| Author | Message | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
New member Username: Beast Post Number: 8 Registered: 5-2003 |
JRK I know the feeling i have size 15 (U.S.) feet and just about any car i drive i have to twist my foot sideways to keep from hitting 2 pedels at the same time. Glad to hear the insurance finaly fixed the situation. I myself had 2 bad experences with the insurance on some stolen vehicles and will never deal with that company again in my life. | ||
| Sunny Garofalo (Jaguarxj6)
Member Username: Jaguarxj6 Post Number: 587 Registered: 2-2003 |
Everyday I remember my experiences in/around them thanks to Matt, Ron, Gene, and Byron. Sunny | ||
| Don Vollum (Donv)
Junior Member Username: Donv Post Number: 103 Registered: 1-2002 |
First sat in one: A local used car lot (now gone) which specialized in Porsches had a white 250GTE. What a cool car! This must have been early 80s. I also remember sitting in a black 246GT around the same time, at another car lot (across the street from the one with the 250GTE). First ride/drive: My brother got one of the first TRs, back in '85 (I guess). I rode in that, and later on got to drive it once in a while. | ||
| Hubert Otlik (Hugh)
Member Username: Hugh Post Number: 867 Registered: 1-2002 |
My first ride in a Ferrairi (was in a Red/Tan 360 F1 coupe; I couldn't believe the sound, the acceleration , and the smell of the leather was gorgeous... slice of heaven. My first drive was a 348 challenge. | ||
| Augustine J. Staino (Azzuro328)
Junior Member Username: Azzuro328 Post Number: 52 Registered: 4-2003 |
Vincent, Incidentally, the first time I drove a Ferrari was the night I bought mine. I will never forget that night! I've been in love ever since. -Augustine | ||
| Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Member Username: Joechristmas Post Number: 757 Registered: 3-2001 |
Yes, 1980 GTBi. It was great. Almost bought the car. | ||
| William Huber (Solipsist)
Intermediate Member Username: Solipsist Post Number: 1066 Registered: 9-2001 |
Back in 1980, I had my first ride in a red 308gtsi. My earliest memory of seeing a Ferrari is when I was 5. A doctor on my street had a 365GTB/4 Daytona; I'll never forget that sound. I've been a fan ever since. | ||
| Anthony_Ferrari (Anthony_ferrari)
Member Username: Anthony_ferrari Post Number: 296 Registered: 11-2002 |
Wow Justin! I knew that you'd totalled your car on the day you got it, but I didn't know the details and all the •••• you had to go through afterwards.  This is an account I wrote in October 1998 after I had driven a Ferrari for the first time (not sure if I've posted it before): 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 (well nearly!), dumped the clutch (carefully!) 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!  | ||
| RANDOLPH MADAMBA (Pogibm)
New member Username: Pogibm Post Number: 46 Registered: 8-2002 |
5 years old as far as i could remember it was a 69 365 2+2, or i could be younger dad had two F-cars back in 67 when i was born. | ||
| Sean F (Agracer)
Junior Member Username: Agracer Post Number: 188 Registered: 2-2003 |
My first ride was in a 308 and was fun. My second ride was in an F-40 and was fantastic! | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 4543 Registered: 8-2002 |
Matt, with any luck, your first ride in a Ferrari, will be in an Enzo... | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 369 Registered: 10-2002 |
Guys, Sorry about some of the spellling and grammer, I was distracted with work.. You know what else they say about big feet!!!! ITS TRUE< ITS VERY TRUE | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 265 Registered: 2-2003 |
Wow, JRK wins the most horrific first experience story!! I'm glad it all worked out in the end, but HOLY SH!T!!! What a nightmare...........I was getting frustrated just reading about it. Good luck with the "new" spider. | ||
| J R K (Kenyon)
Member Username: Kenyon Post Number: 365 Registered: 10-2002 |
I was to pick my new 348 on the Saturday, but I was unable to wait so I decided to pick it up on Friday of the same week. I arrived at the dealership to pick up the car. While I was there I rang my car insurance company to tell them to change the policy for today (Friday). I explained that I had the certificate of insurance to start Saturday not Friday and it needed changing. They said no problem you are insured from now. I asked then to confirm the insurance by fax to the dealership, they said their fax machine was down, but do not worry you are insured. We have your details on the computer. So I proceeded to hand over the money for my new Ferrari a dream come true. The car was LHD and I was very nervous driving it because it was my dream. When I pulled away from the dealership I noticed that I should had worn different shoes since my feet are 14 and the pedals where close together having the sports pedals on it. For the first half hour I was driving up the freeway (motorway) in heavy traffic doing about 40-50 mph (70 limit in the UK). We approached a controflow and traffic was bad. It was stop start stop start for the next half hour. Everytime I would change gear I would keep looking at the gearlever gate thinking about getting into the slot OK. I was nervous because it was my first Ferrari I have owned and have saved since I was seveteen for the car. I promised myself I would have one when I turn Thirty !!!! All the sudden the traffic stopped and I was about three car lengths behind the car in front. I went to brake and believe it not my foot hit the gas pedal the car shot forward I panic and tied to miss the car in front so I try go between the front car and central barrier, spun the car in front into in coming traffic spun me into incoming traffic and destroyed three cars and mine, the targa roof was off and ended up with a bumper (fender) in my car etc its was unbelieveable..... !!!!!?><: I sat their in my car crying and shaking. No one was injured because the impact was below 30 mph. The front end of my car was destroyed. The police arrived to the clear the cars etc. My 348 started fine because there was no damaged to the back end just the front. The car was sent to a compound to be picked up later for repairs. The police interviewed me and other motorists and I said it was my fault and freak accident. All the drivers and emergency personnel were laughing because I destroyed a Ferrari. It pissed me off bit.... I exlained to the police that I had just picked up the car and my insurance certificate was with insurance company and I would have to take to the police station when it arrives in the post. When I got to the compound which was a few miles away all the badges from the car had been stolen, the tool-box had been stolen and stereo had gone. I was fed up. The next thing I ran my insurance company so they could pick the car up and take it to the dealership for repairing. I spoke to my insurance company and told them what had happened. I said my car is destroyed including another three other cars. Well they turned around and said we have a problem your details are on the computer, but its to be insured from Saturday and we have not processed the new request for Friday as yet so techinically your NOT INSURED. Well that was the icing on cake.. I spoke to the customer manager and he said the lady I spoke had never spoken to me about insuring the car for today (Friday and that it was a insurance scam. They said they could do nothing and I would have to arrange recovery from the compound myself... I got the car home about 5 hours later, my wife to be killed me nearly when she saw the car my family and friends could have cried because they were waiting for me at home to see my dream come true. No dream anymore just a nightmare. I threaten my insurance company with court action and after three months of hell I recieved a apology letter from insurance company director that they are sorry for the problems they caused and they found tape that had the recorded telephone message from me on it. I believe the manager was sacked and so was the lady. The accident costed all together �100,000 pounds sterling. The other car driver were trying to sue me for causes them drama and they needed couselling. If the insurance company had not paid out I would be bankrupt with civil actions and payments. It was my worst three months of my life.. My wife to be was about leave because of it etc... Evntually the insurance company paid out in full for my 348 and I bought the 348 spider. The moral of this incident, NEVER JUST A INSURANCE COMPANY and NEVER DRIVE YOUR BEFORE YOUR GET WRIITEN CONFIRMATION OF BEING INSURED.... | ||
| Mark (Marvellous_mark)
New member Username: Marvellous_mark Post Number: 21 Registered: 12-2002 |
I remember mine - it was about 2 years ago. I was lucky enough to be driven for about 10 minutes in a Nero 360 Spider. I remember us driving at 30mph and thinking - huh is this is? I was expecting a huge roar from the engine and to be pushed back into my seat. I didnt realise that we were just clearing some space infront of us so we could get the revs up. Anyway i was far from dissapointed when the engine was opened up properly and we flew down the road. Dont think Ive ever laughed so much when Ive been in a car - just blew me away how much fun it was. Needless to say its made me want one for myself (well that and working with pictures of the cars every day). Not got a hope in hell of getting any ferrari at the moment, but maybe one day... | ||
| David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
Junior Member Username: Darkhorse512 Post Number: 224 Registered: 10-2002 |
Yeah yeah Vince, Frayed steering wheel wrap,nearly exposed seat bolster coils and a worn hole in the driver's floor matt under my right heel. Judging from that beater's condition, I could have cared for that car better than the owner. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 548 Registered: 4-2003 |
I think it's amazing how many people had their first drive at purchase time (I'm one). Definitely an experience that lives up to the billing. David, A reason why we should park our own cars? Vincent. | ||
| David J. Smith (Darkhorse512)
Junior Member Username: Darkhorse512 Post Number: 223 Registered: 10-2002 |
June 1990: My first summer job after high school was as a parking valet at Gladstone's 4 Fish near Malibu CA. A customer pulled up in a very ratty beater 308 QV. I was next in line to park a car. None of the other guys could understand why I was soo keen on driving that "faded red bucket" The parking lot is long enough to reach the middle of second gear. I did a few laps, stopped got out and walked around it a few times before finding her a spot. No, she wasn't perfect but it was everything I expected. I was hooked before the drive and even more so after. | ||
| Tillman Strahan (Tillman)
Member Username: Tillman Post Number: 681 Registered: 11-2001 |
My first ride was just over a year ago, when Jerry Hawley gave me a ride at the Dyno Day in his 308gtsi. I'd never even been in a Fcar before that point. He was even going to let me drive (and I just met him!) but I was wearing huge Doc Martens. Thanks again, Jerry! My first drive came right after I signed the paperwork on my 328 in Oct 2002 | ||
| Dr Tommy Cosgrove (Vwalfa4re)
Intermediate Member Username: Vwalfa4re Post Number: 1214 Registered: 5-2001 |
Summer 1983 in Huntsville Al. I was 15. I spotted a 308 in a parking lot and begged my Aunt to stop so I could take a better look. The owner invited us to their home that evening so I could get a ride. I went and I rode. I just recently found out that these very nice people still own that car. If they ever sold it I would probably buy it just for nostalgia. | ||
| Fayyaz Vellani (Fvellani)
Junior Member Username: Fvellani Post Number: 82 Registered: 8-2002 |
I cant remember mine, Ive never ridden in a Ferrari (nor have I sat in one...but my time will come ) | ||
| rob guess (Beast)
New member Username: Beast Post Number: 7 Registered: 5-2003 |
1992 i got to test drive my bosses 77 308 GTB after i brought it back to life from long term storage. It was a blast to drive and i have been hooked ever since. | ||
| David McGee (Damcgee)
Junior Member Username: Damcgee Post Number: 71 Registered: 2-2003 |
Crawford, I would appreciate that more than you could ever know | ||
| Augustine J. Staino (Azzuro328)
New member Username: Azzuro328 Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2003 |
My first ride in an F-car was when I was 14. My dad had a Chrysler dealership and a gentleman was in one evening to look for a car for his secretary. It was an aweful February night with the temp just warm enough to be raining. Despite the weather conditions the guy drove up in his 1990 Testarossa. My father mentioned to him how much of a Ferrari nut I was and he just threw us the keys! I was in shock. What was almost as much fun was watching my father try to figure out how to work the defroster in the dark. | ||
| