| Author | Message | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
New member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 20 Registered: 11-2002 |
Arlie, those pictures are pretty neat! Glad to see you have a sense of humor. I appreciate the link, I think I just might get a few of those. The photo of Marilyn Monroe might actually look good in my bar! | ||
| Allen Shelley (Allen_97_993)
New member Username: Allen_97_993 Post Number: 14 Registered: 3-2002 |
I think Horsefly answered Matt's question exactly, and I agree with the reasons he stated. If you have a 'passion' for Ferrari, then you can overlook/live with the cost of maintenance and any reliablility issues...it is 'worth it' to you. But you have to agree that to the non-Ferrari-passionate person, the maintenance cost must seem rediculous, and having to drive out of town to get your car worked on work be out of the question. I have a Porsche 993 and love Ferraris, but I don't really want to deal with $5000 scheduled service costs and the like, so I'm not gonna get one. However, I can absolutely understand why you guys love and own them...they're beautiful cars and nothing quite has the look of a red or yellow 355 (IMHO). So anyway, I agree with Horsefly on the reason the general public has little interest in Ferraris, but that does not affect my feeling for them...that's why I'm here! Oh yeah...Martin, how on earth can you say that a BMW costs as much as a Ferrari to keep up and running??? I currently have and have had several BMWs. They are not in the same league as a Ferrari in terms of maintenance/running costs. I don't even own a Ferrari and I can tell you that...geeezz. | ||
| wm hart (Whart)
Member Username: Whart Post Number: 579 Registered: 12-2001 |
OK, so there is a joke in here: the difference between Pamela and a ferrari? Ferrari's experiment with fiberglass was much shorter lived. | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
Junior Member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 85 Registered: 8-2002 |
Horsefly - go ahead and win the e-bay pic! I'll go and pick it up for Ya! Thats my neck of the woods. JJ | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 945 Registered: 7-2001 |
I think the point here Arlie is that you seem to CONTINUALLY point out the Ferrari 'weaknesses' as you percieve them. My Suburban has not been as reliable as BobD's 328 so maybe you need some first hand experience instead of regurgitating what you've heard or read? Bob, you can pay me at the next track event... :-D | ||
| John L. Jordan Jr. (Up2nogd)
Junior Member Username: Up2nogd Post Number: 82 Registered: 8-2002 |
He He He -- Horsefly is at it again!! Rob will you get him under control!!!! I love you guys! And yes Horsefly - I have to agree with you on the Vette theme - There is nothing as wonderful as a 1967 conv. - well at least I think my 328 is just as wonderful, but will one day give in again to the Vette itch! | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 395 Registered: 5-2002 |
Actually Charles, when I build my dream garage, Pamela photographs won't be on the wall. I have about 100 original vintage pin-up calendars by the artist Elvgren which look alot better. Here's a link to one on E-Bay by the same artist. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=733447560 Sort of fits in better with the Ferrari/classic car theme wouldn't you agree? | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
New member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 15 Registered: 11-2002 |
Arlie, don't be so testy! This is all in fun. Just keep in mind you said some pretty harsh things in your post. Nobody is more aware of a Ferrari's short comings than a Ferrari owner. As far as my lack of postings is concerned, I just found out about the site a couple of days ago. about the comment on having stuff on the wall in the garage all I have to say is, does anyone know where I can find some good pictures of Pamela! | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 3205 Registered: 5-2001 |
Hey wait a minute I have pictures of Pam all over my wall...what was that...wacko stalker?...ah, okay, I know what you mean  Truthfully Arlie, I can not see where Ferraris are more money to keep up and keep them running than a BMW or an old Corvette. Just because the parts are a little less? Remembering the old Stingray I had, gheez, talking about a boat on the road! My 840Ci was eating up my money faster than I could make it. I think I spend in service and parts more than my Ferrari had cost. There is a lot of rumors about how expensive it is to keep up a Ferrari and most of them are just that, rumors. Those of us that drive them daily can attest to their reliability and functionality. Giving that my car is 11 years old and gets 7,000 Miles per year average I should be spending a fortune on this car. In fact this year I had a brake fluid flush, because I took her on the track in Oct. and some oil chnages and a broken door handle cable, which I broke in anger over somebody tapping into my back. Oh yeah, and there were 2 O2 sensors. So in all I would say I have spend less than $800 this year driving only 5000 Miles with my car (had used some here in the dealership as drivers for a month! You would be surprised. BTW I agree, the old Vette COnvertible is SEXY! Love the very very old one. That styling was as great as Pininfarina's 308. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 328 Registered: 4-2002 |
You probably should not read Ferrari spotters in Dallas under Texas. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 393 Registered: 5-2002 |
