| Author | Message | ||
| Mike Fisher (Mikef)
Junior Member Username: Mikef Post Number: 144 Registered: 11-2001 |
Back in my racing days we were doing a ride and drive program with the new Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe at Indianapolis Raceway Park. Ford had a GT40 there and I did about 30 laps. Later in the day I rode as a passenger with Bob Bondurant driving. One of the greatest rides of my life!!! | ||
| Ronald A. Bernstein, M.D. (Benkc)
New member Username: Benkc Post Number: 10 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dan, I couldn't attach mpg or other movies (too big) If you're interested, email me: [email protected] | ||
| Ronald A. Bernstein, M.D. (Benkc)
New member Username: Benkc Post Number: 9 Registered: 12-2002 |
Dan, I think I posted a link http://www.jag-lovers.org/snaps/snap_view.php3?id=993226408to a site featuring my 220 but there are MANY other web sites (I also attached a movie of engine compartment with sound) | ||
| Ton Visser (Lion315)
Junior Member Username: Lion315 Post Number: 55 Registered: 12-2002 |
I thought that I have driven some nice cars. But I feel humble towards some of the Fchatters. 328 GTS 348 TB 360 Modena 550 Barchetta (see profile) 456 GT | ||
| Debbie (Dilly)
Junior Member Username: Dilly Post Number: 101 Registered: 9-2001 |
Most of these cars I have driven on the track. I am very fortunate to have some really nice friends that have allowed me to drive their cars!  Well here goes: 308 GTB Mondial 3.2 Mondial T Testarossa 246 GTS Dino Daytona F-40 F-50 275 NART Spyder Comp. 308 348 Speciale 355 GTB 355 GTS 360 | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Junior Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 143 Registered: 9-2002 |
Dr. Bernstein, You wouldn't happen to have pictures of the 220, would you? It's one of my all-time favorite supercars (a V6 you say? 200mph? What's that? :D). Absolutely stunning. Even the headlight recesses look handsome for the date. --Dan | ||
| Andrew Menasce (Amenasce)
Member Username: Amenasce Post Number: 445 Registered: 10-2001 |
- Ferrari Daytona - Ferrari 275 GTB/2 - Ferrari F40 - Ferrari 360 Modena F1 - Maserati Ghibli SS - Porsche 996 Turbo - Porsche 996 C2 - Mercedes CL 600 - Lotus Elise - Lamborghini Countach 25th - Lamborghini Diablo 6.0 - Aston Martin DB7 Vantage - Jaguar XJR I want to drive a 550 Maranello or a 355 .Never driven a modern manual Ferrari . | ||
| David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
Junior Member Username: Darkhorse512 Post Number: 100 Registered: 10-2002 |
Something old something new, all borrowed and none blue. Testarossa 308 330 GTE. | ||
| Ronald A. Bernstein, M.D. (Benkc)
New member Username: Benkc Post Number: 2 Registered: 12-2002 |
I've driven briefly F-40, BB, and 355; the last was easy daily driver but still NO comparison to my Jag XJ220 -- what a beast! Only other keeper is my Mondial cab -- kids love the rear seats with top down. | ||
| Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
New member Username: Cmhorner17 Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2002 |
Since my brother Kevin is spilling stories, it's true he has never been denied a test drive. The only times I've been denied are on a USED Mustang, a USED Camaro, and when I actually went to buy a Grand Am GT. Not the Ferrari's, not the Bimmers, not the Mercedes, not the Porsches (oh wait, there was one Porsche denial) but only on affordable cars. Go figure. I'll post some of our "experiences" in off-topic later. But yeah, if you go in, talk serious, look presentable, and have confidence, it's almost too easy. Look at it from the salespersons perspective - would you risk blowing a nice commission because you wanted to second guess someone? The good ones don't. Ben made a nice point too. Most of the people that sell high-line cars are enthusiasts. Maybe some of them did see through us - but they indulged us anyway. They sure were smiling while we were enjoying the drive - and when they demonstrated its full capabilities. Plus, Ben was dead on about this too - when Kevin and I are ready to purchase some of those highline cars, we already know who we will go see. And we've already referred business of legitimate clients to these same people. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Junior Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 160 Registered: 10-2002 |
Frank, But did you get to read all the manuals? | ||
| Frank Parker (Parkerfe)
