The 296 GTS pairs a turbo V6 and electric motor for strong hybrid boosted acceleration and engaging handling.

Usable for short daily drives but tuned for driver focus rather than long distance touring comfort.

Ownership costs including maintenance and insurance are materially higher than mainstream sports cars and should be budgeted upfront.

Quick verdict: is the 296 GTS a good car?

The Ferrari 296 GTS is a performance first, driver focused convertible that combines Ferrari s V6 plug in hybrid powertrain with sharp chassis tuning, and for many enthusiasts it represents a clear yes if driving engagement is the priority; readers focused mainly on low running costs or long distance comfort should be cautious and factor higher ownership costs into their decision. Car and Driver first drive

Who this conclusion applies to, in short: collectors and driving enthusiasts who value steering precision, acceleration and an open top driving experience will find the 296 GTS rewarding, while buyers who need a comfortable long distance grand tourer or low recurring costs should consider alternatives or account for elevated ongoing expenses.

Compare purchase price and annual running costs for a 296 GTS

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What the 296 GTS is: key specs and how the roof works

Powertrain and hybrid layout

The 296 GTS uses Ferrari s V6 plug in hybrid architecture and shares core technical specifications with the fixed roof 296 GTB, which shapes both its performance profile and packaging choices according to manufacturer data. Ferrari official 296 GTS page Car and Driver model overview

That hybrid layout pairs a turbocharged V6 with an electric motor to provide hybrid boost, regenerate energy and allow brief electric operation in urban settings; the architecture is the technical basis for the car s strong acceleration and the fuel economy gains seen in mixed city driving.

Retractable hard top design and its effect on chassis

The 296 GTS uses a retractable hard top that folds into the body, and Ferrari s structural and packaging choices aim to retain chassis stiffness close to the coupe while adding the weight penalty typical of convertible mechanisms. Ferrari official 296 GTS page

That roof architecture influences luggage space and weight distribution, so buyers should expect marginally reduced boot room and a handling balance tuned with the extra mass in mind rather than a complete redesign from the GTB platform.

How the 296 GTS drives: performance, handling and on road character

Acceleration and hybrid boost behavior

Professional reviewers consistently praise the 296 GTS for its strong hybrid boosted acceleration and immediate throttle response, describing the car as quick and engaging on both short bursts and sustained sporty driving. Car and Driver first drive

The electric motor contributes instant torque that complements the turbocharged V6, so during normal driving the hybrid system smooths power delivery and during spirited runs it amplifies acceleration rather than replacing the combustion character.

Chassis balance, steering and driver engagement

Road testers highlight chassis balance and steering precision as defining traits, noting that the car s setup rewards committed drivers with clear feedback and nimble responses through corners. MotorTrend review

These traits make the 296 GTS feel more like a focused sports car than a comfort oriented cruiser, which is part of its appeal to enthusiasts and part of the trade off for buyers expecting relaxed long distance refinement.

MPH dealer programs for luxury and exotic inventory

Contact dealers or shortlist cars on the marketplace to arrange a focused test drive and confirm service provisions before you make an offer.

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Daily usability: comfort, cargo and real world drivability

Short trips and city driving

Multiple reviewers note the 296 GTS is usable for short daily journeys and city driving, with hybrid electric operation improving low speed efficiency and ease of use in urban settings. Top Gear review

Owners who primarily use the car for short runs or seasonally will enjoy the open top experience and urban electric benefits, but should still expect the car to feel more performance oriented than luxury focused in typical stop and go scenarios.

Comfort and touring limits

While ride compliance and seat comfort are competitive for a sports convertible, the 296 GTS is tuned for driver engagement not long distance plushness, so extended touring tends to reveal the limits of a performance first setup rather than the cushioning of a grand tourer. Car and Driver first drive

For buyers who plan frequent interstate touring, it is sensible to compare a test drive that includes both urban runs and a longer highway segment to confirm whether the car s compromise between engagement and comfort matches personal expectations.

Running costs and maintenance: what ownership really looks like

Scheduled maintenance and dealer servicing

Scheduled maintenance and dealer servicing for modern Ferraris are materially higher than for mainstream sports cars, with specialist parts, scheduled service intervals and factory servicing patterns increasing annual ownership expenses compared with ordinary performance cars. Hagerty ownership analysis

Insurance and specialist servicing needs

Insurance is commonly higher on Ferraris and buyers often use specialist insurers; similarly, authorized dealer networks and marque specialists handle most service work which can be more expensive than general independent shops and should be confirmed before purchase. Hagerty ownership analysis

Factor these recurring costs into your annual ownership model rather than treating the purchase price alone as the dominant expense when comparing options.

Fuel economy and hybrid operation: benefits and limits

EPA and fuel economy figures

Official fuel economy and environment figures for the 296 series reflect its hybrid design and show improved urban efficiency compared with pure combustion Ferraris, which can lower fuel costs in city use relative to traditional V8 or V12 models. EPA fuel economy data

ferrari 296 gts price interior close up vector showing steering wheel carbon fiber trim partially lowered roof visible through rear glass driver oriented controls premium black leather with subtle 5bc6cd accents minimalist composition

Those figures make the hybrid benefits tangible in stop and go driving, but buyers should not assume hybrid operation will erase the higher overall operating costs that accompany ownership of a modern Ferrari.

When electric mode helps and when it does not

Electric mode helps most on short trips and in urban traffic where regenerative braking and low speed electric drive reduce fuel consumption, while sustained high speed driving and spirited use still rely primarily on the combustion engine and hybrid boost. Ferrari official 296 GTS page

Practically, owners who can recharge regularly and use the car for short commutes will see the biggest day to day efficiency gains from the plug in hybrid layout.

Pricing and configuration: how to think about ferrari 296 gts price and options

Typical dealer markup and option inflation

The base price is a starting point and final cost is heavily influenced by factory options and dealer pricing, so buyers should budget for manufacturer option lists and dealer programs when calculating total outlay. For market context consult pricing guides such as CarBuzz and listings pages like KBB.

MPH Car Inventory

Which options most affect price

Choices such as unique paint, interior trims, wheel packages and performance options are typical areas that materially change the final invoice, and buyers should request a confirmed specification and dealer quote for the exact car they are considering rather than relying on base price summaries. Hagerty ownership analysis

ferrari 296 gts price

When evaluating ferrari 296 gts price bear in mind that option choices and dealer handling can quickly move a purchase from base configuration to a significantly higher final amount, so treat any advertised base as the beginning of a negotiation rather than the likely final number. Ferrari official 296 GTS page Also consider checking MPH search results for available inventory: MPH 296 GTS results

Resale and value outlook: what we know and what remains uncertain

Historical Ferrari value trends

Ferraris have historically held value relatively well compared with many mainstream sports cars, supported by brand desirability and limited production practices, but history does not guarantee future performance for every model and specification. Hagerty ownership analysis

Why the 296 GTS resale path is still provisional

The 296 GTS is a recent model and multi year resale patterns remain provisional in 2026, so buyers should treat long term value projections as uncertain and focus on usage, specification and condition as the most controllable factors. Ferrari official 296 GTS page

Decisions based on possible future appreciation are speculative; prioritize known costs and driving priorities when making a purchase decision.

Decision framework: how to decide if the 296 GTS fits your needs

Priority matrix for buyers

Use a simple matrix that ranks driving priority, budget for purchase, budget for running costs and expected usage; if driving priority ranks highest and budgets match, the 296 GTS is a strong contender, otherwise the trade offs may not justify the acquisition. Car and Driver first drive

Key questions to answer before talking to dealers

Before contacting dealers ask whether authorized service centers are accessible, request insurer quotes, confirm the exact option list on the car you are considering and arrange a focused test drive that includes urban and spirited highway segments.

Next steps for high intent buyers include arranging a targeted test drive, getting written dealer price confirmation and estimating recurring costs with a specialist insurer to avoid surprises after purchase. You can also review a current MPH listing to confirm specification and dealer details: MPH listing

Common buyer mistakes and pitfalls when buying a 296 GTS

Under budgeting for running costs

Underestimating maintenance and insurance is a frequent mistake; buyers should model ongoing expenses into a multi year ownership plan rather than treating them as incidental. Hagerty ownership analysis

Over prioritizing options that hurt resale

Overpaying for niche options that have limited appeal to future buyers can magnify depreciation risks for any modern model; choose options you value as an owner and verify whether those choices are commonly sought by collectors. Hagerty ownership analysis

Practical ownership scenarios: real world uses and buyer profiles

Collector weekend car

As a collector weekend car the 296 GTS excels: it delivers open top thrills, strong performance and an engaging driving experience for occasional use while allowing owners to limit annual miles and service exposure. Car and Driver first drive

Frequent short urban driver

For frequent short urban drivers the hybrid benefits and electric mode improve everyday usability but owners still face higher insurance and dealer service expectations, making careful budgeting important before purchase. EPA fuel economy data

Pre purchase checklist: test drive, inspection and questions for the dealer

Test drive priorities

On a test drive evaluate hybrid system transitions, steering feedback, roof operation and real world comfort at both city speeds and highway pace; include a period of spirited driving if possible to confirm chassis balance and brake feel. MotorTrend review

Inspection and service record checks

Verify service history with an authorized Ferrari dealer, confirm software update status and ask for records of any specialized repairs or recalls to ensure there are no unresolved factory items before purchase. Ferrari official 296 GTS page

Conclusion: should you buy a 296 GTS and next steps

Final recommendation

If your top priority is an immersive open top driving experience and you accept materially higher running costs, the 296 GTS is an excellent, driver focused choice; if low ownership costs or long distance comfort are dominant priorities, look elsewhere or budget carefully for the trade offs. Hagerty ownership analysis

Resources and further reading

Confirm factory specifications on Ferrari s official pages, read professional test drives to refine expectations and obtain dealer quotes and insurer estimates on MPH before making an offer.

Is the 296 GTS a good car for a buyer who values driving engagement?

Yes, if your priority is driver focused performance and open top dynamics and you accept higher running costs; otherwise budget carefully or consider alternatives.

How much does a Ferrari 296 GTS typically cost to insure?

Insurance for the 296 GTS is higher than mainstream sports cars and often requires specialist insurers; obtain quotes early to include in ownership budgeting.

Is the 296 GTS practical for daily driving?

It is usable for short daily journeys and city driving, especially using electric mode, but it remains a performance focused car rather than a comfort oriented daily tourer.

Will the 296 GTS hold its value?

Ferraris often retain value well, but the 296 GTS is recent so long term resale trends are still provisional and should not be assumed.

If you are leaning toward purchase, arrange a focused test drive that includes both city and spirited driving, obtain written dealer pricing for the exact specification and get insurer quotes to complete your ownership model. Treat long term resale projections as provisional and base the decision on immediate driving priorities and confirmed running cost estimates. MPH can help buyers discover configured listings and connect with dealers, but always verify service provisions and insurer availability before committing to a purchase.

Is the 296 GTS a good car?

June 24, 2026 10:55 PM