Charles, you seem to indicate that I wouldn't want a 308 project car. As if I would quickly tire of it and get rid of it because I don't have the Ferrari passion. You and BobD seem to be really worried that I make postings that don't worship Ferrari. Instead, I acknowledge that they are very stylish and performance orientated cars definately worth having and driving. But being blind to their problems? No way. As for your question concerning my passion about anything, a rather harsh question coming from somebody with a whopping SIX postings!!! Since you seem worried, my passions are primarily Corvettes (own 3, 1957, 1966 Convertible, 1980), military vehicles (own WWII M3A1 Scout Car and Ford GPW Jeep), and International Scout 4WD trucks (own 3), plus a host of other project vehicles that I'm sure would bore the Ferrari enthusiast. As far as spending tons of money to keep JUST a Ferrari on the road, that's not my priority. Fulfilling all my automotive passions is my priority. | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
New member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 11 Registered: 11-2002 |
Matt it would be my pleasure to show you my favorite toy! Your right, there are quite a few F-cars and exotics up here. I was recently @ a car show up @ Buford park called "Italian car day", what an eye opener. There were a couple of hundred gorgeous cars all lined up side by side, it was unbelievable. I could'nt help but wonder though why I don't see them on the road. to me it is a shame to let an F-car waste away in a garage. In fact I'm on my way out the door to drive mine to work right now. I need to go endulge in one of my other passions, flying. see ya! | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
New member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 35 Registered: 10-2002 |
Thanks again Charles. That black makes your car look so smooth. I noticed you are not too far away in Atlanta. I got friends up there so if I ever travel up that way I'd love to take a look at your car. I hear there are quite a few ferrari's and other exotics prancing around up there as well. I'll let you know if I am ever up that way. Matt | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
New member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2002 |
Matt, you are an official member! Anyone who loves these things like you do will eventually have one. Keep dreaming, the day you stop doing that you might as well be dead! | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
New member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 32 Registered: 10-2002 |
Charles, Congratulations on the 348. It's good to know I am not the only who is dying to get one. I have began to notice several other non owners here that feel the same. Everytime I get into my Acura Integra  I have this mental picture of the horse on my steering wheel. I have noticed that nobody takes there car for granted on here and everyone has worked hard to get one. It just drives me to work harder and stay focused on my goal of getting one. I am not sure which kind yet as they are all great cars and since I have hardly seen them in person much less driven one I do not know which one my taste would prefer. With much respect to the older cars I tend to drift toward the 360's and such. Would love an Enzo but then again who here wouldn't. No telling what will be around when the time comes to decide. Thanks again everyone for the encouragement. I hope to be an "official" member someday. Matt | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
New member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 7 Registered: 11-2002 |
Matt, believe me I know how you feel. I dreamed of owning one of these things since I was a kid. I finally got to a point in my life were I could afford one and bought a 348. It is my only car and gets driven the way Enzo intended, EVERY DAY. I hope you get to know what it is like to own and drive one of these fabulous cars. Life is to short not to live it full of passion and excitement. Driving a Ferrari everyday is the kind of thing that makes life so much fun! | ||
| Charles Barton (Airbarton)
New member Username: Airbarton Post Number: 6 Registered: 11-2002 |
Horsefly, I just happen to have my garage walls painted with Ferrari stuff that I did myself so I guess I am not living in the real world like you are. I am though just blistfully enjoying my life in dreamland! Ferraris just happen to be the type of car one must be passionate about to own since they are rather expensive. I would sugguest you skip the idea about the 308 project car, you probably will not keep it long anyway. Ferraris should be owned by people who really love them and want to enjoy them and that means you will need to be willing to spend however much money it takes to keep it on the road. I wonder, are you passionate about anything! | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
New member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 19 Registered: 10-2002 |
Stephen, I didn't hear anything about a lawyer with a 360. I'd love to see it though. Does he live out near the beach. I live near the navy base so I am not out that way to much. Where exactly is the heliworks? The airport by the mall or the navy base? Thanks for the offer. I'd love to check it out. Matt | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 555 Registered: 10-2001 |
