| Author |
Message |
sindo rodil (308qv_miami)
New member
Username: 308qv_miami
Post Number: 6
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 3:53 pm: | |
Arlie I'll make it easy for you. Just buy a bus pass and your worries are over.Maybe hook up a walkman with Ferrari exhaust sounds and close your eyes. |
DGS (Dgs)
New member
Username: Dgs
Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 3:25 pm: | |
Arlie, I hate to break this to you, but people vandalize Toyotas and old Buicks, too. "Normal" people don't suddenly become vandals because there's a Ferrari on the street.
I've had cars vandalized in the past. It goes with car ownership.
Same with parking lots. The Alfa's paint has been pretty well trashed in parking lots.
But it's taken 24 years. ;^)
My 328 is my daily driver in summer. I try to avoid parking next to vehicles with their blind spots banged up, but otherwise I just park it where there's a spot. So far, the biggest problem I've had with the Ferrari is that black shows all the fingerprints.
But heck, get a red one, and the cops will watch it for you -- they'll be waiting for you to get in and drive it. ;^)
Frankly, I'd be more worried about a new EVO or STi, after the film coverage.
But last night at the local convenience store I had a half hour chat with another car buff who was asking about the Alfa.
24 years and the car is still a "chick magnet".
Try that with an old Camry. ;^)
|
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 554
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 2:45 pm: | |
Alfa and pedigree..... uhhhh Fangio and the 159 Alfetta.... Nuvolari and the P3.... How about any model 2900C, including my favorite the Spider Corsa. Alfa had pedigree in spades long before Enzo figured out he didnt have what it took to be a true top driver and perhaps he would do better running a team. Alfa had pedigree when Fred Porsche was on salary at Mercedes and his son Ferry was is diapers. Are there really folks here who dont realise the famous Scuderia Ferrari Cavallino first appeared on an ALFA?
As to the Porsche bastard child comment, nonsense. How do you argue with 17 Lemans victories? I agree totally that todays company is not even a shadow of its former greatness and Ferry is rolling over in his grave cursing the SUV loving morons running the show but that does not negate their history.
Once upon a time Ferrari and Ford battled for supremacy in top level sportscar racing. Then Porsche decided to play in the big time. End of game for Ferrari and Ford. Every time Porsche has decided to take a swing at top level sportscar racing, they have hit the ball out of the park. They also used to build the best engineered and constructed cars on the planet. Porsche engineering between 1960 and 1997 was second to none.
Sadly today they build japanese style mass produced poseur-mobiles and cater to soccer moms. Truely a sad end to one of the strongest motorsport legacies ever built. I love my hotrod '69 911S. It was built the first year the 917 raced in anger and is a testament to all that was great about Porsche! |
Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member
Username: 86mondial32
Post Number: 14
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 1:03 pm: | |
ROFL... okay.. quiz time.. how many here can tell why Alfa has pedigree? I will be very ashamed if a few of the regulars don't chime in. Alfa has a longer pedigree than Ferrari or Porsche. |
PeterS (Peters)
Member
Username: Peters
Post Number: 576
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 12:36 pm: | |
Life gets down to what your thoughts and reflections will be at your death bed. We focus more on our cars than we do on a needed root canal or body scan for cancer! Enjoy your damn car. If some punk keys it, thats life. Get it fixed! The time you spend worrying about your posessions will probably take that much time off your life in stress! Not enjoying a posession, like an FCar is your own problem. If you own it, enjoy it and take what life throws your way! |
Todd (Tkrefeld)
Junior Member
Username: Tkrefeld
Post Number: 178
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 12:15 pm: | |
"Porsche has always been the admitted bastard child of WV/Audi."
No way...Porsche is no slouch no matter how much you like Italian cars
And Alfa has pedigree?? |
Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member
Username: 86mondial32
Post Number: 13
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 12:02 pm: | |
It would seem that some missed my point. I own several different sports cars. Some,like the Europa, are less expensive but all have a pedigree. I will admit that my Maserati Merak and the Europa have made me work harder but also have given me more pleasure than the 911SC ever did. Pedigree... thats a great word.... Ferrari, Maserati, Lotus and ALfa all have pedigree. Porsche has always been the admitted bastard child of WV/Audi. No insult just a fact coming from a prior owner of 2 911's. |
Todd (Tkrefeld)
Junior Member
Username: Tkrefeld
Post Number: 177
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 11:29 am: | |
This is why they are considered cars for the "rich" The well-off have enough dough to not worry about it..Truth is if something is causing you this much grief you probably shouldn't have it. |
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 954
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Sunday, June 01, 2003 - 9:38 am: | |
And they say men can't appreciate good poetry! |
Gary Reed (Gary_reed)
Junior Member
Username: Gary_reed
Post Number: 89
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 11:56 pm: | |
Here's the download version of the poem below:
http://www.ferrariclub.com/downloads/passion.doc
Gary |
Gary Reed (Gary_reed)
Junior Member
Username: Gary_reed
Post Number: 88
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 11:39 pm: | |
A friend of mine printed this out for me several years ago....and I have it hanging in my office. It kind of says it all. The author in unknown.
