This is really a matter of personal preference and trade-offs. A stick shift-with-foot clutch is relatively archaic

A stick shift-with-foot clutch is relatively archaic given the high-tech nature of the rest of the F430. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

given the high-tech nature of the rest of the F430, it imposes the usual drawbacks in traffic, and those who sell Ferraris recommend going the F1 route if only for the added civility and ease of driving. But the purists among us (and I count myself as one) would miss the joy of executing a perfect rev-matched downshift. In operation, the F1 gearbox is virtually flawless, although during part-throttle upshifts, there is a noticeable "surging" feeling as the system reluctantly engages the next gear, rather than a crisp shift and reduction in rpms. It smooths out in more enthusiastic driving, and on the race track, it must be said that it is perfectly suited to red-line shifting and pretending you are one M. Schumacher. And yes, it even blips the throttle and matches the revs on downshifts. You pay your money (a mere $17,663 extra for the F1 technology) and you take your choice...

Of course, like the rest of the car, if you have to ask how much it is, you can't afford it. I mean, if you can't write a cheque for at least $251,595, plus GST ($17,611!!!), PST

Like the old saying goes, if you have to ask how much it is, you can't afford it. (Photo: Gerry Frechette, Canadian Auto Press)

and all the rest of the expenses associated with owning a fighter jet on wheels, then you should look at something else. The F430 Spider, expected to account for about 80 percent of sales in North America, adds $40,000 to the bottom line. And then there are all the options, as the sky is the limit on a hand-built car like this. The two yellow "prancing horse" fender shields? Obligatory, and $2,077. Painted brake calipers, to match the body colour? Cool - and $1,230. Ceramic brake rotors that will not fade even after a day at the track? $22,500. Ka-ching, indeed. You get the picture.