| Author | Message | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3180 Registered: 8-2002 |
Billy, did you get my email...? It's entitled "DES"... Since i got permission, but have limited access to the internet this weekend, i'll put my story together and post it on Monday... Let me just tell you that the night included a Lotus Esprit TT V8, Ferrari F355 Berlinetta & a Ferrari Testarossa... i'm too far gone in this whole thing to ever turn back... Billy, i can't thank you enough, you & EFWUN made many dreams come true, all within a week... | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 253 Registered: 4-2001 |
Des, I don't mind you posting. I wish we could've taken a bit longer but I felt bad leaving your girlfriend out in the cold. But anytime you want just stop on by. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3177 Registered: 8-2002 |
Davey - i had my attorney contact EFWUN's attorney, 'cause i need cheek surgery, 'cause i haven't stopped smiling, since... i've had two other riDES in two other Ferraris since then, i'm just waiting for the owner to give me permission to post... At this rate, i'll die of happiness by October... | ||
| Mister Jones (Davey_jones)
New member Username: Davey_jones Post Number: 5 Registered: 9-2002 |
Awesome story DES! I wish this board was around about 15 years ago (was it?). Anyway, my first ride was finally about 3 years ago (348 spyder). All I can say is OH MY GOD! The sounds, smells, and feel was more than I was ready for. It was like a sensory overload. Couldn't imagine a 550....I bet you've been smiling ever since. DES, with your determination & enthusiasm - you'll be sitting in your own f-car sooner than you think.  -- mister jones | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3140 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tim, that's so totally awesome... The 246 is an awesome-looking car- i bet it drives just the way it looks... Wait 'til i tell you all about my night last night- it was incredible...! | ||
| Tim Hogan (Tojo)
Junior Member Username: Tojo Post Number: 90 Registered: 4-2002 |
What great stories. Des, the only thing that will stand out more than your first ride in a Ferrari is the first time you drive one (although the Enzo experiance may be better). I remember the first time I rode in a Ferrari was my boss' mother in laws glass 308 he took me for a spin at lunch one day. It was awesome. A couple of months later I meet another guy from work who also runs a Ferrari service and restoration business. I offered to help him out working on cars if he ever neded it. He calls up one day and asks if I can help him prepare his Lancia Stratos for a rally, so of course I go and help. He has a couple of F-cars and I spent a bit of time drooling over them in between working on Stratos. Helping him out has become a regular thing, and one day he has to take a 246gt for a wheel alignment so he says to me "you'd better follow me in my 246gts", man what a buzz, such a smooth car, beautiful day, roof off. Later in the day we go back to pick up the dino, but we take the Stratos this time and I got to drive it home. What an absolute beast, I'm yet to drive a better car. I can't wait to get my car going. It's always a buzz to drive or be a passenger in any Ferrari or Ferrari powered car. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3078 Registered: 8-2002 |
It was only too awesome- the perfect example of what was mentioned in the recent thread about gawkers and the seemingly intruding questions they ask... It couldn't have happened more on cue... The guy had no other interest in the car, whatsoever- he just walked over, peered in the window, made his comment and smiled some pompous smile as he walked away... i don't think he pulled into that parking lot in an economy car, either, if you get what i'm saying... | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 358 Registered: 2-2003 |
As DES and I stood next to my 550, right on cue, a fellow walked up, turned to us and said, "Hah! Must have cost a few sheckles, right?" So typical! I answered, "Yes, but what are sheckles for?" DES got the whole experience in a microcosm!! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3058 Registered: 8-2002 |
LOL- EF, tell them about the scheckles...! LOL, i couldn't believe it, it was so funny and such a great example... | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 350 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thank you, Dave. As I said, I really enjoyed giving DES the ride; kinda cool that DES had his own gawkers to speak with!! | ||
| Dave (Maranelloman)
Member Username: Maranelloman Post Number: 970 Registered: 1-2002 |
What a GREAT story, DES! And efwun, thanks to continuing tthe Ferraristi tradition of bringing smiles to all enthusiasts. You are a class act! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3017 Registered: 8-2002 |
Kevin- awesome story... All i can do is think about what it's like going around a track in a Ferrari... i can't wait... i get all giddy and shaky just thinking about it... Ron... my life never showed any sign of ever going anywhere near the direction it's in, right now... If you only knew... i'm guilt-ridden, in a way, 'cause i know there are others out there who DEServe it so much more than i do... If i can't very well give it to all of them, i guess the next best thing is to enjoy it full force and share my experiences, right...? | ||
| Ron Thomas (Ronsupercar)
Member Username: Ronsupercar Post Number: 555 Registered: 5-2002 |
First the offer for the trip, and now this.. Des you are living my dream... You are the Man,,......... | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 64 Registered: 4-2002 |
Hey Scotty, where are you in DE? | ||
| Kevin Butler (Challenge)
Junior Member Username: Challenge Post Number: 121 Registered: 9-2002 |
