| Author | Message | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3296 Registered: 8-2002 |
She's my best friend...  | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2807 Registered: 6-2001 |
i meant who like in relation to you. | ||
| Henryk (Henryk)
Member Username: Henryk Post Number: 636 Registered: 8-2001 |
I have had 8 Ferraris, and NONE of them out-handle the 95 Lotus S4S that I have had. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3295 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tim, LMAO...! i've never heard that before, that was pretty funny...! but i think you're the wall, here, here was your original question:
Here is my answer:
That clears things up, right...? | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2806 Registered: 6-2001 |
this is unbeleiveable. its like there are 5 walls in this room. 4 that make up the sides, and then the one i'm talking to. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3294 Registered: 8-2002 |
Oh, sorry... Schnelle is Birdie. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2805 Registered: 6-2001 |
im asking who "birdie" is. not if "schnelle" is "birdie", watson. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3292 Registered: 8-2002 |
Yes, Watson. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2804 Registered: 6-2001 |
who is Schnelle Frau? (im assuming that "Schnelle" is the one you refer to as "Birdie") | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3290 Registered: 8-2002 |
Geez, Schnelle, after that statement, i'm proud to admit that you're not my girlfriend... | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 85 Registered: 4-2002 |
Ken, LOL, I was thinking the same thing, but wasn't going to say anything. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 830 Registered: 10-2001 |
If 2 min. in an NSX are better than an orgasm, we need to talk! | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 476 Registered: 9-2001 |
Tom, Thanks for the info! Too bad...  Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3215 Registered: 9-2001 |
jens, In another thread she discloses she is american with german descent | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 475 Registered: 9-2001 |
Schnelle Frau, How do you get to this name? Are you coming from Germany by chance? Sorry for taking it off topic here! Just curious: A female german FChat member would be great Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| Schnelle Frau (Miss_m_treiber)
New member Username: Miss_m_treiber Post Number: 9 Registered: 4-2003 |
hey, i still love a sweet mustang.. you can bet in 2005 i will be first in line! but i must admit nothing can quite match the sound of a ferrari, its really a beautiful thing. and of course those 2 minutes in the NSX was better than an orgasm..! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3287 Registered: 8-2002 |
Lee, Jordan, thank you... After several failed attempts at writing a book, maybe after enough Ferrari experiences, i'll pen one solely about them... Who knows... After October, i'll certainly have enough material for a few chapters... Dave... Ironically, i've never even been in a Porsche before, let alone driven one... Almost all Porsche models appeal to me (especially the 962 ) but Birdie has absolutely no tolerance for them, whatsoever... The SS is a nice tra- uh, parkway, but i get my big kicks on the NS... Got pulled over on there last week, going west... State trooper... Said i was doing 93 in a 55... The Car Gods DEScended and he let me go...! What a rush...! Thanks, again, Billy... i had an awesome time... Equally important, though, you converted my Mustang-favoring friend... | ||
| Kenny Herman (Kennyh)
Member Username: Kennyh Post Number: 756 Registered: 8-2001 |
Just to set the record straight, Billy did the exact same thing for Tim and I. Really is an awesome guy, possibly the nicest I've ever met. | ||
| David S (Djs308)
Junior Member Username: Djs308 Post Number: 126 Registered: 9-2002 |