"If you want to hear sweet music,
then attend a concert or purchase a Jaguar.
If you want to sit in the heat in comfort,
then find a restaurant or purchase a Mercedes.
If you have a fear of locking your brakes,
then you shouldn't be driving a stallion-buy a Porsche.
But...
If you want to stop breathing in 3.8 seconds,
If you want your stomach to drop to your seat and your heart to leap into your throat,
If you want a machine to give back to you everything you gave to it and then ask for more,
If you want to feel the passion of a single man's heart,
Then, my good man,
You purchase a Ferrari".
|
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 944
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 10:46 pm: | |
A $2000 Europa is likely a basket case S2. A well sorted TC will run $20K; $15k for the car and another $5k to get it really sorted. There are cheaper ones but they will need a ton of work. This price puts it in the Mondial 8 and GT4 range. Maintainence is a lot cheaper on the Lotus in spite of the DOHC engine and goofy suspension. I've put $12k in to mine in restoration as I use it almost every day. But if price is your issue, then the lowest end of Ferraris aren't exotics. I say ALL Ferraris are exotics. It's commonly understood that the term "Supercar" is reserved for the McLarens, Saleens, Enzo's etc. which are your mid plus 6 figure cars. Sadly, my high opinion of my Europa TC is not held by enough people to qualify there. But it's plenty exotic!! LOL |
arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member
Username: Art355
Post Number: 1857
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 10:27 pm: | |
Arlie:
Ever hear the term $hit magnet? Looks to me that you might qualify. Seriously, no one gets out of here alive. Live life, enjoy your self, you blink, and life's done. If you spent your entire life trying to keep from getting into $hit, you'll do nothing in your life. Sad commentary on how not to live your life.
Art |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1195
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 10:25 pm: | |
If a Europa melts your butter, more power to you. But it's not a 6 figure car. It's barely a 4 figure car. There was one in the local paper last year for $2700. No takers after 3 days. I called about it and thought about it. Pass. It's like a P1800 Volvo; looks cool, but still not a horse.
|
stephen r chong (Ethans_dad)
Member
Username: Ethans_dad
Post Number: 287
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 10:22 pm: | |
Arlie,
Being a F1 Rookie, you have obviously shared a fair amount of your time with the FChat community. What I can't understand is how it could have taken you this long to come to this simple observation?
Most owners accept your comments going into the purchase. And more often than not, they are rewarded with far more joy than heartache.
I suspect that Ferrari ownership would never meet your expectations anyways, so I am glad that you have come to this conclusion.
If you ever find a marque to meet your expectations, please be sure to share your find with us.
Regards |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 941
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:25 pm: | |
Well let's see. It's quicker through the twisties than a Viper or Testarossa (or anything else short of an Enzo), very, very rare, gets more attention than a 550, weighs 1500 pounds, 0-60 in 6.6 (Road & Track test 1972; one of the quickest cars of that era), mid engine...oh yes, and costs less than a Geo Metra. Arlie, you should applaud such a car as it's in your price range. Or does price define an exotic to you?
So it's not a six figure car....what IS an exotic Arlie? Is a Bently an Exotic? A Bricklin? A TR 7? To me, an exotic must be limited production, look cool, be quick and/or fast, and at least for the era produced be at the top of its class in performance. Where does a Europa not fit that criteria?? |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1194
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 8:47 pm: | |
Pass the medication on to Ken. He thinks his Europa is an exotic. |
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 552
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 8:39 pm: | |
hehehehehehehheh I'm a uppity Ferrari owner now. I'm definitely going to have to shop for a new wardrobe and perhaps even start cleaning the grease from under my fingernails!
Arlie, I dont reckon your lying. You just happen to know lots of people with really bad luck. I agree with the observation on cars being left outside. I still contend that if your careful the risk is minimal.