DES, great post. You should be a writer for FORZA! I, like many here, can empathize with your first Ferrari in-car experience and the typical generosity of most owners to share with non-owners. Trust me, you will never forget your first ride. It will inspire you for years. My first was Spring 2000. I had always loved F-cars and could easily spout statistics on any of the modern ones, but I had never actually been in one. I was lucky enough to attend a Ferrari track event that spring. When we rolled up, I couldn't believe the sight of so much gorgeous metal and rubber in the paddock. A sea of red and yellow! Afer hanging out for a few hours and talking to an owner for a while, I candidly asked "what does it take to get a poor boy a ride these days?" He offered to take me for a spin when his group's session came up. I was not prepared for what was to come. About an hour or so later the RED group (unlimited speed) was lining up. Just when I thought that he had forgotten me I saw him gesture for me to come over to his red F355 GTS. The car was immaculate and had slicks on it. I exhaled before getting in and quickly realized that this was no joke; I was about to go from Ferrari virgin to blasting down a racetrack at 150mph in a tricked-out 355! I still cannot put into words the laws of physics that that car seemed to deny. It did things you knew weren't correct. How did we stay on the track pushing 100mph going into that bend? How can we stop from 120 in 1/8 the distance it would take a normal car? How is the power so smooth and instant? How did we just pass 10 other Ferraris, 2 Vipers and 1 Lotus in 15 minutes? Pulling into the pits after the session I had perma-grin. I thanked him tremendously and told him he was a great driver and that I loved it. I'll always remember his smiling response: "Yeah, it's a sickness." Today, I realize that these cars were made to be driven this way. One can pour over magazines and videos night and day and not know the true feeling of confidently doing things in a Ferrari that surely would have ended your life in a lesser car. For me, THAT'S the passion. | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 229 Registered: 11-2002 |
Thanks DES, glad you liked it. Strange how these machines bring out the author in us all! Can't wait to hear about your Enzo experience. I guess each second will become a chapter! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3013 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ben, Patman- thanks... Anthony- awesome story...! Sounds like you had a blast...! Thanks for sharing... | ||
| Patman36 (Patrickr)
Junior Member Username: Patrickr Post Number: 121 Registered: 4-2002 |
DES, thanks for the story. Definitely sounds like you two had a great time! EFWUN sounds like a classy guy... Patrick | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 228 Registered: 11-2002 |
Here's my account of what happened the first time I drove a Ferrari. This happened three years ago. This is what I wrote at the time: This all happened the day after my 30th birthday. I went out on Friday night with some old friends of mine and got far too drunk and more than a little bit ill! Consequently I was feeling very rough all day on Saturday. I am a Ferrari fan. I love the road cars and the racing cars. When we were in Italy for the Grand Prix in 1998 we went to Maranello to the Ferrari factory and the Ferrari museum. It was a great pilgrimage. At this point I need to give a little more background information. Rachael & I live in a small village near Sheffield with our 2 daughters Sarah (4) and Alice (1). We are quite good friends with our neighbours John and Leslie and often go to each other�s houses for a drink or two (well maybe three!). Leslie told me that her brother-in-law owned a Ferrari F355 a few months ago. Ever since then I have been nagging her to get him to bring it over so I could see it. I knew it had been in the garage for a while because he had dropped his golf clubs on it! Leslie kept promising to ask him and then forgetting. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I was feeling rough! At about 5pm I heard a very loud engine. Being the sad man that I am I recognised it as a Ferrari engine. I looked out of the window and saw nothing. I went upstairs and looked out of the bedroom window and saw a red F355 parked outside our neighbour�s house. I shouted Rachael and told her to get the kids. I didn�t want to run out and drool over this guy�s car by myself so I thought I�d pretend the kids were interested in seeing it! I told Sarah to quickly put her shoes and socks on. She said she didn�t want to see a Ferrari, as she was busy watching Postman Pat. Rachael disappeared and phoned Leslie to tell her that I�d seen the car. Leslie told her brother-in-law (Dean) to leave and come back in ten minutes. I heard the engine start and grabbed Sarah. She was wearing one sock and was crying because she didn�t want to miss Postman Pat. We ran out of the house in time to see the Ferrari speed off. I glumly let Sarah go back to Pat and went back in the house. John and Leslie came round and I told Leslie how disappointed Sarah was that Dean didn�t stop to let her see his car. Leslie explained that Dean was in a rush and he had to leave. I was just about to have a beer to drown my sorrows when Rachael asked me to go outside to close the sun-roof on our car as it had started raining. I went outside and saw that the sun-roof was already closed and it wasn�t raining. I also noticed that there was a large red Ferrari F355 parked outside my house. The driver got out and asked if I was Anthony. When I told him I was he said, �My name�s Dean and this is your birthday present�. Everyone gathered around the car and we all admired it for a while (the heat coming from the engine cover and exhaust was amazing). I asked if we could go for a drive and Dean said yes. He said I would have to navigate, as he didn�t know the roads too well. I directed him down to some traffic lights and then onto a fairly wide A road which led to the next village. I loved the noise and the acceleration. When we reached the next village I suggested that it would be a good place to turn round. Dean turned the car round, put the handbrake on and asked if I wanted to drive. It was a Homer Simpson moment. One side of my brain said, �Are you insured?� the other side said �Hhmmmmmm Ferrrraaaaarrrrrii!