DES, I was shifting along with you in your story. Nice work!! Too bad you didn't have a camera with you. I was fortunate to have a similar experience myself about 3 years ago, so I can definitely relate. Please allow me to recall it here. I was offered a ride in a brand new Porsche 911. Never been in one before that day (or since). I just got the passenger door open before the owner said, "wrong door, go in on the driver's side!" My jaw dropped. This guy barely knew me and he offered me the opportunity to take HIS 911 for a drive. I was speechless, but I obeyed. I got in, fired it up, and sloooooowwlly inched away, slipping the clutch just a little, to avoid an embarrassing stall. After about 5 minutes of tootling around my block, he said "head for the highway!" OK, Captain!! I took it onto the Southern State Parkway and headed east. I figured I would get out at the next exit and turn back but he said "move over to the left lane and feel free to go faster". Aye, aye, sir. Before I knew it, we were cruising 20 exits before we turned back!! When I did get off the highway, I heard a strange mechanical noise coming from the back. I immediately thought I broke some really really expensive widget and asked sheepishly "what is that sound?" He said, "Oh, that's just the rear spoiler retracting". I said "Oh...yeah, that's right..." (that's a really neat feature, I must say). Anyway, before going home, he gave me directions to take to his friend's house. We got there, I parked and he got out to find his friend. Meanwhile, I take the keys out and have a really sickening feeling: How do I open the bloody door?? Took me about 3 minutes before I found the latch (I'm a slow learner). Turns out, the friend owns (owned) his own spectacular red/tan Testarossa. He told me to hop in (NOT as driver this time) and cranked the magnificent flat-12. I had NEVER heard such a sound of song emanating from 12 inches behind my head!! Supposedly, this guy was a professional race car driver. In about 3 milliseconds, he proved it as he floored the pedal. DES, as you also described, the feeling you get when you become cemented to the seat in a TR is unforgettable. He too, approached the top end of light speed. What a rush!! I was hoping his shields were up because had we hit anything at those velocities, I wouldn't be here today. We drove all around my neighborhood and I was ecstatic to be doing it an a very real 12 cylinder Ferrari. Well, all good things do come to an end and I got dropped off at home. I walked in the door, sat down in my chair and stared at my home-built 1/8 scale testarossa and thought "I actually had a ride in THAT car today, wow!!" I thanked both cars' owners profusely as I had never had such an experience in my life and was very grateful. I hope to act in kind should I find myself as an owner of my very own 308QV someday. | ||
| billy zissis (89tr)
Member Username: 89tr Post Number: 254 Registered: 4-2001 |
DES, you are one cool guy and it was my pleasure. We will do it again. Had loads of fun. That is one thing i never get tired of is driving these cars. I love them. As for which is my favorite, it has to be the Lotus. The Car is simply amazing. It is a limited production model of 8. Lighter chassis components, light body build, huge 13.5 in ap racing brakes, very light rims, carbon fiber interior, basically a track ready car. I have done a few upgrades and the car flies. It does a have a one off racing edition tranny. It was the backup tranny for the GT1 racer (from what I have been told). I have also upgraded the ECU with the factory race ECU that bumps up power to 450hp. I also upgraded the turbos and put a full free flowing exhaust with twin blow off valves. Next is intercoolers. Of the Ferraris my favorite is the TR. The car is just beautiful-a work of art from the design outside to the knock your socks off looks of the engine. I have added a full Borla exhaust (no cats-and also a real work of art-it has four motorcycle style mufflers) which sounds insane. Then I like the 355- a very very fun car to drive. Quick and agile and just stunning. I have a full tubi in there-again no cats and the car sounds like an F1 car-it just screams. And last but not least I like the NSX. A really good car but a bit underpowered unfortunately. I can't say which is my everyday car because they all are. Drive them in rain, sleet, snow and sun and they have rewarded me by being ultra reliable. Again DES I had lots of fun and we will do it again soon | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
New member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 4 Registered: 4-2003 |
DES, Very Cool!!! I got goosebumps the first time I started up a Ferrari...couldn't believe I was actually doing it. Same thing, I thought it was a dream. | ||
| Warren L. (Warren)
Junior Member Username: Warren Post Number: 193 Registered: 2-2002 |
Don't you think Lotuses look more exotic than F-s 355s? L-s seem wider and lower to the ground kinda like Lambos. At the same time they definitely look very 80's to me too. In terms of most exotic -this should be a separate thread but... if I had to rate looks alone, and yes, I'm missing a lot of cars but just off the top of my head from most exotic to least exotic sports car (imho looks only and relatively recent models). 1. Mclaren, XJ220, that racing edition Mercedes and Porsche, Saleen, -I've lumped all of these almost unobtainable vehicles into one. 2. Diablo 3. Enzo, F50, F40 4. Lotus 5. 355 6. 360 7. GT2? Can Someone finish this list? | ||