Intermediate Member Username: Parkerfe Post Number: 1623 Registered: 9-2001 |
Cars I have owned: Olds F85, Chevy Vega, Corolla, Corvette L82, Celica, TR6, Beetle, 280ZX, Cadillac Sedan de Ville, Accord, 380SL, 240Z, Corvette C4, Chevy S10, Chevy Blazer, 328GTS, 400GT, 7140iL, GMC Suburban, M5, M3, Dodge Ram V10, 993/911 C2, Viper GTS, TR, 330GTC, M5, Honda Odeysse, Fiat Spider, 348Spider and BB512i. I have also driven plenty of others including a 308GTS, 365GT4BB Boxer, 365GTC4, Daytona, Mondial, 550 and many others I can't now recall. | ||
| Jeff Edison (Euro308guy)
Junior Member Username: Euro308guy Post Number: 88 Registered: 7-2002 |
OOPS Forgot the Mondials! Mondial, 3.2, and Mondial-T, (thanks Lou!) The Mondial-T is a different animal than the others- I recommend! | ||
| Jeff Edison (Euro308guy)
Junior Member Username: Euro308guy Post Number: 87 Registered: 7-2002 |
I'm lucky: 308- gts, gtb, glass, steel over 20 varieties 328- both early and late models 348- normally aspirated, and TWIN TURBO! (Most fun) 355 TR 512 BBi | ||
| Jonas Petersen (Karsten335)
Junior Member Username: Karsten335 Post Number: 123 Registered: 11-2002 |
Okay, I've only driven 3 exotics (But hey, I'm only 17) 1. Mondial T cab (My first Ferrari experience) 2. Ferrari 355 GTS (A friends) 3. Chrysler Viper GTS (did 290 km/h) But I sure hope these arent the last. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 130 Registered: 6-2002 |
9/10ths of life really is acting just like you know exactly what you're doing Just stroll in as if you own the place, look and act serious but nonchelant, and say "let's take it for a spin, do you know any good local roads?" Especially if the car is used (plastic off the seats, more than 21miles on odo, etc) most people will be glad to take the car out! Many of the people working in exotic car dealers are enthusiests, and love to take these cars for a ride as much as we do. If you convince them you're not an idoit, they'll most likely love the chance to get out of the office. And the thing is, when you CAN afford to pay cash for an Enzo, who do you think you're gonna come back to? Righto! The dealer who treats you well, no matter who you are. Best! Ben. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 562 Registered: 8-2002 |
Kevin, the bad check idea isn't too bad- i'll have to consider that... When i went, they only had cars that were a few years old, nothing really "used"... A gypsy lot would be a good idea, but what are the odds of seeing a Ferrari in one of those...? Also, to get in a used Ferrari, the next best thing is to find a private seller and i really don't feel like doing that someone... A dealership, yeah, but not a private seller... | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 133 Registered: 9-2002 |
Try driving to the dealership in a cool car...that works somethimes other times they wonder what it is :p Or do as I did and continously make references to the compition (which you state u own when he seller finally asks why so many refs to car xxx)and how the seller thinks it compares...as well as really LOOK at the car, get on the ground see underneath etc..so they don't think you are there for the hell of it. ...but even that doesn't work when you are young. A jag dealer turned me down for a drive when I was 16 of a XJR...so I left...a bmw dealer LET me test drive a used 750iL...which shocked me! Now she is named "Katrina." It goes to show...sometimes it pays them to gamble | ||
| Kevin Horner (Boz)
New member Username: Boz Post Number: 49 Registered: 8-2002 |
Some dealers do require that on some models. May be because they don't stock new cars that aren't spoken for. Some general managers may also require that universally to avoid all the lame kids. Fortunately, I got my Ferraris in before that became an issue. You may not be able to get into a new one nowadays, but you'd have a better chance either in used cars or by spotting a car at a gypsy lot-- that's where I did the 308. Or you could write a bad check and say you didn't like the car, "give me my money back." | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 560 Registered: 8-2002 |
Kev... i went to Ferrari of Long Island to check out all the cars- told the guy i just "came into some money" and was looking to buy a Ferrari... i got to sit in a few (i got to sit in them...!) and, to seem like i really wasn't the lame kid i really was, i inquired about a good time to 'make an appointment for a test drive' he gave me his card, told me to call him but mentioned that i would need to put $5k down to take one out... Is this true with all exotics or did i just get the one place that makes you put money down...? | ||