Im sorry your life is ruined by anxiety. Speak with a doctor. They have meds for that now. I hear some of them are actually pretty fun. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1192
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 6:49 pm: | |
What year did Ferrari produce the Europa?
(wink, nudge) |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 940
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 6:20 pm: | |
Arlie is doomed to always be a spectator. Instead of worrying about all these people you know who have had car problems, why not get off your lazy ass and buy a nice car? Even you could swing a Mondial 8 or GT4. If you have no interest in an exotic, then don't post here any more. You're like the Bizarro DES: the complete opposite of him in every way. |
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 931
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 5:31 pm: | |
I'd say it took me a week to get over being a paranoid freak about my car. Once that passed, I discovered that I was enjoying it even more than when I was always worrying about anything happening to it. "Stuff" happens, but worrying about it happening won't change things. |
Bernard Sharp (Fanatic)
New member
Username: Fanatic
Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 5:21 pm: | |
Arlie,
It seems like the common thread in all your stories is that the owners left their cars outside. If someone really loves their car so much that they will be emotionally crushed if it is damaged or stolen, then they need to go to the effort of finding a place to live and work where they can afford a garage to keep it in.
Yeah, I know cars get stolen out of garages some times, but it is rare, compared to cars left outside. If someone isn't willing to change jobs and move to a different neighborhood, then they shouldn't be buying such a precious car. Of course, in a perfect world you should be able to leave a car unlocked, with the keys in it and the motor running, and nobody would touch it, but we don't seem to be living in a perfect world.
I bought a Mondial that already had a few rock chips and door dings, so I'm not completely paranoid about driving it or parking it on public streets. I try to be careful where I take it and where I park it, and I'll be upset if someone intentionally or carelessly damages it, but so far in five years nothing bad has happened. The maintenance has been expensive, but so far it has been very worthwhile. The driving experience, the ownership experience, the joy and satisfaction are priceless!
|
Faisal Khan (Tvrfreak)
Junior Member
Username: Tvrfreak
Post Number: 208
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 4:30 pm: | |
Arlie,
a small percentage of cars get stolen. This holds true for all marques. Why dwell on it? Take precautions, be aware, and enjoy your life/possessions. No need to be a downer.
This thread opened my eyes a bit, perhaps, but I am not going to change my whole philosophy towards cars and people because of it.
Why don't you add up all the people you know whose cars have NOT been stolen, and compare them with the number of people you know whose cars have been stolen. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Newspapers wouldn't sell if they were full of "Housewife goes on mundane shopping trip and returns safely" or "Owner takes Ferrari out for a drive" type of stories. Of course, DES would lap up that last story ;)
Enjoy your life. If you don't feel that a Ferrari is a worthwhile purchase, don't get one. Easy, isn't it?
Rgds,
Faisal. |
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 925
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 4:28 pm: | |
Arlie, you gotta admit that you know a lot people who have had auto-related misfortunes...WAIT A MINUTE! I'm beginning to get a little suspicious... |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1191
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 4:11 pm: | |
Sorry Terry, but once again, as Jack Nicholson said, you can't handle the truth. The 308 owner is a fellow list member. Would you be happy if I called him up and had him verify MY story of his misfortune to satisfy YOUR doubt? My friend's Cadillac was stolen off the Doctor's Hospital parking deck, here in Little Rock, Arkansas. My fellow co-worker's Cadillacs were stolen from a large apartment complex located at the intersection of Asher and University Avenue also here in Little Rock. The 65 Corvette was stolen in Benton, Arkansas. The stolen Camaro belonged to a neighbor who owns several early Corvettes and going to college in Memphis at the time. The other co-worker with the stolen Corvette roof panels lives in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
As for calling me a troll, well, that kinda verifys, once again, the old snobby Ferrari owner attitude. If anybody doubts any of my auto theft or vandalism stories, I will be more than happy to put you in touch with each of the individuals involved. What's up Terry? You buy a Daytona, and within a few days you start calling list members LIARS? Sounds like somebody is acting uppity.
|
Brian Puskas (Inter911)
New member
Username: Inter911
Post Number: 7
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 4:04 pm: | |
There will always be those who will vandalize, crash, etc what ever you have. Where I work not a week goes by that a car is not vandalized in the parkade...but its any car and every car that's a target. My Porsche has had the rear deck keyed each and every summer...just this week again. Screw them! I get to drive it...they only get to be a__holes!
If you chose to use your car then you accept the risks. I've learned a long time ago that as long as you have your health you can make almost anything right again.