| Jordan Witherspoon (Jordan747_400)
Member Username: Jordan747_400 Post Number: 668 Registered: 12-2002 |
LOL DES your writing is awesome. Another post of the month right here Ill see if I can write something when I drive my first ferrari this summer. Im going to rent a 355 and just drive it up and down PCH all day...maybe ending the evening with a nice date at Ruths Chris...YUM! | ||
| Lee Hamner (Tennlee)
New member Username: Tennlee Post Number: 23 Registered: 2-2002 |
Great writeup DES. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3273 Registered: 8-2002 |
Ben... i know. | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 253 Registered: 6-2002 |
DES- it was like this with me for my first time in an exotic too (Mondial 3.2 Cabriolet for me.) Felt like I had been born in the car. Sometimes, you just... KNOW, you know? ;) Best! Ben. Stop for a second... i can't tell you how right at home i felt in this car... Like it was my everyday car for years and years, i just melted right into how one should be, in this car... The clutch, the gas, the brakes, the stick, the steering wheel - i adapted to everything, IMMEDIATELY and a spark, deep inside me, began to flare... Ok, go back to the story. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 122 Registered: 12-2002 |
The pistonheads forum (the one linked to from the fact file) is good, but not very prolific. Turbo Esprit has the most volume. Luke. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2795 Registered: 6-2001 |
I would have liked to make it to the NY Auto Show, but will not be in the tri-state area at that time. I just found a lotus forum at www.espritfactfile.com that appears to be new, because it wasnt there when i visited the site last (a year maybe). Unfortunately the other lotus forum (www.lotussource.com) was taken down a while back. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3200 Registered: 9-2001 |
I think he had the limited slip added- I beleive he has all his work done at R&S in closter nj http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/112/4518.html | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 84 Registered: 4-2002 |
Lucas, you're right, Quaiffe is very costly! A while ago one of the Lotus USA reps offered a six speed box for around $5K (my memory may be off...could've been more) but it was a one off I think. Someone on the list did buy it I believe and have it installed. (It did require a few modifications to fit) Billy's Esprit looks like a Sport 350 to me, which was a "special edition" anyone verify that? | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 121 Registered: 12-2002 |
"There are some 6 speed upgrades, but are very costly" Some? I only know of the Quaife which costs ~25K (that's about 50% of the cost of a v8 itself!), and I've heard people *talk* about a Porsche box maybe woring too, that's why i'm curious what Billy has. Luke. | ||
| Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member Username: Agk Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2002 |
Now, that a few key pointers about Lotus Esprit have been given, I can add this little: - V8's prices are indeed coming down; interestingly enough, those for S4s (being the most desirable and rare of 4-cyl. Esprits) are not. That said, S4s has the most efficient 4-cyl. engine known, 2.2L producing 300 hp. - Too bad I won't be able to make it to NY Show; Alex et al, I hope you'll have a lot of fun there though. Oh, one more thing: back to 355 vs Esprit V8 comparison: have you seen a good, detailed one written out on this Chat or elsewhere? Anton. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 826 Registered: 10-2001 |
Lotus always has had problems getting a gearbox to match their engines. My Renault 352 box on my Twin Cam is a case in point; you just can't put more than 130 HP through it. | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 83 Registered: 4-2002 |
Proton does own Lotus now. The steering wheel was actually a Lotus steering wheel that GM used/uses. Stock Esprits have 5 speed gearboxes. There are some 6 speed upgrades, but are very costly. The V8's were detuned due to the tranny and lack of intercooler. FYI, if any of you in the New York area are attending the NY Auto Show this year, our Lotus club will be displaying our cars (outside under a 120 X 30 hang on the "inner roadway") on Sunday April 27th at Jacob Javitz. Stop by and find me if you go! http://64.14.52.186/Events/Default.asp | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 120 Registered: 12-2002 |
Tailights = Toyota (80s) Wheel = GM new dash in '98 Luke. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2793 Registered: 6-2001 |
I think they switched to thenew dash in 98.. I know GM owned lotus in the 90's, thats why they had those hideous GM airbag steering wheels. Im not sure if they still own lotus though. | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 431 Registered: 9-2002 |
Slightly OT, but I thought Proton (or something like that) owned Lotus? I saw Billy's Lotus and wondered what year they switched to the larger more readable dash? | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2791 Registered: 6-2001 |
Lucas, i'm not sure which gearbox he had put in. Im sure he will read this and answer that question. I realy wanted an Esprit S4s as my first sportscar, but i think now i would prefer a C5 because they are bulletproof and if they break, they are cheaper to fix. However, the 97 V8 lotuses (loti?) are coming down in price alot, and when i would be in a position to buy one in 3 years, the price would probably be lower. GM's ownership made the V8's more reliable, but their engines are very detuned. | ||
| Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member Username: Agk Post Number: 31 Registered: 4-2002 |
DES, Now you see why, with a lot of due respect for F-cars, I started my exotic car collection with a Lotus Esprit (I own a '95 S4s). If my dreams, say, come true tomorrow, I'd see both a TR and a 355 in my collection; hence agree with Billy's choice of cars wholeheartedly. Haven't yet had the pleasure to meet you and Billy. Where did you say that Diner is? Thanks, Anton. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3269 Registered: 8-2002 |
Tim, that's a real hard call to make... The Lotus was the quickest, hands down... The 355 was an all-around smooth ride... The engine was really cool... The Testarossa was a Testarossa - don't need to say anything else about that car...! i still can't believe he let me drive the NSX... Just recalling the night makes me dizzy - seriously...! Warren, the Lotus had the most acceleration, no question about it... All the cars were comfortable 'cause, even though i'm fat, my body was somehow made for sports cars... i could've slept in the cars and would've been comfortable... All four cars were awesome... i'm gonna get a little 1:24 NSX and add it to my collection, 'cause after driving it, it's definitely a car i would want... The whole thing was intense... i have to stop, now, 'cause my cheeks are starting to hurt, again... | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3193 Registered: 9-2001 |
I beleive he or his family owns the diner, he has his cars out all the time | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
Member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 293 Registered: 10-2002 |
Man you got all the luck. Congrats again. Once again jealousy overcomes me. | ||
| Warren L. (Warren)
Junior Member Username: Warren Post Number: 192 Registered: 2-2002 |
P.s. Why did Billy have all four cars at the diner? Does he own the diner? just curious | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 825 Registered: 10-2001 |
DES: NEVER, repete NEVER get in to a Lotus without a cell phone!!!!!! LOL | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3192 Registered: 9-2001 |
I think Billy likes the lotus the best - it is fast as hell and it corners like none of the others | ||
| Warren L. (Warren)
Junior Member Username: Warren Post Number: 189 Registered: 2-2002 |
f---ing crazy story dudes. Wish I was there. Des, you were probably not in a state of mind to make any fair comparisons but what did you think about all three cars. Give me some input. Ie. Which felt like it had the most acceleration? Stability, comfort, etc etc. | ||
| Lucas Taratus (Karmavore)
Junior Member Username: Karmavore Post Number: 117 Registered: 12-2002 |
Tim, What 6spd does he have, the Quaife? I gotta know more about this. I'm contemplating an Esprit and would love to change out the gearbox. Luke. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Advanced Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 2788 Registered: 6-2001 |
omar, it was an NA1 (91 model year i think, maybe 92). Anyway DES, ive never been in billy's F355, but his esprit is my favorite. Its probably alot faster now with its 6spd and new ECU's. I liked the sound of the testarossa. I also think the wheels on it look good. Which was your favorite? | ||
| Matt S (F40only)
Junior Member Username: F40only Post Number: 73 Registered: 3-2003 |