� I said, �OK� I drove back the way we had come. I was a bit clunky on the gear-change and at one point I nearly changed down from fourth to first but Dean didn�t seem too worried. We hadn�t gone far before I caught up with a long line of traffic. When we got to the traffic lights they were green and all the cars in front of me went through. I stopped at the green lights and waited for them to go red and then back to green. I floored the throttle, dumped the clutch and screamed away from the lights. There was no noticeable wheel-spin, that�s the beauty of traction-control. I found second easily and then third. I have no idea what speed I was going in each gear as I daren�t look away from the road! I turned right and back into our village. I told Dean about a dream I had had on a couple of occasions about driving a 355 round the small country lanes that I use to get to work each day (I told you I was sad!). Dean told me to go for it, so I did! I soon caught up to and got stuck behind a Sierra. As it was impossible to pass I pulled over to the side of the road to allow myself some clear track, sorry road, ahead. Sitting there with the engine idling and rumbling behind me was awesome. The car rocks slightly from side to side every second or so. We had a bit of a chat about the car. Dean bought it a year ago from Gray Paul in Loughborough. It has never broken down. He drives it every day except when it is wet. On Monday he took it to Silverstone to blast it round the track there. That�s what a Ferrari owner should be like, not keeping the car under wraps all year except for one weekend in summer. I told Dean that I had been to the factory where his car was built and the showroom where he bought it. I then set off again. I went round two quick (third gear) left handers and then had to slam on the brakes because I had already caught up with that bloody Sierra! I wasn�t behind it for too long as it turned left off the track (road! I mean road!). I went through the next village then down an extremely steep hill. At the next village I stopped and turned round. As I have said the route I was on was a route I do every day so I know the road very well. Normally going home up the steep hill requires third gear if you�ve had a good run up and then it�s foot to the floor all the way to the top. I usually manage about 50mph. You can steer with one finger, as there are only a couple of slight bends on the road. On Saturday afternoon I went up the hill with my foot to the floor in third gear and the slight bends had become corners which had to be steered around! I must have been doing over 100mph up the hill! I soon caught up with a blue van. I went to overtake it. I got parallel with it but the road started to narrow. I didn�t want to put a wheel on the grass so I backed off. Dean was shouting for me to go for it. I stopped again and this time waited a lot longer to allow the van to get out of the way. I then had a clear run back to the house. When I got out I was shaking like a leaf. I had a can of beer and tried to calm down a bit. Dean took Rachael and then Leslie for rides and then he left. We waved him off outside the house. He must have been over half a mile away before he was out of ear-shot! All in all an unforgettable, fantastic experience. And to think I wasn�t really looking forward to my thirtieth!  | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Junior Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 242 Registered: 6-2002 |
EFWUN- People like you make this community the wonderful expierence it is! My hat's off to you, and on behalf of all not-yet-owners, thanks!!! DES- Oh my, you never forget your first! For me, it was both my first ride, and first time DRIVING one of these magical machines! <cue> The 1987 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet 3.2. I don't really have the ability to capture it into words, as they fail these machines that are just so incredible in person that they don't seem real. I just sort of stared at the Red and Tanness of it all, next thing I knew, I was in the driver's seat, and yep, sure enough these cars really don't like second gear untill warm! Awesome! I went from sideline Ferrari admirer and enthusiest, to old-hat-at-this, in one fell swoop. The car and I became one, I went through my gears, the gated shifter felt like an old friend on the downshift. It was at once all so hard and challenging, and so very very easy and familiar! I saved the best for last. The sound. That sound... When I finally buy my Ferrari, I will be paying entirely for that soundtrack alone. Hopefully the owner will be kind enough to throw in a car for free ;) Best! Ben. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3005 Registered: 8-2002 |
William... LOL... AS humbly as i can possibly say it, i'll be getting some track time in October... ...in an Enzo... | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 765 Registered: 9-2001 |
DES, congrats. I know what you mean, it's amazing car to ride in, try to get some track time in one if you can where the car is pushed to the limit. That is where your fun begins. :0 | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Junior Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 226 Registered: 11-2002 |
DES, congratulations. Loved your piece! I was telling my wife about it and she started laughing because she could see the tears in my eyes! I had my first ever ride in a Ferrari (355) on my 30th birthday which was 3 years ago. I wrote a piece about it at the time. It's on my PC at work so I'll post it on monday. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3001 Registered: 8-2002 |
Sorry, Jordan, no pictures... No camera... The car was gorgeous, though... There's really no words for it... Tommy, i'm sorry to hear that... i hope everything works out favorably for you... Roel, that's awesome; Jens, you're a stand-up guy... Roel- awesome picture in your profile...! Jason, i know Bentley's have some power, but i wasn't aware they had that much... BUt i would imagine that the weight difference between a Ferrari and a Bentley makes a difference... They're very nice cars, don't get me wrong, i'm just not into the whole sedan thing... i have nothing against the cars, though... Thanks for the story, though, you've opened my mind to the fact that they're cars with enough power to at least be reckoned with... Chris, if only everyone knew how right you are- when i got back into my Saturn, i was red lining all the way back to work and it was like walking... LOL, when i first got into my car, i revved the engine a little and just started laughing, 'cause it sounded like a snoring baby compared to EFWUN's 550... Scotty, that's an awesome story... Most everyone on here is really nice... Thanks, everyone... | ||
| Scotty (Pzerowaster)
Junior Member Username: Pzerowaster Post Number: 65 Registered: 10-2002 |
Yo DES, sweet story. It's so freakin' cool... I think it's so killer that F car owners are so willing to spread the love. My neighbor's kid, he's like 22 or so, saw my 348 when I was detailing it, and he just gawked at it in awe (just like I still do) and was asking like a zillion questions, and I said, "let's air it out bro!" so we hopped in and cruised a bit to get her warmed up, pulled over and said "you're up" and jumped out. He was like "no F-ing way!" So he took the controls and he did a great job of driving and just the look on his face was priceless. He was grinning from ear to ear and giggling here and there. It was great. I just said take your favorite roads and away we went. I really enjoyed being in the passenger seat for a change and we darted around for a couple hours. What was really cool was that my young pal returned the favor a month or so afterwards... he cut me loose on his new Ducati 996. Viva Italia! Thanks for sharing your story my bro... one day I know you'll be spreading the love with your very own F car. Scotty out! | ||
| Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
Junior Member Username: Cmhorner17 Post Number: 120 Registered: 4-2002 |
DES, glad to hear about your experience. I know that must have been one AWESOME day for you. Congrats! It reminds me of the first time I was in a F-car. After that I was hooked! Fair warning though - EVERYTHING will suck by comparison. There is nothing like a Ferrari. Just be ready to be disappointed by all other machines. EFWUN - you are one heck of a guy. It's nice to see someone share an exotic car experience with a true enthusiast who doesn't yet have one themselves. Don't worry DES - I know this experience makes you want one all the more. Keep plugging along - it will be yours before you know it. | ||
| Jason (Arnaget)
New member Username: Arnaget Post Number: 16 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hi Des, great story--I can only imagine how intoxicating it must be to ride in a 550. I suppose I share your predicament of being a young 20-something year old with an overburdening affinity towards fast cars. i have yet to ride in a true italian-bred exotic, but one day I hope i'll have the chance. the one lamborghini owner i met refused me, somewhat understandably. However, i have also been a pretty avid fan of Bentleys in the past, and i just wanted to point out to you that your reference to the Bentley may be considered a bit misinformed. this previous summer, I was employed at CSFB (the investment bank credit suisse first boston) and there was a dark blue bentley arnage red label parked outside everyday. i befriended the driver (the owner was never around, it seemed) and we talked a lot during lunchbreaks. chauffeurs are a wealth of information on nice cars (as well as the business-dealings of the upper crust) because they've seen and driven them all. a lot of the time, it was the S-class driving chauffeurs who kept ribbing the bentley driver that they could beat him in a race.. at any rate, he did give me a ride in the car, and i felt like a million bucks sitting in the back with the window open... yeah, i know... bentleys are cars meant to be driven and the rolls is suited for chauffeuring, but when it comes down to it, the bentley is a much better deal for what you pay for. the guy who owns it and gets driven around in it is obviously business-savvy...and quite frugal (haha.. no..but seriously) in some respects, according to the driver. he was always hesitant to have the car washed, apparently.. well, sorry to keep going on and on, but if you consider the numbers, the Arnage red label generates a huge amount of torque--619 ft-lb at 2500rpm. this has only been surpassed recently in a 4-door by the new Arnage T model. anyway, the 550's torque figures are 421ft-lb at 5000 rpm. and arguably, it's the torque that makes a car seem like it can perform, and the bentley's torque figures are phenomenal.. you don't feel any lag from the twin turbos. plus, the 619 figure is reached at only 2500 rpm. i guarantee you, when the driver put his foot down on the pedal, it seemed as if we were in some sort of magnetic-levitation vehicle. the acceleration was seamless and boundless. the streets just flew by. i was afraid we were going to maul a pedestrian... Of course, the one attribute that the bentley is severely lacking in is the exhaust note. the Ferrari wins that one hands-down. it would be interesting to compare the public reaction to the two, however. i've seen both in manhattan--and not many people pay enough deserved attention to either one, unfortunately. Sorry i got onto a tangent--i guess my points were that the bentley's performance is surprisingly latent as well as to congratulate you, DES, on having an awesome experience in a 550 Maranello. I'd love a ride in a Ferrari someday. anyway, I apologize in advance to anyone who objects to me posting these pictures of the arnage I rode in(they're small and OT..), but i think they speak for the long culture and heritage surrounding the bentley namebrand.  A maintenance/cleaner for CSFB checks the car out..  The particular car was recently replaced (regretfully under the lemon law).. by a green Arnage T model. manhattan motorcars was responsible for service--they gave a chevy caprice as a loaner (?!). apparently, the owner didn't care. if you're wondering, the owner made his money in the toy business and has various dealings in real estate as well as banking. | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 425 Registered: 9-2001 |