| Kevin Horner (Boz)
New member Username: Boz Post Number: 48 Registered: 8-2002 |
Confidence is the key, my friend. If you have a head on your shoulders and some knowledge about the car, it's not that hard to convince someone that you are willing and able to purchase it. This works especially well for exotics. Dime-a-dozen Ford dealers are actually a lot harder. Ex: See Chris Horner's list, and most of those are test drives. But when he was REALLY purchasing a car (a Grand Am) he was denied a test drive. Go fig. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 559 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ah, ok... is it really that easy...? Is there ever anything you say/don't say or do/don't do to ease your way into the driver's seat for a test drive...? i always figured if i went to the local Porsche dealership to test a Boxster, they'd just laugh at me... | ||
| Kevin Horner (Boz)
New member Username: Boz Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2002 |
DES: means I've never been denied a test drive when I ask for one. As for off-topic, I might. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 558 Registered: 8-2002 |
Kevin... "I have a 100% test drive success rate" What does that mean...? Also, "Acura NSX (set 4 personal records including guttsiest thing in front of a cop) Merc CLK 55 (broke one of the NSX records)" Maybe you could share those stories in the Off-Topic section...? | ||
| Kevin Horner (Boz)
New member Username: Boz Post Number: 45 Registered: 8-2002 |
BMW 850... 3 times: learned how to drive in that. (actually, BMW's full line nearly 4 times, except M5, Z8) Porsche boxster Acura NSX (set 4 personal records including guttsiest thing in front of a cop) Merc CLK 55 (broke one of the NSX records) Ferrari 360 F1, 550, 308 GTSi Jaguar XKR, XJR Aston Martin DB7 Volante assorted Lexus, Toyota, Mercedes, Infinity, Acura, domestics, and moderates (probably not exotic enough to list by name) All of these were dealer testdrives. I have a 100% test drive success rate. next on agenda: Maser. Love to do a 550 again. I do have a standing invite for a 550B by an owner though I doubt he still remembers.. | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 131 Registered: 9-2002 |
My friend's uncle has a XJ220...He has pics of him in it... ...my only connection to a XJ220 ...my father's friend has a Z8, I hope he will let me drive it...prob not though  | ||
| CHAD STEVENS (Tahoecrs)
New member Username: Tahoecrs Post Number: 23 Registered: 6-2002 |
anyone driven a mclaren f1???? or the jaguar xj220 i think is the model number for the racing one. or a vector? | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 549 Registered: 8-2002 |
Oh, i also drove my parents and teachers crazy, when i was a kid... That could be considered a 'vehicle' in some psychologically Freudian way... | ||
| pete gorrell (Rufus)
New member Username: Rufus Post Number: 29 Registered: 2-2002 |
Crusader Tank Morgan Plus4 (rides like the Crusader) 18 Wheeler (Peterbilt, like the Bandit!) Aston Martin -- Bond's original model (a dog!) E-type -everything vibrated, but the sexyist car ever! And a big M....F... SUV best was an English TR4A.. loaded with brit aplomb, even F-cars moved over on the Italian autoruote when thay heard it coming. | ||
| Rijk Rietveld (Rijk365gtb4)
Junior Member Username: Rijk365gtb4 Post Number: 90 Registered: 1-2002 |
The most exotic car I have been in is the Lamborghini Marzal in 1976 (?) | ||
| Michael Wogronic (Michael_fvm)
New member Username: Michael_fvm Post Number: 22 Registered: 4-2002 |
Being in the exotic car business, I have gotten to drive a list of cars that even amazes myself. Even though I do it everyday, its still a huge thrill to get behind the wheel of any exoitc! | ||
| Jeffrey Robbins (Teachdna)
Junior Member Username: Teachdna Post Number: 81 Registered: 9-2001 |