If you can't accept the risks or the object is too valuable or irreplacable then leave it in a museum.
If I had a Ferrari (other than a museum car) I'd drive it regardless of the risks. You take normal, common sense precautions of course and accept the fact that something will happen....eventually.
Brian |
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 551
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:55 pm: | |
You know what..... I'm calling baloney on this. I just flat do not believe all these stories. Its a nonsense troll.
Look at Arlies handle..... horsefly. Always buzzing about being a nuisance, never appearing to be content, will sting you if allowed. Arlie is indeed a horsefly, and a troll to boot. He seems to have more personal knowledge of heinious vehicle mayhem that has occured in my region in all of recorded history!
If this is not a troll, I truely feel sorry for you Arlie. You lead a miserable life and it appears to rub off on those you know. BTW... stay away from my house! |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1189
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:33 pm: | |
Kinda hard to stop a thief when you're not even at home. But of course I guess that one could stay at home 24/7 and guard your Ferrari. But then that just verifys the whole subject. If that's what it takes, why bother?
|
Jack (Gilles27)
Member
Username: Gilles27
Post Number: 916
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:24 pm: | |
Ken, orgasms are bad for your heart?!
Arlie--you mean your friend wasn't able to stop the theft, even with a handgun? (wink, wink) |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1188
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:12 pm: | |
Andrew said: "I think your problem is that the cars you and your friends seem to have problems with *aren't* ferraris, maybe if they were people wouldnt try to steal em so often!"
Sorry to burst your bubble Andrew but the latest incident contradicts that statement. Another local guy had his 308 parked in the back of his driveway, under 2 car covers, with several vehicles parked in front of it. When he went out one day to take the cover off the 308, he found the driver's door glass shattered. Somebody had crept into his driveway, past his other cars, lifted the car covers, broke out the door glass, and went into the car to "look around" for whatever was available to steal, even though there was nothing of value inside. Sure looks like they were actively seeking their target and willingly walked past more accessable prospects to get to the F-car. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 318
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 12:37 pm: | |
Ross, very well put!
Arlie, if you or anyone you know, think that owning ANY nice car is a panacea for high cost driving, car cleaning/detailing chores, and maintance, well then I really does not warrant adressing your comments. . The other day my neighbor says, "wow, washing and waxing that car of yours looks like really hard work". "I don't even think of it as work, I think of it as pleasure", I said.
I drive an F-Car and he drives a econ box. What a surprise.
It is not for everyone. Which catagory do fall in to??
|
Dan 360 (Dan360)
New member
Username: Dan360
Post Number: 31
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 12:35 pm: | |
Not much to add about the philisophical angle of 'worry', but I thought I'd add another "great moment for living" element of 360 ownership. Other than all the childhood dream stuff of the metal gate and the (tubi) exhaust sound.
I had a particularly "stealth" moment last night - nice evening, windows down, Metallica Black album on the Stereo, Enter Sandman at "large" volume, tooling along about 30mph or so - perfect for my black car. Especially made me think back to when I saw Metallica live in 1984. Age 16 or so, reading Car magazine fantasizing about one-day owning a 288GTO that had just come out...
Here I am 20 years later and the same things still make smile - I'm living the dream I had when I was a kid.
Lots of things in my life bring real maturity, hard work, children, but for me my F-car is all about fun.
PS Whilst cars have endured as a passion since I was 16, my collection of "executive art pamphlets" has long since gone :-) |
Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 1411
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 12:14 pm: | |
About the biggest detriment to driving one of these things daily is if you're old and fat, they're damn near impossible to get in and out of!! |
Martin - Cavallino Motors (Miami348ts)
Advanced Member
Username: Miami348ts
Post Number: 4736
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 10:14 am: | |
I never had my car vandalized!
I never had anybody call me a snob or overpaid!
I rarely lock my house.
My car sits in the garage with the key usually close by, sometimes in the ignition.
I drive mine daily
I drive mine to the grocery store.
I drive mine in bad weather.
Frankly if you can not have a nice car because of what others think of you, you spend time with the wrong people and waste your life.
If you use basic precausions like parking a little further you have done all you can.