Ferraris are damn reliable compared to my Lotus Europa. I have spent many thousands of dollars upgrading and repairing it to make it a 'fair weather' daily driver. The list of stuff I've done on it is mind boggeling. There's not a single part on that car that's made well except the engine. And yet, I will never part with it, even when I eventually buy a Ferrari. Just because I can call it a POS does not mean I don't love it with a passion. Horsefly, you can call my car a POS all you want but I understand completely where you're coming from in loving POS Ferraris!! | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 383 Registered: 5-2002 |
BobD, since you seem to be worried about my previous postings, I will reply to your concerns. I have MANY automotive interests. Just because I enjoy the Ferrari automobile and its associated discussions doesn't mean that I have lost the ability to think logically. It's like the old tale of the Emperor's New Clothes. Everybody talks about how wonderful he looks, but only a few have the nerve to tell the truth about how he is only wearing his underwear! Everybody admires the wonderful looks and performance of Ferraris in general, but what's wrong with actually speaking the truth once in a while. My posting down the page only spoke the truth. In the words of Jack Nicholson, "You can't handle the truth". I do enjoy spending time on this site but I'm not going to bow down and worship the almighty Ferrari. As I recall, Edward Gault SOLD his Ferrari in favor of a new Corvette. BobD, would you hope that Ed never make another post on this site because he has "abandoned" the Ferrari passion? I personally enjoy many facets of automobiles, not just Ferraris. I don't ignore the facts. Ford Mustangs are prone to rust. Corvettes suffer from stress cracks. The Ford Edsel was ugly in 1958 and it still is. Matt was simply asking why some people don't seem to share the Ferrari passion. I simply posted some truthful ideas. Yesterday afternoon, I looked at a friends 100% original, complete unrestored, pristine 1965 Corvette convertible. One of the best Corvettes that I have ever seen. He also owns another '65 Corvette coupe and a '58 Corvette. He obviously is a true blue car enthusiast, but he couldn't care less about some Italian sports car like a Ferrari. Just the truth. I would love to find a cheap project 308 and have put out a few feelers. But even if I finally obtain one, that doesn't mean that I am going to pretend that Ferraris don't have problem areas compared to other marques. Interested in Ferraris? Yes. Passionate? No, just a realistic enthusiast. If somebody had their garage walls decorated with Ferrari memorabilia, they would be called an enthusiast. If somebody had their living room walls decorated with pictures of Pamela Anderson, they would be called a wacko stalker. Which person is further from reality? | ||
| Terry (Dogue)
Junior Member Username: Dogue Post Number: 129 Registered: 9-2001 |
Pensacola, FL is the place where I saw a Mondial 3.2 coupe. This was the second Ferrari I had ever seen in the metal! I took a whole role of film on this car. I was 16. I am lucky now in Phoenix, I see at least one Ferrari a day. | ||
| ross koller (Ross)
Member Username: Ross Post Number: 536 Registered: 3-2002 |
matt, you perhaps have the ambition and desire to dream big. the many people around you that you describe, may not have those same drives so they dream about things that are more easily attainable (this doesn't make them lesser people so put your flame throwers away). i think darkhorse gives some good advice; get on the train with a low cost entry 308 and enjoy.... | ||
| Stephen Simpson (Steph)
New member Username: Steph Post Number: 13 Registered: 8-2002 |
Matt; I know that a lawyer just bought a silver 360 but as far as anything else I have not seen any. If you are intrested please come to the airport @ Heliworks I am going to be pulling the eng for overhaul.... | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
New member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 17 Registered: 10-2002 |
Stephen, I apologize about the kit car thing. Just a rumor I had heard. I have only seen your car passing by so I have never had a good look. Have you met anyone else in the area with a ferrari? Like I said I have only seen 1 360 out on the beach. Wonder if the owner is around here. Well sorry once again. Looked real to me as you passed. | ||
| Lawrence Coppari (Lawrence)
Member Username: Lawrence Post Number: 375 Registered: 4-2002 |
Greg, you think Chattanooga is a ford and chevy town. You should see Kingsport, TN. | ||
| Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member Username: Joechristmas Post Number: 532 Registered: 3-2001 |
I live in Chattanooga, TN and most are eager to learn about Ferraris and ask questions. Many don't know what they are though. It is mainly a hot rod town, Chevys, Fords, Rods, etc. Next time I come down to PCB we will have to meet up for dinner or the like. | ||
| Stephen Simpson (Steph)
New member Username: Steph Post Number: 12 Registered: 8-2002 |
I too am from pensacola and just to set the record straight....The testarossa is not a kit car due to the reason that I own it!!!!and the repair bill that come with it... | ||
| Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Member Username: Craigfl Post Number: 485 Registered: 1-2001 |