This list dates me. Memorable cars I�ve driven, not in any particular order or preference: Porsche 924. Yes, thinking back it was a dog but I was a hell of lot younger and I thought it was soooo cool. My first Porsche. Also, the biggest financial stretch I ever made to buy a car- it was a full year�s salary at the time I bought it. Porsche 993 twin turbo. Still one of my favorite cars even though I sold mine to get the 550. Porsche 996 twin turbo. The world�s most transparent, care free super car. Ferrari 355. A little disappointing IMHO. Not all that much low end torque compared to some of the others I�ve driven. Iwalked away from that one and went looking for a 550. Ferrari 360. A real thrill ride. I�m still tempted but out of garage space. Ferrari 550. My favorite car. It never fails to thrill. Ferrari F40. Unbelievable: a raw, no holds-barred experience. But not an every day ride, at least for me. Porsche GT2. A little disappointing. I was expecting a more skittish car, sort of like the old P-car turbos. But this was relatively tame, although still more exciting than the 996tt. But it didn't slam me back into my seat and certainly was less exciting than any F-car I drove. BMW 850csi. I�m still looking for one to replace the Volvo when the kids leave the house and I don�t need a family bash-mobile. Really an incredible ride for a luxo-cruiser. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 126 Registered: 6-2002 |
Not much: 1) Mondial Cabriolet 3.2, my first ferrari expierence! 2) F355 Spyder. Oh Wow. 3) 308GTS. Classic. Racy. Love it. 4) BMW 850CSI. I must own one someday! 5) BMW M5 TOO MUCH FUN! Not so much else as you'd notice. Best! Ben. | ||
| KCCK (Kenneth)
Junior Member Username: Kenneth Post Number: 138 Registered: 10-2002 |
For me, not much so far, I am afraid. 1. Jensen Interceptor 2. Porsche 928 3. BMW 635csi 4. Ferrari 456 GTA 5. Ferrari 360 Modena F1 6. Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 7. Mercedes Benz CL600 8. Maserati 3200 GT 9. Maserati Cambiocorsa F1 I think I have to get some more test drives quick, and add more to my list. So don't laugh. :-) | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Junior Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 148 Registered: 9-2001 |
Best was a F360 Modena Challenge on the track in Spa Franchorchamps. Really a stunning car to drive. Loud and wild... | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 453 Registered: 5-2001 |
I have driven a twin turbo 512BBi. The boost was mild for better control for the street. It was the fastest car I have ever had the opportunity to drive | ||
| Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
New member Username: Cmhorner17 Post Number: 44 Registered: 4-2002 |
I had the chance to drive a F355 once....that's when I was hooked and knew that nothing could ever compare. 1) F355 2) 308GTSi 3) M3 4) NSX 5) BMW 850i 6) AMG CLK55 (an amazing car) 7) Mustang Cobra 8) Supra Twin Turbo 9) Aston DB7 10) Porsche 911 Carerra4 and Boxster S 11) Jaguar XJR Those aren't necessarily in order of preference, except for the Ferraris. We all know those are the best :-) | ||
| Ron R (Ronr)
Junior Member Username: Ronr Post Number: 58 Registered: 10-2002 |
DC-3. | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Junior Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 56 Registered: 12-2002 |
LOL that sums up my thoughts exactly DES | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 534 Registered: 8-2002 |
Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn... | ||
| Rexrcr (Rexrcr)
New member Username: Rexrcr Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2002 |
I guess Santa thought I was a very good boy over the years: F40, both street and racing F50, including one memorable drive from Denver to Aspen 360 F1, Challenge 550 456 GT F355, GTB, Spider, Challenge 348 TB, TS, Speciale, Challenge, Spider 512 TR Testarossa Mondial Mondial T 328 GTB, GTS 308 GTB, GTS, GTBi, QV 308 GT4 512 BB 412 246 Dino 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder 275 GTB/4 275 NART Spyder 275 GTB/C 250 SWB California Spyder 250 SWB Comp. Diablo, Countach, Jalpa, Lotus 23, 27, Esprit, Elan, Elise, Renault Spider. And, 1991 642 F1 Alain Prost (powered by gravity, not gasoline) | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 529 Registered: 8-2002 |
LOL, Nebula, out of the 23 cars i listed, i've only owned 3 (and i only owned 1 of them, LEGALLY!) The others were rentals, the MerceDES is my bosses wife's car- The BMWs were/are my uncle's, the two SUVs were/are my Aunt's... i sort of/not really co-owned the Z24 and, even though, it belonged to my other uncle and i was living with him at the time, i had to steal it, one night (long story, but he never found out )... | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 45 Registered: 11-2002 |
DES: No prob! It's still interesting to see what people have driven, exotic or not. And you've got a few 50k+ cars in there, so you check out man! | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 111 Registered: 9-2002 |
BTW Nebula Class, I dont think we will laugh at what you drive...unless its a clown car...actually that be kinda cool. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 526 Registered: 8-2002 |
Sorry, i should've figured you were referring to exotics, i just haven't had that opportunity, yet... ...oh, and i used to work in the parts department of a Chrysler dealership and they asked me to move a Peugoet, once... | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 110 Registered: 9-2002 |
GT40? | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 44 Registered: 11-2002 |
Well, I've driven MANY other cars, but I was refering to the exotics you have driven. Sorry for not clarifying that. As for non exotics: (not gonna name them all) 1. 1993 Mustang 5.0 (traded this for my 99 Cobra. This is the fastest car and most fun car I ever owned. I had about 3k invested in the engine.) 2. 1999 Cobra (great fun, great engine, great suspension.) 3. 1984 Mustang 5.0 GT (bored .030 over. Very fun. Traded this for the 1993.) 4. 1983 Fiat (driving it today! POS, butI love it!) 5. Every ford imaginable. 6. Every GM imaginable. I sold cars for three years; Ferraris for the last year. It gave me the opportunity to drive just about anything I'd ever dreamed of driving. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 524 Registered: 8-2002 |
No exotics of any kind, but driving is my thing and i have a few on my list: Chevy Celebrity Station Wagon (My first car!) Chevy Malibu (8 cylindars- actually had some kick!) Chevy Z24 (i beat the crap outta that car!) Lexus LS450 (1997, SUV, not my thing) Lincoln Navigator (Don't ever buy one, they're crappy!) BMW 525i (0-80 in less time than you think! ) BMW 530i MerceDES E320 (This was fun...!) Volkwagon Jetta (manual tranny, fun to drive, but that's about it...) Volkswagon (newer model, can't remember the make; not a bad car, at all...) Honda Accord (LX, 1995, DX, 2000; fun to drive) Toyota Corolla Ford Taurus (bigger than it looks, NOT A SPORTS CAR! lol...) Lincoln Town Car (somebody shoot me) Saturn sports sedan (@ 115mph, this thing holds steady!) Jeep Grand Cherokee (cruised @ 110mph for 5 or ten minutes in this thing... not so bad) PT Cruiser (eh...) Geo Metro (i'd rather walk- not even power steering...!) Some Dodge something or other sports coupe, manual transmission, fun to drive, not fun enough to keep me awake... Oldsmobile Alero (not too bad) Pontiac Grand Am (a lot of power off the line, but not much else...) And of course, my baby... my sweet, sweet baby, Nissan Sentra XE- no man, woman, child, animal, machine or planet has been through what this car has been through... she stands by my side through EVERYTHING... i love her... i can't think of any others right now... But you know i'll come back when i can remember... | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Junior Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 109 Registered: 9-2002 |
werid thing..the only exotics I drove are the ones I have..save a ///M6 once, but I don't think you guys are into that type of thing...me I love 6s (and 7s and 8s...) ..and I think NSXs are exotics..only ~8000 of em, with > 300 handmade a year... | ||
| Nebula Class (Nebulaclass)
New member Username: Nebulaclass Post Number: 43 Registered: 11-2002 |
And what was your favorite? Why? Here are the memorable cars I've been able to get behind the wheel of: 1. Multiple TRs and 512s 2. 348 Bs and Ss 3. 355 B 4. 550 5. 456GT 6. 360 Coupe and Spider 7. 2001 Porsche 911 Turbo 8. Boxster and Boxster S 9. 2001 Ford Cobra R 10. 2001 Mercedes CL600 11. 1998 Porsche 911 Turbo 12. 1999 Lighting (drove it to Vegas! Yeeeehaw!) I'm sure there are a few others, but with all these fantastic F-cars I've driven, I've never even SAT in an 3X8! Amazing! The 2000 Cobra R is FANTASTIC. I know you guys aren't big Ford fans here, but this car hauls. 385hp and 385tq at te wheels is truly amazing. The 911 Turbo was awe inspiring. If you haven't driven one, do it! I'm not a P guy, but I have to give this car it's props. Out of the F-cars, of course I love the 360. So smooth and the sound is amazing. But for my money, I'd have to say the TR gave me the most fun. Once that bastard warms up, it pulls like a racehorse on the freeway! I love how the car seems to sink an inch or two once it hits 70+ speeds, almost as if the side vents are sucking the car to the ground. The sound, the accelleration, the looks from all around; AWESOME! |