You are responsible for your life and your thoughts not the ones of others, neither their life! |
ross koller (Ross)
Intermediate Member
Username: Ross
Post Number: 1243
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:59 am: | |
the same things could be said for having a beautiful boat, house, wife, watch, etc etc. you have these things if you can afford and like them because they make you feel good. you know the hassles involved from the start (or soon figure them out), and you learn to live with the downsides, because the upsides are gratifying. |
Jay P. Ross (Eilig)
Junior Member
Username: Eilig
Post Number: 183
Registered: 8-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:58 am: | |
Arlie -- Geez, in what town do you live? Here in Chicago we have issues with car thievery and the like, but nothing like you're describing! |
Mark (Markg)
Member
Username: Markg
Post Number: 492
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:32 am: | |
Horsefly: "the whole Ferrari "thing" is more hassle than it's worth".
I came to that same conclusion in less than 6 months of ownership. I just haven't been able to bring myself to sell it, inspite of several offers....starting my 3rd year ownership next month. |
Glen C Winters (Wildwarrior)
New member
Username: Wildwarrior
Post Number: 17
Registered: 3-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:14 am: | |
Why,
For me it,s not where i'm going, but how I get there in my F512TR. If I'm going to the market I take my Silveado or Escalade.I can't fit anything in my Ferrari any way.We all have our thing! |
Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member
Username: 86mondial32
Post Number: 9
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 9:06 am: | |
Thanks Ken.. Looks like a great site. I started out on Lotus and moved to Ferrari and Maserati. But I still keep my Europa and an Esprit Turbo for fun ( plus I always have something to fix on the weekend lol) |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 936
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 6:13 am: | |
Hey Jeffery, another Europa owner! Ever visit here:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lotuseuropa/
Lots of friendly people without the hype and flame wars. Good tech info too! |
Andrew-Phillip Goalen (Andrewg)
New member
Username: Andrewg
Post Number: 15
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 3:12 am: | |
Arlie, I think your problem is that the cars you and your friends seem to have problems with *aren't* ferraris, maybe if they were people wouldnt try to steal em so often! |
Mark PDX (Markpdx)
New member
Username: Markpdx
Post Number: 17
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 2:13 am: | |
"Just get a GT4. Hell, you can leave the keys in it. Nobody would steal it unless you left a bag of cash inside"
Ummm, why wouldn't they just take the bag of cash?
On second thought, who would even think to be looking for bags of cash in a GT4? |
Jeffrey Wolfe (86mondial32)
New member
Username: 86mondial32
Post Number: 8
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Friday, May 30, 2003 - 12:35 am: | |
Got you all beat ( wink). Took my Europa to the mall. Some admirer( that did not know about Chapmans inability to make thick fiberglass)leaned on my drivers side sail. The result? A crushed quarter panel. My reaction when I cam back?.. Oh well. We know that our babies are going to get attention. Thats the joy of owning history. IF it makes on teenager buy a used 911 instead of a fricking tarted up Honda it's all worth it. |
Bart Duesler (The_bart)
Junior Member
Username: The_bart
Post Number: 101
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 11:50 pm: | |
What are you saying? Where I live, people love their cars. If someone is messing with someone else car, you get in trouble. Too many of us use our cars too much of the time.
Maybe you live in the sticks!
My personal car tells the people in the public places what I am all about.
SN# 108108 with 38,000 miles and still going. |
Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 1403
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 11:48 pm: | |
Just get a GT4. Hell, you can leave the keys in it. Nobody would steal it unless you left a bag of cash inside. |
Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member
Username: Tillman
Post Number: 665
Registered: 11-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 11:47 pm: | |
Why?
7000 RPM on the entrance ramp. Walking into my garage every morning. Thumbs up from the other exotics. Meeting other like-minded enthusiasts. A 70 mile daily commute that isn't a chore. A trip to the corner store becomes a 30 minute escape.
I drive the car every chance I get, and that includes to work, the mall and school. I leave it unguarded, park it like any other car, and I ripped out the alarm system. It gets dirty -- very dirty. It's insured, and I'll be damned if I'm going to leave it in the garage. A 1:1 scale model is no fun.
Life is too short to not enjoy it. |
Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member
Username: Donv
Post Number: 89
Registered: 1-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 11:19 pm: | |
Life is too short to worry about this sort of stuff. Yesterday, I drove the Mondial up to a trailhead to go running. It's pretty secluded, usually a couple of cars parked there.
When I take the Mondial up there, I always leave it with the top off. There isn't anything in it to steal anyway, so why bother?
