can easily keep up with the more powerful SF90.

Speaking of astonishing, the car you’re looking at here features a showstopping specification. It’s up for grabs to the highest bidder rocking a special-order Viola Hong Kong exterior with enamel Scuderia Ferrari fender shields, plus a set of 20-inch diamond-polished wheels with yellow center caps, yellow calipers, and a set of Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires.

Other noteworthy features include the magnetorheological suspension, electronic Side Slip Control (eSSC) system, carbon-ceramic rotors at all corners, LED lights, front and rear parking sensors, plus the active rear wing.

As for the interior, it’s equally nice, with the carbon-fiber racing seats trimmed in Tortora leather, yellow accents and contrast stitching, matching upholstery (door panels, lower dashboard), carbon fiber accents (dash, center console, door sills), dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, a passenger-side display and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with Giallo contrast stitching.

Almost forget, this car’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox is pretty much the same one you might find in the SF90, Roma or the Portofino M.

How much is this really worth?

That’s the question, isn’t it? According to the ad, this Ferrari came with a sticker price of $413,736, options included. Now, I know that Italian exotics tend to go up in value instead of down, meaning you could argue that this 296 GTB really is worth at least $500,000 now.

However, its starting MSRP is more along the lines of $340,000, and I’m not sure this is the type of Ferrari you’d want to break the bank on. It’s not track-focused or limited production, and it’s not a luxury GT either, but more of a jack of all trades and master of... some?

My point is, if you’re going to spend half a million dollars on a Ferrari, you might as well go for something like the 812 Superfast. It may not be as fast on paper, but you’re not going to feel the difference and you’d be getting more car for the money. Still, if the 296 is more your tune, then go ahead and get yourself one, player.