Roel, Glad you liked the ride! Too bad you had to leave since next day was fine at Spa. We did some laps at the circuit and although the F360 challenge cars drove circles around me it was very nice and I even could overtake a 328GTS at Blanchimont (I am so proud of that ) Anyway hope to see you in june! Perhaps you can arrange to get to Nürburgring. Perhaps you even have some time tomorrow. We will meet with six Ferraris and one Porsche at Bonn to go through Ahrtal and Eifel and do some laps at the Nordschleife (The 348tb sounds absolutely great with the new Tubi and the test pipes, like a whole new car ) Still have a passengers seat free in my 348. Ton from the Netherlands (Lives in Belgium) is also coming with his beautiful 328GTS. We will also have another 328GTS, a Mondial, a 308 and another 348 plus the 911RS. If you are interested just mail me or look at european section. Would be nice to meet again! Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller P.S. Nice picture by the way! | ||
| Roel de Fouw (Spawnz)
Junior Member Username: Spawnz Post Number: 131 Registered: 6-2002 |
DES: VERY well said man, beautiful. I can very much relate to your story. EFWUN must be a great guy, I love the way owners like him share the experience with enthusiasts. Trust me, you'll think about this experience -every day- atleast for the first year or so... Problably longer, I'm speaking out of experience. Let me tell you a little story myself. Check the comment made by Jens Haller. quote: "If you know how to drive a stick you could even drive yourself". The best thing about this line is, he actually means it. Sometime last year (july I think) Jens invited me to a Ferrari trackday/meeting at the circuit of Spa Francorchamps, Belgium. He promised me to take me for a ride around the track in his 348tb. Well, even though it was a 300km drive to the circuit, the though of being driven over the legendary spa francorchamps in a ferrari would have taken me there on foot if it was necessary. The day came and I made the drive to spa. I enjoyed seeing all those ferraris at one place, but after some time I decided I really should try and find Jens now. After a while I spotted a guy who fit the description (well, picture really) and approached him. It was Jens alright and it was great to actually meet an Fchat member in real life for the first time. We talked for a while and checked out some cars, when Jens told me that because of the bad weather (wet wet wet), unfortunately he wouldn't go out on the track. I understood and wouldn't have done otherwise if I was in his position. It wasn't worth the risk. We chatted some more and the weather cleared up a bit, and Jens offered to take me for a ride off-track, through the mountain-ish surroundings of the circuit. Well from that moment on I just couldn't stop smiling for the rest of the day. It really was a great ride and I was astonished of the capabilities of the car, not to mention the sound of it. When we arrived in the city of spa after a while, he suddenly asked me; "By the way, do you have your drivers license?", so I replied "Yeah, afcourse". I couldn't believe what he then said; "Well, perhaps you would like to drive the car back to the circuit?" ...as my heartrate doubled and my eyes got bigger, I replied "I'd -love- to". Jens stepped out of the car and left me in the passengers seat trying to figur out where the doorhandle was, heheh. Well atleast I wasn't the first person struggling with that now eh? Anyway, a few seconds later I was in the driver's seat turning the ignition key of a beautiful rosso corsa 348tb, still not believing I'm actually doing this and waiting for my alarm clock to go off, but it didn't, thank god. It was a drive i'll never forget and i'm not lying if I say I still think about the experience atleast once a day. It made me more aware of my goals and what I want to achieve in life, and that by working hard enough I will one day be the lucky owner of a ferrari myself, I'm sure of that. Jens problably doesn't even now how much impact the whole experience had on me, and I can't thank him enough for giving me the opportunity. I owe you one Jens. DES, again, I was thrilled reading about your experience, and judging from all the reactions and offers on this board, you have a whole lot of ferraritime awaiting, and yes, you DEServe every single minute of it. share the passion. To me that is the Fchat community at its best. ps: Check the "new" picture in my profile. | ||
| Matthew J Germane (Mjgermane)
New member Username: Mjgermane Post Number: 24 Registered: 1-2003 |
DES, That is great to hear. I am really happy for you. I was fortunate enough to get my first ride in a Ferrari at a young age. Hearing your experience sort of makes me envious becuase you had 23 or so years to prep yourself for the first ride. Congrats, I love to see people show so much passion for their interests and hobbies. Yours is more of an obsession though, which is equally as good in my opinion. EFWUN, I am happy for you too, I am sure you have satisfaction in helping someone achieve their dreams. Thanks for being a good person. Have fun and remember these are the best cars in the world that we are talking about. | ||
| Dirk de Jager (Dj_dirk)
New member Username: Dj_dirk Post Number: 25 Registered: 2-2002 |
DES congrats man i remember my first ride in a Ferrari very well too. It was in 1993 and my parents had bought me a ride in a 348 TB for my birthday. One of the best hours of my live | ||
| Fayyaz Vellani (Fvellani)
New member Username: Fvellani Post Number: 47 Registered: 8-2002 |
post of the month right there congrats DES | ||
| izel k. (Ferrarist)
Junior Member Username: Ferrarist Post Number: 175 Registered: 3-2001 |
Congrats DES! I will also never forget my first ever ride in a Ferrari (a 348 TB). It was a superb and strange feeling that i will never get from any other car except a Ferrari. The smile never ended on my face while speeding this awesome machine! I really can understand your feelings. And EFWUN congrats to you also, you're very kind. | ||
| Eric Vartanian (Evartanian)
Junior Member Username: Evartanian Post Number: 169 Registered: 3-2002 |
Wow, what a story. Just reading your description got my heart beating faster and my palms sweaty. This should be a hall of fame post. Once again Congrats DES. EFWUN, truly awsome of you for this generous gesture. | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Junior Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2002 |
DES, I think you should write a book about your experience. I am totally happy for you. I bet it changed the whole perspective about your sense and mind. Good for you | ||
| Matt S (F40only)
Junior Member Username: F40only Post Number: 62 Registered: 3-2003 |
Congrats Des, sounds awesome. | ||
| Tommy Anastasiou (Tommya)
New member Username: Tommya Post Number: 45 Registered: 10-2002 |
DES, I'm really happy for you I own my car for almost 1 year and never drove it. You can't even imagine what a feeling it is. I bought the car with a bad water pump and decided to take it a step further. By the time I had all in place and ready to put back together the worst. Separated with the wife moved out of the house and I'm afraid to put the car back together so I don't loose it on the settlement. P S I do visit my garage every week and sit in it. Just doing that I get relieved. I can't even imagine what a feeling it is to be on the road with it. I really hope that some day you get one. It's a great feeling. Regards Tommy A | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 605 Registered: 12-2002 |
Hah! Crazy story DES! I can just picture you guys screaming around NY. You will get your 550 one day, and hopefully me too I figure, save 5k a year from your paycheck (possible even if you make ~25-30k) and just live well below your means for a while and sooner or later youll have enough to at least put a nice down payment on a new Ferrari or buy your own older one. BTW, get any photos? | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 251 Registered: 4-2001 |
DES, never even crossed my mind the 360 and everything. You're too much. I apologize I couldn't hang out for a while. But anytime you want to hook up let me know. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3000 Registered: 8-2002 |
Billy- forget the cars, i would KILL for the first three numbers of my phone number to be 360...! AAHHHH...! When i got my apartment, i harassed the woman over the phone to get a 360 exchange in Commack, but to no avail... At Sprint, when i got my phone, i made the guy go through literally hundreds of numbers, but it just wasn't possible... Not only do you have cool cars, but you have a cool phone number too...! i'll be around at some point in the near future... Thanks... Thanks to everyone for your hospitaliy, generosity, kindness and all around willingness to really make an enthusiast feel welcome... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2997 Registered: 8-2002 |
All of you are just really awesome... The hospitality is like an overflowing sink... Thank you all so much... Today was just very intense, very overwhelming... It's still in me, on me, around me- i can feel it all over me and the last thing i wanna do is shower... EFWUN, i just want you to know that, even the though the offer that John made me is practically irrefuseable, it wasn't until after your ride that i finally made my decision; for most i guess it would be a no-brainer, but there are a lot of things i need to consider... After considering all of them, the ride you gave me, today, pushed me over the edge... i called John and left him a message, i'm just waiting for him to call me back so i can accept his invitation, personally (well, as personally as over the phone can be)... Thanks, everyone, especially EFWUN, for being just really, really cool... You guys out in Cali, don't think i've forgotten about you, i just might have to push my trip out there, back a little further if i wanna make it to the event in New Orleans... But i'll get out there some time, definitely... You guys are awesome... Special thanks to you, Rob, 'cause if it wasn't for this site, i would never have met so many awesome people... | ||
| EFWUN (Efwun)
Member Username: Efwun Post Number: 325 Registered: 2-2003 |
As I said on another post, DES was a complete gentleman, even bringing a bottle of wine for my wife. A very nice lunch break, and a reminder of how much pure fun these cars really are. A beautiful Spring day to be alive and driving a 550!! You're totally welcome, DES, glad you enjoyed yourself. | ||
| Johns (Modenaf1fan)
Junior Member Username: Modenaf1fan Post Number: 242 Registered: 11-2002 |
niiice story...sounds like u got a ride from Valentino Balboni | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 250 Registered: 4-2001 |
DES, I would be more than happy to take you for a spin in all my cars. I would have done it today but you caught me at a bad time. The 550 sounds just awesome. Let me know when you want to stop by and I will have no problem showing you around. At night would be better, for the roads are empty and we can kick it up a notch. I must have given about 500 people rides so far. Should start to charge them. huh? LOL Call me at 360-7768 and let me know. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 673 Registered: 3-2002 |
Way to go, guys! Very cool of EFWUN to offer, and for DES to enjoy it as much as I think humanly possible. Welcome to the deep end of the obsession pool, DES. The only feelings that will top those of today will be on the day you stand over your very own, holding your keys in hand, knowing you're about to drive it home (the long way, of course). Thanks for the colorful description. | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 672 Registered: 3-2002 |
Way to go, guys! Very cool of EFWUN to offer, and for DES to enjoy it as much as I think humanly possible. Welcome to the deep end of the obsession pool, DES. The only feelings that will top those of today will be on the day you stand over your very own, holding your keys in hand, knowing you're about to drive it home (the long way, of course). Thanks for colorful description. | ||
| Ronald Vallejo (Ron328)
New member Username: Ron328 Post Number: 40 Registered: 3-2003 |
Congrats DES...it's probably just the beginning. | ||
| Norman (Storminnormin)
Junior Member Username: Storminnormin Post Number: 96 Registered: 7-2002 |
That was a superb DEScription, DES. Welcome to the Ferrari Addiction!! I remember the first time I rode in a Ferrari: a 400i in Hongkong about 20 years ago. The addiction festered for 20 years before I was able to purchase my first F-car: a black 550 Maranello. Congratulations, DES. If you are ever out in the San Francisco area, there's a group of us who will do our best to feed your addiction!! | ||
| David A. Spear (Detailman)
Junior Member Username: Detailman Post Number: 73 Registered: 5-2002 |
one day if y ou ever happen to be in bum-fu-- Indiana i will let you be the 3rd to have driven my car my wife was the first and brother was the second. | ||
| Tyler (Bahiaau)
Member Username: Bahiaau Post Number: 646 Registered: 12-2001 |
That's a fantastic description DES! Congrats on an incredible experience. | ||
| Mike Procopio (Pupz308)
Junior Member Username: Pupz308 Post Number: 206 Registered: 10-2002 |
DES: Rock on. Now you've gone and done it--better start saving! --Mike | ||
| Jean-Louis (Jlm348)
Member Username: Jlm348 Post Number: 486 Registered: 11-2002 |
DES Congratulations on your great day. It almost seems that a lot of Ferrari owners trully are wonderful generous people. Great story. You still got to come visit us in So CAL. We will have a fun day planned for you | ||
| Robert Callahan (Rcallahan)
Junior Member Username: Rcallahan Post Number: 146 Registered: 7-2002 |
But Des, tell us how you like the drive | ||
| Ed Christophersen (Dr_c)
New member Username: Dr_c Post Number: 19 Registered: 12-2002 |
DES: Now, for the first time, you know what really attracts f-car owner's to their cars. Great isn't it? The combination of the feel, the sound, the acceleration and braking, even the smell, just cannot be beat. I can remember my daughter saying that she loved it when I accelerated because her legs got lighter! Welcome to the addiction. You are now hooked! | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 414 Registered: 9-2001 |
DES, Nice description of your feelings! If you should ever be in the "older part of europe" (= Germany) it would be nice to give you a ride with my 348tb at the wild free german Autobahn! If you know how to drive a stick you could even drive yourself. How about a lap on the famous Nürburgring, it�s just 50km away from my home? Just keep on enjoying "la passione"! Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 391 Registered: 9-2002 |
congrads! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 2994 Registered: 8-2002 |
(Yes, this whole post requires a bold face... ) At the risk of getting too personal- which is a risk i'd care not to take, the following statement is purposely vague. Without layering my point with some sticky, insipid 'woe is me' film, i just want to make note that my life hasn't entirely been roses and sunny days; i know of others that have had far worse experiences/occurances/days, weeks, months, years, lives, etc. so i don't think that the world owes me anything- i just know that i've had more than my fair share of shitty days. It's eerily so, though, that the stormy rain cloud above my head has continued to decrease in size since my FerrariChat membership's inception. Could be coincidence, but it just seems a little weird... Moving on, please allow me to disclose to you, the details to an afternoon that has forever changed my life. i had known for a couple of days, now, that EFWUN and i would meet. We emailed, planned, rescheduled, etc. until we finally agreed on a day that was good for us both. He had already offered me a ride in his car, but i wasn't counting on it- i never go anywhere expecting anything from anyone. i figured i'd be lucky as hell just to meet someone like him and be able to shoot the breeze; he's a very knowledgeable guy and a ride in his car would just be this huge bonus. For days, my nerves were on edge; thoughts frantically ran rampant inside my head: 'what if i'm checking out his car and i scratch it?' 'what if i hit his car with mine?' 'what if he sees me and thinks i'm some loon and bolts?' what if everything is fine but then the weather doesn't hold?' the air surrounding my physical immediacy was thick with 'what-if's'; you could taste the OCD with every breath. Last night, i fumbled and rummaged through my closet- 'what do i wear...? it can't be anything with metal buttons or anything sharp and it has to be presentable, all at the same time...!' Relief flowed over me like a hot shower in a cold house- every outfit i owned was presentable but not "sharp", so i had nothing to worry about... Moving on, Friday was finally here. We agreed to meet at noon at a pre-specified location. Jittery like a crack addict on a cold-turkey recovery, it required more than a modicum of effort to maintain my place between the lines on the road, as i drove from the office to our rendevous point. i got there first and backed my car into a space, turned the engine off and waited with what can only be DEScribed as an unpatient patience. The weather has been great lately, so my windows were open. The usual sounds of a usual Friday afternoon carpeted the town... but then i heard something... not something that could be quaintly noticed above the hustle and bustle, rather something that yelled obnoxiously at the hustle and bustle to shut the #$%& up... It was the rumble, grumble, ba-rumble of something fast; something sexy; something blu and Italian; it was something Ferrari...! i struggled to get my key out of the disengaged ignition; i fumbled with the thingie that opens my door as i clambered to get out of my car; i could hear it... it was getting louder and louder, so it must be getting closer... still clawing at air to get my fat ass out of the seat, i arose clumsily, exiting my vehicle while exerting my neck to get a peek at what was making the awesome sound that neared me... The anticipation shot up in me like the mercury in a thermometer in the ass of the sun... shimmering in a bath of sun rays, this metallic blu Ferrari 550 Maranello eased into the parking lot, gliding along the beaten pavement... the roar of the idling engine was surreal... the man tucked inside the cockpit turned his head slightly to the left... Even with sunglasses on, i could tell when he saw me... he motioned to go to the back of the lot where there was some breathing room (and ample space for me to mindlessly ogle the car)... He blipped the throttle one last time before he slowly rolled