I've been doing this since last summer pretty regularly, never had a problem. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1186
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 10:23 pm: | |
The sad person was my friend after the theives drove off in his 65 Corvette convertible. The cops were at his door with 3 or 4 minutes but couldn't locate the car anywhere in the area. He had spent several years restoring it from a hulk. Also forgot to mention a guy in West Memphis who had his garage broken into. The thieves took what they wanted, then torched a 68 Olds Cutlass as they ran out the door. The Olds was toast.
|
Robert McNair (Rrm)
Member
Username: Rrm
Post Number: 407
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 10:20 pm: | |
Arlie you never answered my question as to what cars, projects you own. I was curious as you occasionaly will name one and they usually sound interesting. So what do you have? |
David McGee (Damcgee)
New member
Username: Damcgee
Post Number: 28
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 10:16 pm: | |
You must be a pretty sad person Arlie.
You have several legitimate contentions, but if you dwell on worries like that, you'll have a depressing life. Best of Luck to you
Andy |
Keith Maxwell (Keith_maxwell)
Junior Member
Username: Keith_maxwell
Post Number: 66
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 9:44 pm: | |
To have loved and lost is better than to have never loved at all.
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Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 934
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 9:28 pm: | |
Arlie, life is short. Try living it before you're too old and regret you were always waiting until later. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1182
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 9:16 pm: | |
I forgot to mention the friend in a small Arkansas town who had his 65 Corvette stolen from his driveway while he was watching TV. He ran outside with pistol in hand after hearing the engine start up. He dialed 911 after seeing his car speed away. It was never recovered. His insurance paid off but it was like pulling teeth to get them to pay. He built a fortified garage for his next car. I also knew a guy who went to college in Memphis. He drove a 69 Camaro. Late one night, he heard the car start up. He ran outside just in time to see the tail lights in the distance. Never recovered.
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James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member
Username: Napolis
Post Number: 1469
Registered: 10-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 9:12 pm: | |
Arlie
Today I went to visit a friend in the hospital. I drove my Maser into NYC in hellaous traffic. Got off the BQE into the depths of Brooklyn. Punched the hospital address into the GPS. Followed the sexy british voice to the hospital. Parked. Went in and found my friend had been discharged. Went to car punched in his home address. When I got there parked on the street. Went inside and visited him. (He's doing fine) Got back in punched in my home address. Followed the voice back to the highway. At every cornor people waved. Kids gave me thumbs up. By then the traffic had cleared. Blasted along. On the Cross Bronx expressway a bunch of young guys and girls on Ricemotor rockets surrounded me. Gave me the high sign. Did wheelies . We blasted along as the sun set. As the sexy voice told me it was time to turn off for home, I realized once again,just how lucky I am to get to drive cars like this.
Best
Jim |
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 547
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 9:09 pm: | |
No Arlie, we dont live in utopia. Perhaps you live in hell? Sounds to me like you need a relocation more than you need any car! Also, where were you parked when these events happened?
Sometimes I do park at resteraunts in such a way that I can see the car when eating. However, even taking this precaution I have never had to leave a resteraunt because of someone messing with the car. Another point to remember is that professional thieves are not likely to steal most Ferraris. The parts market is not large enough and the whole cars are rare enough that they cannot be flipped. A Cadillac on the other hand or a Corvette... thats the pro chop shops bread and butter.
IF you live in such a place that it is just flat impossible to own a nice car because of these type of concerns, what the heck are you doing. MOVE. There are plenty of nice places where the overwhelming majority of people are decent and the vandalization of your car is not a foregone conclusion.
Remember: There are 3 types of people in life. Those who watch it happen, those who wonder what happened and those that MAKE it happen. |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1181
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:49 pm: | |
You guys must have good luck in your areas. My experience: Two glass roof panels stolen off old Pontiac. Next break in, they hammered the column and tried to steal the whole car. Fortunately, they never got it started. Next break in, they tried to steal the stereo. All 3 incidents at different places at different times. Next incident, somebody hammered in the lock on my truck door.
My friend's experience: Around 1985, glass roof panels stolen off his Corvette at 2AM on a Sunday morning as the alarm blasted. Very brazen. In 1988, his wife's mint 1985 Cadillac stolen in broad daylight off second floor parking deck. Recovered 3 weeks later totally trashed and stripped.
Another co-workers experience: Not one, but TWO different Cadillacs stolen from his apartment parking lot. One never recovered, one found 10 miles away parked with the engine running.
Another co-worker had 3 sets of tops stolen off his Corvette. Another neighbor had his new red Porsche keyed from front to rear bumper.
You guys must live in Utopia, USA. From my experience, one would have to keep their Ferrari in constant sight or under lock and key to keep the wolves at bay.
