The stripe is much less overpowering in person. I had the same reservation till I saw it in the metal. Its a very unusual if not unique spec but works beautifully as a whole. I'm very particular about specs a you know and would never have chosen any of the combinations on this car - Blu Scozia/Charcoal interior (usually too light in the sunlight)/ Italian flag (too loud) yet it has worked beautifully.I too am not a black wheels fan other than on Lamborghinis but here again it just works when you are standing next to it. The reason for the Aperta and Coupe is that the Coupe will be used in the winter and for track use whilst the Aperta is for the summer. Also driving the 488 reinforced in my mind that the 458 Speciale is for me the greatest mid-engined V8 Ferrari of all time and we will not see its like again so better to get one now before the prices are even crazier in 10 years' time.