Matt, Here in Panama City (about the same size area as Pensacola), we have 5 Ferraris - two 308s, 328, TR and a 360. I'm essentially the only one on FC, although Dave posts occasionally. It's a long way from here for events too so I have to find my dose of F car info from the internet , or I hop in my 328 and drive. You have to remember these are "rare" vehicles and not many true enthusiasts. Around here the C5 and F150 talk is prevalent too with a very few actually recognizing a Ferrari. Look for those events near your area like New Orleans or the show in March on Amelia Island(Jacksonville,FL). You will certainly get your share of interaction at that kind of event. Also, the AL club rents Talladega once and a while which is only a few hours from you too. I also am a member of the local sports car club here because I enjoy all enthusiasts cars. You might find this satisfying too. Of course if you're looking for a nearby day event, you can always come to Panama City and watch... | ||
| David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
New member Username: Darkhorse512 Post Number: 28 Registered: 10-2002 |
Matt I feel for you bro. Living in L.A. has made me somewhat jaded. There is a Ferrari somewhere on the streets here everyday. In my neighborhood alone there are some TRs a 328 a 355 and a Daytona (That is only seen around the hollidays). Forget making travel plans to more populated cities. Save some money and go buy a $25K 308 0r a $18K GT4. Interest rates are really good for car loans right now. You never know what loan officer is gonna say yes until you ask. You'll be surprised how many of thoes domestic car people around you will start to see your side of the F-car story when you drive one to work. | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
New member Username: Carguy Post Number: 14 Registered: 10-2002 |
You bring up a good point Bruno....cars costing less initially may be driven more. And for these f-cars that's good. Also if values drop regular joes like me can finally get their dreamcar with a little sacraficing. I know some f-cars can be intensive to keep up. But personally the jury is still out for me. I will find out first hand since there is no dealer within a 100 miles of me. I think if your car-smart, know how to drive (clutch & shift properly, listen for certain noises, etc.), and understand the mechanics somewhat, you should be relatively safe from breakdowns. Part of owning one of these cars is giving it attention. There are times to drive, and times to "be with the car". Look it over, check things out, prevent problems down the road. Heck I find myself just standing and staring at it sometimes! We don't really own our Ferraris we are just the caretakers of them. If someone doesn't take care of them, they WILL let you down. I think a lot of the bashing may come from people who are not able to do their own work, and feel like a prisoner of Murphy's Law. So little things may go unnoticed until boom...problem! The passion for these cars is hard to explain to somebody who doesn't have it. Lastly, it is plain to all that certain systems are problematic. Tons of info. and history are on this site and others. So read up on everything you can, and use other's experience to make your car better before there is trouble. Well, I'm long winded tonight so I'll stop now.....thanks for listening. Jeff | ||
| Bruno (Originalsinner)
Member Username: Originalsinner Post Number: 707 Registered: 5-2002 |
This is another reason ferrari prices will never recover. Everybody who wants one has one.they made to many now and are still making to many.It isnt like the run up in the 80's when there was half as many cars and 10x as many people wanting them Theyt are expesive to maintain and unreliable. They are for the true ferrari guys now and unfortunately there isnt enough of us.Or maybe it's a good thing the cheaper they get the more you can drive them. | ||
| BobD (Bobd)
Member Username: Bobd Post Number: 733 Registered: 3-2001 |
HORSEFLY, Can you please help me out here? I have a question for you... why are you always looking for ways to tell us how bad our cars are... and why we're so stupid for wanting to own them (example directly below)? I'm just curious? Why aren't you spending your time at F150Chat.com (I believe you've mentioned a couple of times you own a Ford pick-up which has been problem-free throughout its 130,000 mile life)? Horsefly, do you even like Ferraris.... I'm serious.... why are you even here? I don't get it. There are a lot of people on this site who don't own Ferraris... and I think that's great! Most of them have a dream... like I did... like most of us did. You don't seem to have that dream... or do you? Help me here.... am I confused or what? You're certainly welcome here.... I'm just trying to figure out why somebody like you would spend so much time at a site like this???? You really do not seem to enjoy the Ferrari passion at all. | ||
| Horsefly (Arlie)
Member Username: Arlie Post Number: 381 Registered: 5-2002 |
Perhaps most average Americans can't deny the obvious facts: Ferraris are very expensive, require expensive and frequent service, and, all things considered, are unreliable. (Don't flame me, see the daily driver thread). Most people, even car buffs, want a car they can restore and hop in and drive away for a weekend of WORRY FREE enjoyment. Engines that have to be removed for simple water pump replacement, $300 distributor caps, trouble prone electrical systems, rusting metal panels, etc, are all unacceptable on cars that cost over $50,000 when new and are now 25 years old. Look at the folks in Cuba that are still driving 1957 Chevys on a daily basis. Most car buffs are simply not enthusiastic about finicky foreign cars that from all indications seem to require constant attention. Unless you're a true blue Ferrari buff, who needs the hassles. | ||
| Todd (Tkrefeld)