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Keith Maxwell (Keith_maxwell)
Junior Member
Username: Keith_maxwell
Post Number: 63
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:33 pm: | |
Bravo! Well said, Terry. |
Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Junior Member
Username: Teenferrarifan
Post Number: 129
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:31 pm: | |
Well said Terry.
Erik |
Terry Springer (Tspringer)
Member
Username: Tspringer
Post Number: 542
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:17 pm: | |
I have always driven "different" cars since I was 16. Started with a TR6, went through Healeys, Jags, Alfas, Porsches and now Ferraris. I have never had a car vandalized. I have never gotten a door ding or scratch from parking on any of my fun cars. Its not that bad.
I do always go way out of my way to be careful. I always park in a space away from others and next to a curb. I try to park where there is a decent amount of people around. I also NEVER park my car in a location where I think there is much risk. IE: parking your car at a local mall where punks hangout is just plain stupid. Likewise parking at the airport, in a tiny fast food lot, in any "small car" spot, next to any minivan. You get the idea.
I have another car for "tedious" driving. A beater. A 1989 Isuzu Trooper with 160K miles on it. I can park it anywhere. It it gets a scratch or dent, I wont even notice it among all the existing scratches and dents. If I come out from the mall one day and its gone, SO WHAT. Its worthless... but it serves its pure utility purpose perfectly. If I am going to be driving somewhere that I dont think is good for a nice car, I drive the Trooper. Anyone who can afford any kind of nice classic or collector car can also afford a $1000 beater to thrash in this manner.
I also have not had a ticket in 5 years. I use a valentine one and I pay LOTS of attention for cops. I also just dont really push that hard on the street, thats what track days are for.
I have put close to 600 miles on my Daytona in the past 6 days. I have parked it at several local resteraunts, Office Depot, The Post Office, Barnes and Noble. Took care in each instance. AT the Barnes and Noble a kid about 19 years old about fainted as I pulled up and parked. He came over... "Oh my GOD@ I cant believe it! A DAYTONA!!!" extremely enthusiastic. I spent about 10 minutes talking to him about the car and let him sit in it. When I left to go inside, he was still hanging around it and looking it over. I had no qualms at all.
Tonight coming back from buying some cigars (ANY little errand is an excuse for getting the Daytona out for a drive!)I was heading down a favorite section of road. It is through a newly developed commercial area, has 2 lanes in each direction. AS yet there is almost no development completed, thus almost no traffic and a nice, wide, curvy piece of road for about 4 miles with several long straights. When I turned onto the road, I was behind a pickup truck. In second gear I floored it, blew past him in an instant, revved to 7700rpm, shifted to 3d, hard accelertion through a series of wide corners up to 7700rpm and into 4th. The V12 is SCREAMING! The acceleration and torque are SCORCHING! I see 200+Kph on the speedo before braking at the end of one of the longer straights. The pickup truck is totally gone from the rear view. This goes on for another mile or two before I spot a car coming the other way and nail the brakes to return to "normal" driving mod. In a word... AMAZING.
THAT is what makes everything else COMPLETELY worthwile. Get it? GOOD. |
Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Junior Member
Username: Teenferrarifan
Post Number: 127
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:12 pm: | |
My dad likes to tell this story all the time about his buddy that had a 560sl(story is from like 88ish) and a couple days after he got it he and my dad went out and they stopped at some store I forget which and he parked between two junkers in the front of the parking lot, and my dad said your going to leave your car here between these. Why not park in the far corner? And, the guy said, "Dave(Dad) I didn't buy this car to walk anymore than I have to. I am insured anyway who cares." Now most people aren't like this with a brand new car, but it makes sense. so what things can be fixed.
Erik |
Robert McNair (Rrm)
Member
Username: Rrm
Post Number: 405
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:09 pm: | |
Arlie what cars do you own currently, projects included? |
Keith Maxwell (Keith_maxwell)
Junior Member
Username: Keith_maxwell
Post Number: 61
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 8:06 pm: | |
Ouch. Whether we like it or not F-Knuckles exist and do stupid, mean and expensive things to beautiful cars, women, homes, coats, etc...
For someone who enjoys and appreciates the finer things and really stretches to have them, this kind of B.S. makes the experience onerous if not impossible.
I feel for you Arlie. Just remember, this ain't no dress rehearsal. Live it like you mean it. |
Craig A (Milo)
Junior Member
Username: Milo
Post Number: 184
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 7:56 pm: | |
Arlie,
Why don't you take your wanna be #ss somewhere else or post something worth discussing?