That is an awesome account-you can describe cars better than most of the magazine guys. It is also nice to know there are generous exotic car owners like Billy out there. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 387 Registered: 2-2002 |
Congrats DES!! Sounds like you had yourself one hell of a evening.  | ||
| GThomas (Ferrariartist)
Junior Member Username: Ferrariartist Post Number: 83 Registered: 2-2003 |
DES... your writing style and a Ferrari engine at high rev: poetry.... SHEEEER poetry.... keep it up... GT ps.. DES - in case you didnt see.. i posted more pics of that P3 in that other thread as per your request... enjoy. | ||
| Omar (Auraraptor)
Member Username: Auraraptor Post Number: 430 Registered: 9-2002 |
Congrads DES! Was the NSX NA1 or NA2? PS NSX's are exotics too...the handmade low production Japanese exotic. | ||
| Eric Eiland (Eric308gtsiqv)
Member Username: Eric308gtsiqv Post Number: 719 Registered: 11-2001 |
DES, this is definitely your year! Amazing experience you had...thanks for sharing! And my hat's off to Billy Z. -- what a cool guy! | ||
| Ed P. (Ebp)
Junior Member Username: Ebp Post Number: 100 Registered: 12-2002 |
This is what makes this site so great. The people on here are awesome! | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Advanced Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 3182 Registered: 9-2001 |
Glad to hear DES, Billy is a great guy and really loves to share his cars and passion. I got to run next to him and his TR and 355 at an event last year. I had fun keeping up with him and his buddies on the LIE. Next time bring a camera, I will cover you this time http://www.ferrarichat.com/discus/messages/18/3771.html | ||
| nick l (Nsxnick)
Junior Member Username: Nsxnick Post Number: 71 Registered: 7-2001 |
great story. is EFWUN pronounced F1? what a cool name! | ||
| Manu (Manu)
Member Username: Manu Post Number: 694 Registered: 2-2002 |
Billy Zissis - that is really unbelievably nice of you.... Good job. Luck you DES! | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 523 Registered: 11-2001 |
DES, I though you were an annoyance when you first showed up and started responding inanely to every thread. I got to tell you, though, you sure can capture an experience through your writing. Thanks for posting this, I'm glad you had a good time (to put it mildly), and I suspect that it won't be long before an exotic ends up parked in your garage. | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 3248 Registered: 8-2002 |
It was surely an evening i'll never forget... So soon, too, after my ride in EFWUN's 550, that it put a silver lining on the cloud i was already on... Last Thursday, Birdie and i decided to go out to eat... Never patronizing establishments that won't allow us to smoke, we usually find ourselves at a diner... Lately, our dining attendance has averted us to what we like to call, The Ferrari Diner... Parked out front, you'll see 4 beautiful cars... A black Lotus Esprit, a black NSX, a silver Ferrari F355 Berlinetta & a white Ferrari Testarossa... That there aren't accidents in front of this diner from the obvious stares these cars bring, just amazes me... In any case, the Bird and i ate and just as we finished, over walked Billy Zissis... There was no chance i was going to be able to wipe the grin off my face... He's the owner of those beautiful cars out front... We met just the other day, when EFWUN took me for a ride... Billy came over and we all talked about cars for about 15 minutes... Then he said, "Are you done eating...? C'mon, let's go for a ride..." AWESOME...! Birdie and i got up and proceeded to get our things... As he walked to the front, Billy said, "C'mon, we'll take out all of 'em..." NO WAY...! i turned to the Bird and had to ask her to repeat what he just said, 'cause there was no way i heard him correctly... Sure enough, she reiterated exactly what i thought he said... Now my heart has enough trouble pumping blood through this body, as it is... But right then, i definitely felt it skip a beat and thought i might die, right there... i fumbled with my wallet to pay the check, tip the waiter and get my fat ass outside... Billy got his keys and, one by one, started up all 4 cars... It was incredible... The engines were rumbling and i turned to Birdie and said, "Now what do you think of those silly Mustangs you hear around here...?" She just laughed and smiled... After a minute or two, Billy got into the Lotus and said, "C'mon, get in..." i almost didn't know what to do... i froze... Then the check engine light clicked on, in my head and i moved... i gave Birdie all my stuff- keys, gloves, phone, etc. and went around and slowly eased myself into the Lotus... What a car...! There's no getting in and out of this thing, quickly, but once you're in there, you feel comfortable... It's very low to the ground and definitely rates as a true exotic for anyone who might doubt it (but what do i know, right...?) He slowly pulls away, around to the exit and out of the parking lot... Easing on down the street, he pulls off to a side street and let's the car roll... The street is empty, it's passed midnight, there's not a soul around... Then he hits the gas... Chirp...! The tires make a split second of music before propelling us down the road... Billy clutches & shifts to second - Chirp...! The tires sing again, letting us know that, miraculously, we're still on the ground (you see, i thought for sure, that we were flying, by now )... The rocket effect continues... i don't know if it was the sheer power of the car or that Billy just shifts very quickly, but there was no moment where the force pushing me in the seat paused... The power in this car was intense... He clutched again, threw the car into third and the tires followed suit with another chirp... i looked in the side mirror to see the SS Enterprise, getting smaller and smaller... We were beyond warp speed... To my left, Quick Draw McGraw clutches and brings the shifter down to fourth, reapplying the gas and, yep, you guessed it, the tires chirped again... It could've been me, but it seemed like the car was getting closer to the end of the light from the high beams, but who knows... i tried looking at the speedo to see if we were at the speed of light yet, but the gravitational force of the car wouldn't allow my head to turn... The last two gears were left untouched as Billy applied the brakes and slowed down... and what did he do...? He made a u-turn... And repeated the entire process... It was intense... The Lotus is a V8 & has a twin turbo... The power in that machine was unbelievable and as we pulled into the diner, i knew i was spoiled; first a 550 and now this... We exited the car and my headache chimed in... Whoa... What a rush... He shuts the door, leaving the car running and steps away... He then says, to my totally and utterly awesome surprise, "Why don't you take your friend for a ride in the NSX..." NO WAY...! My brain stuttered... It nearly shut down, but managed to formulate some coDES, which turned out to be words... Those words, translated to my mouth, by way of synapses... Even my synapses stuttered... No surprise when my vocal chords shiverred and emitted: "Re-really...? Ar-Are you sure...?" "Yeah, yeah, go ahead, have fun...!" i turned to the Bird and her face must have mirrored mine 'cause her smile went from ear to ear... i stuttered some more, asking her to get my gloves out of her bag and she fumbled through it like i fumbled with my words... "Bi-Billy, are you sur-sure...? S-Se-Seriously...?" "Yeah, no problem, just don't go too far..." "Awesome...! No sweat...!" Birdie got in and i got in... i put my gloves on... i took a second to check out the dash and the feel of the cockpit... i was about to drive a real sports car...! i put my seat belt on and felt for the pedals... i found the clutch, depressed it, and shifted the car into first... RRRRumble, rumble, rumble, rumble... i feathered the gas a little as i slowly pulled away... Around the lot and out onto the street, i was in another world... All i kept hearing from my right was, "Oh my god... Oh my god... Oh my god..." i meant to turn off onto the same street Billy went on, with his Lotus, but i was too close to not being able to function and i passed it... After a few minutes, i came to my senses and made a u-turn... Back down the street, i turned off where Billy did and pulled over... Our collective excitement had fogged up the windows and i needed to search for the defroster... After i found it and the world slowly came into a clearer view through the windshield, i put the car back in gear and slowly rolled down the road... "Can you believe this...?" "No..." she said... & that's when i knew that if this was a dream, i better get crackin', 'cause with my luck, i'll wake up, soon... i pushed the gas pedal to the floor and the car screamed as we propelled down the road... i flipped the brights on and the car and my heart redlined in unison... Stop for a second... i can't tell you how right at home i felt in this car... Like it was my everyday car for years and years, i just melted right into how one should be, in this car... The clutch, the gas, the brakes, the stick, the steering wheel - i adapted to everything, IMMEDIATELY and a spark, deep inside me, began to flare... Ok, go back to the story. My smile tucked itself away, deep into the recesses of my face and business took over... Clutch, shift, clutch, gas, BOOM...! Second gear picked up where 1st left off... Down the road, everything on either side of us quickly dematerialized and reappeared in the rearview mirror... With no time to look at the dash, the pitch of the engine and the feeling of acceleration dictated to my senses that it was time to shift... Clutch, shift, clutch gas, BOOM...! We hit 3rd and showed no sign of slowing or stopping or anything... In the brisk night air, we were but a blur, although the rumble from the engine gave away our location... Clutch, shift, clutch, gas, BOOM...! 4th gear welcomed me with more acceleration and brought me to fifth... Clutch, shift, clutch, gas, BOOM...! We entered 5th gear but couldn't open it up much as we were approaching the turn around point... i did the same as Billy and made a u-turn and repeated the entire process... We got back to the main road and i turned to Birdie and said, "Do you mind if i do that again...?" She stuttered and laughed... "No...!" So i did... Finally, i pulled back into the parking lot where Billy stood... Revved the engine a little as i slowly rolled back to where the car was before i left... My headache and my smile were here to stay, i realized, as i got out of the car... The Bird was just one big smile with limbs and stumbled over to the side as Billy didn't miss a beat and motioned for me to join him in the 355... i floated through the air to the 355 and fumbled to find the thingie that opens the door... Finally, i found it and slowly climbed in... VRRRrrroommmm... He revved her a little and pulled away... Back down the street, onto the side road we went and he let her RIP...! BOOM...! We were flying, the engine was inches behind me, SCREEEEEEEAMING, as we flew down the road... RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREER, RRRRRRRRRRRREER, VROOM...! We were gone. If you were standing there watching us, you saw us quickly turn into a silvery, shadowy dot. If you blinked, you didn't see us at all. But slap me green and call me Gumby if you didn't hear us fade waaaaaay down the street, pausing with a rumble to u-turn and increase the sound of the engine, as we returned... HOLY ••••...! Did i just return from my second ride in a Ferrari, my third ride in an exotic and my fourth ride in a sports car, all within 7 days...? i was gone... i slowly stumbled out of the 355 as she eagerly rumbled and grumbled, having just warmed up... i was gone... i stood there in disbelief, but i was gone... i wasn't sure where i was... who i was... Had i the mental capacity, i'm sure i would've questioned what i was, for at that moment, i knew nothing. Billy paused for only a moment and proceeded towards the Testarossa... The Ferrari Testarossa... One of the first cars i ever knew existed, for as long as i could remember... An exotic, plain as day, holding something, somehow, over the heads of all other exotics, in some way or another... i almost didn't get in... i thought, 'if i get in that car, i just might die from pure joy and that might cause Billy some problems...' Naaaaaaaaaaah... i could handle it... i got in and immediately knew what i was sitting in... If you blind-folded someone and sat them in a bunch of cars, they would immediately know which one is the Testarossa... There's an undeniable mystique to the Testarossa... Something i couldn't quite put my finger on... Probably 'cause i couldn't move my finger, 'cause before i knew, he was pulling out of the parking lot and he opened up those 12 cylindars... This time, we stayed on the main road, but covered quite a bit of it in little time... What a car...! The rest is kind of fuzzy... i recall pulling back into the parking lot and getting out of the car... i remember Billy opened the boot (or is it the bonnet) and was talking about the engine... i remember the air was cold, but my body temperature was sky high... i remember a pain in my cheeks i had never felt before... Damnit, if i didn't stop smiling soon, i was gonna pull a muscle somewhere in my face... Seriously, my cheeks hurt like hell and i wanted so much to stop smiling... Never in my life have i NOT been able to stop smiling... There must be a name or some type of medical term for a condition like that... Oh yeah... It's called Ferrari. Billy, i can't thank you enough... You and EFWUN made dreams beyond my wilDESt imagination come true... Before i ever had a ride in any Ferrari, my life was complete. Now it's completely starting over. Thank you so, so much. |