Junior Member Username: Tkrefeld Post Number: 71 Registered: 11-2001 |
Hey Jeff, I am also in Michigan, Do you know where Birmingham is?? head there for a bit. Everytime I am there I see multiple Ferrari, Porsche, Hummer, ect, ect.. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 289 Registered: 1-2002 |
Jeff: To me, enthusiasm is enthusiasm, irrespective of the marque. Alot of people have hang ups on what a sports car should be -i.e. the name on the logo- and the other half are oblivious. I love Ferrari's, but on the other hand there are a thousand other cars in the world that I'd like to drive, much less own. Personally, the problem w/ most Americans, w/ respect to cars, is that motorsport here is not a recognized part of the lifestyle, unlike Europe and Japan, and I believe that is the main reason why the average joe blow is utterly oblivious; driving here is not seen as something possibly enjoyable, its a chore, and as such most people treat with its respective disdain, and its b/c of this that people accept car that are trendy and marketed well, rather than well built and purposeful, its also the reason why we get peddled the lamest selection of cars on the planet, save perhaps Cuba, and have little voice in the matter. Allright, off the soapbox. | ||
| Jeff Green (Carguy)
New member Username: Carguy Post Number: 13 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hey Matt - I know how you feel. I live in a very small midwest town, pop. 13,000. And I'm like you, isolated in my passion for exotic cars. I used to be into those "tupperware" type cars (corvettes) for a few years, and before that a bunch of cool musclecars. But they were only stepping stones to obtaining a Testarossa. Even when I had my ZR-1 Vette people didn't "get it". I believe most people can't identify with high end sports cars, and therefore have no desire to know or learn about them. If it wasn't around when they were growing up or in their prime years, they have little interest. Some of the funny things the great uneducated masses would ask about my ZR-1 at shows are: "is that a big block or a small block?" or my favorite is "what kind of car did that motor come out of?" . But a wise-beyond-his-years little boy came up and asked "is that a ferrari engine?" at which I answered "I ONLY WISH IT WAS!" When I was shopping TRs I would at times carry info. around with me at work, so at break times I'd get on the net and surf potential cars. I close friend (vette owner) saw me searching and asked "what do you want one of those damn things for?" I just looked at him in astonishment, I was speechless. I have just purchased my TR in time for old man winter..so it's stored in my heated shop for the next 5-6 months. But next summer look out sleepy little town! I will enjoy driving down the road and not seeing 10 or 20 cars similar to mine. But I will also do the public service of educating people who ask about the awe and passion that Ferrari's generate. Not many people are able to leep out of their familiar fold of interest in domestic cars into the exotic ones. But hopefully I can play the part of ambassador to my little town here in Michigan. I share your pain Matt. Jeff Green | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 286 Registered: 1-2002 |
333 on the street? I guess the 333 is a spyder, per se, most prototype race car's are. | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
New member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 16 Registered: 10-2002 |
Ok I have to post this to vent a little. I live in the small southern town of Pensacola Florida. Not a small poor town by any means. We have beautiful beaches and many nice homes and such. But for some reason as many people here with money to spare, we hardly have any Ferrari's. I have only seen one 360 and a testarossa which I am told is a kit car. Spotted a 550 but it was from out of town. The only one I have seen more than once is a 333 Spider. They are around but far from common. This is not what puzzles me. What does is the fact that not many people in my town have any much interest in them. I could go on for days about any Ferrari or the F1 team but when I bring it up in conversation it seems everyone here in wants to talk about Mustangs and Firebirds. Now don't get me wrong they are cars with potential but they are not and never will in my opinion come close. It drives me crazy that there is no one around that really feels the same passion for these cars I have developed and what's crazy is I never even get to see one. When I came across this forum a few months ago I couldn't believe I actually found it. I have spent literally thousands of hours 9-6 here at my job looking at pictures or watching tv dreaming of even sitting in one. I have almost come to the point of loading up and moving to South Florida just to be around them more often. My craving to own one one day has become I guess what I may call is an obsession. My heart stopped when I saw they just had a pretty big gathering over in New Orleans!! My chance to actually see and here an F-50. I would have just sat there all day drooling on myself. What's funny is that from what I see on this board there are other "addicts" like me that can completely understand what I am saying. Unfortunatly there are no meets in my area and I have yet to do any major traveling so I am stuck here glued to my computer waiting on a new post with a few pictures of these amazing cars. For all you owners out there I envy you and every time you crank up your ride consider yourself very lucky. Well back to work.... Have a good weekend |