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michael Alpert (Taters)
New member
Username: Taters
Post Number: 11
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 7:01 pm: | |
I love cars it is my favroit hobby I am not
going to let society ruin that for me.
You can not stop living your life because there
are assholes everywhere. |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 317
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 7:00 pm: | |
Keith, LOL! |
Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 1401
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 7:00 pm: | |
Nah. I've always wanted to 'do' a mud wrestler right after a match. |
Keith Maxwell (Keith_maxwell)
Junior Member
Username: Keith_maxwell
Post Number: 56
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:56 pm: | |
Nice before too. |
Hans E. Hansen (4re_gt4)
Intermediate Member
Username: 4re_gt4
Post Number: 1399
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:54 pm: | |
Shower after sex? |
P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 316
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:47 pm: | |
It is a bit different from a conventional mind set. I equate it to boating. People always ask me: how much did you spend on boating last year. Let's see, gas food etc, $400 plus per weekend, maintaince, slip fees,...Really, I do not know. It just really makes me feel good. Is that not what life is about????
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Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1178
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:42 pm: | |
Ken, I think my examples are sorta like building a nice house on the beach, only to have it blown away by a hurricane year after year. If you've got plenty of cash, rebuild again. But for the semi-average Joe, continuously putting something of value in "harms way" can get expensive and painful.
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P. Thomas (Ferrari_fanatic)
Member
Username: Ferrari_fanatic
Post Number: 315
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:37 pm: | |
I take the good with the bad. I REALLY do it for me. Sure there are some downsides but the joy the car brings is truly unbleivable.
If it were an older limited production then yes I would stress.
Furthermore, if it is the 4th or 5th car in your stable who really cares if it sits during down time??
It is not for everyone, but fortunately it works for me. I have let 4 relatives and even more friends drive my car, and I mean DRIVE my car. We go back a long time, and besides, cars are menat to be enjoyed, RIGHT????? |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 931
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:28 pm: | |
Arlie, you forgot about the maintainence expenses, poor reliability, abuse from Lamborghini owners and lots of unwanted interaction with the local law enforcement officials. Geeze Arlie, you would complain about having to shower after sex and worry that the orgasm is bad for your heart. |
Scott A. B. Collins (Scott)
Junior Member
Username: Scott
Post Number: 149
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:25 pm: | |
My thoughts: Scr*w it, it is just a car, and that's what insurance is for. Now if I had an older, limited production classic, I would feel very differently.
Of course I worry about all of the issues below, but I refuse to let the car own me.
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Keith Maxwell (Keith_maxwell)
Junior Member
Username: Keith_maxwell
Post Number: 52
Registered: 5-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:23 pm: | |
A fine collection of "bummers". But I'm not convinced.
I still get goosebumps everytime I hear a Ferrari under throttle. That makes the B.S. worthwhile.
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Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1177
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:21 pm: | |
Dan, not really stirring it up. My daily driver truck and car have received so much unwanted vandalism and parking lot abuse that I don't see how a Ferrari could survive the REAL world. I also don't see how a passionate Ferrari owner could relax knowing that his car is sitting ALONE in a parking lot without an armed guard.
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Dan (Bobafett)
Member
Username: Bobafett
Post Number: 624
Registered: 9-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:17 pm: | |
5000-7700 rpm in 4th gear down 280, tubi screaming.
--Dan
PS: Arlie - you like to stir **** up. ;) |
Horsefly (Arlie)
Intermediate Member
Username: Arlie
Post Number: 1176
Registered: 5-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 29, 2003 - 6:14 pm: | |
Let's review some recent postings.
You can't leave your Ferrari parked outside for fear of vandalism and theft.
You can't drive your Ferrari without being hassled by rednecks, ricers, gang members, ignorant soccer moms, or overzealous police.
You can't put your Ferrari in a company car show because everybody will think you're an overpaid snob.
It's beginning to sound like the whole Ferrari "thing" is more hassle than it's worth. What's the point of having something if you can't enjoy it? Not really picking on Ferrari. Any nice collector car is a magnet for jealous low lifers. But a Ferrari just makes it worse.
After a point, why bother putting your time, effort, and money into an automotive object that is so vulnerable? No wonder most nice cars are only seen at car shows. They have to be escorted in an enclosed trailer to avoid the pitfalls of life itself. You can't leave your home unlocked like you could back in the 40s and 50s. At what point will automotive vandalism be so bad that the days of driving a nice car will just be a memory?
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