away... The sound resonated through me and instantly made my knees buckle- luckily, i somehow fell right into the driver's seat, started up my car and eagerly followed... He pulled into a space and i pulled into a space two spaces from him- no way was i going to let my car come within less than ten feet of his... We both exited our respective vehicles (although his was was a LOT more respective) and exchanged formal introductions... Conversation immediately commenced as if this wasn't the first time we had met- he's a real cool fella and knows a lot... i was stoked, just to be talking face to face with him... we chatted for about 15-20 minutes then he went over to the passenger-side door, opened it and said something that i almost had to ask him to repeat, 'cause i wasn't sure if i heard him right... "Ok, danny, hop in..." i just kinda stood there for a second as he made his way around to the driver's side... i emptied my pockets- keys, wallet, cell phone- into my car and carefully slid into his... Holy Crappin' Comfort, Batman...! Who said Ferraris aren't comfortable...?!? Maybe the feel of a seat DESigned for racing just appeals to me, i don't know, but the interior was sweet... Tan with black trim, the seat was plush and seemed almost purposely set to fit me, exactly... As if heavily sedated with codeine, i just sat there and gazed at the dash before me... My eyes frolicked back and forth, across the steering wheel, the shifter, the instrument panel, the dials- the whole inside of the car...! i've never sat in a car whose speedometer had that many numbers...! 'DES, close the door', i thought and then we were ready to go... He turned the key and the engine rumbled to life with an unrestrained vigor to EAT something... i instantaneously clenched my butt cheeks fearing i might •••• myself, right then and there... The roar of the engine was like nothing i ever heard from any of Alain Decadenet's tv specials... We continued conversating as we rolled out of the parking lot, into the flow of traffic... After a traffic light or two, we redirected onto a local route with some breathing room... Maybe the car does it by itself, i don't know, but the acceleration was fairly firm- but then he put his foot on the gas pedal and DAMN...! All of my innards pressed onto my spine... Instant face lift and he was still in first gear... The fierce, growling, rumbling, roaring GRRRRR of the engine, coupled with what i can only imagine to be something akin to something close to actual G forces made me light-headed... The rocks in my head rumbled around as he shifted into second and all the traffic in front of us quickly became all the traffic behind us; but one thought managed to slip out from the rubble: 'there are actually people out there who'd buy a Bentley over something like this?' He drove for a few miles and we came to a stop light where he decided to u-turn... A rather attractive young lady pulls up beside us and eagerly says something to me- no doubt, if i were in my Saturn, she wouldn't have given me the time of day, but anyway, i notice her trying to ask me a question and i direct my attention to her... " 'Scuse me... What kind of car is that...?" i smiled this ridiculous smile, 'cause never before in my life has someone asked me that and i could respond with this answer: "A Ferrari..." The words just rolled off my tongue and at that exact moment i felt like i was in a scene in a movie where everyone who watches thinks, 'yeah... that guy's cool...' She smiled and turned to her passenger and they both started smiling and looking at the car... The light turned green, to the left we went and EFWUN patiently drove through first and then opened her up in second... Some kinda crazy, wacky warp speed thing happened... we were at a roll of about 30mph and then second gear came, quickly followed by third... In the not-so-distant distance, i could hear the faint clickity click of him shifting... 'That's awesome', i thought... What he says was 10 seconds later (but i think was less), we were at 135mph... Only for a brief instant did he hold that speed and then brought it back down, but even at that high, the car mercifully begged to have it's speed doubled...! There was no relent, no breath for air, no gasp, no 'hold on a sec', no 'let my engine catch up'- the car just accelerated just as easily as it braked or steered or looked really, really cool... He opened it up a bit a few more times, but the next totally awesome part was the sound of the snarling engine when he downshifted... If i could make those sounds with my mouth, i would never be alone on a Friday night... The almost-violent rumble and growl of the engine was perpetual and very close... If you ever have something bad to say about a 550, you totally have that right- don't worry so much about the owner, though, just make sure that the car, itself doesn't hear you, 'cause it's all bite and no bark... Dogs bark... Lions GROWL...! Ferrari should reconsider the Horsey emblem... Soon after the ride was over and we were back where we started, chatting again... No sooner had we gotten out of the car, but Billy pulled up in his 355...! The sound of his engine cut through the midday air... It was like platinum pennies, falling from the sky... Who's luckier than me...? The three of us chatted for a few minutes than went out separate ways, on with our days... Today isn't a memory yet, 'cause i'm not done with it; i'm not done living through it and i'll never stop living with it... i'm not the same person i was this morning and don't think i ever will be... EFWUN, i can't thank you enough... You've totally made a dream come true for me, thank you so much... You'll never fully know how much i appreciate it... i don't want anyone's advice on how to get rid of the smile on my face- it's just fine where it is... If you thought it before, let me assure you, it's definite now: Ferrari courses through me with little room for blood... My headache and stomach ache are finally gone... My chest pains have subsided... My hands aren't shaking anymore... But that feeling still palpatates so strongly, within me; within my very self; within the innermost depths of my soul. EFWUN, thank you. Thank you very, very much. |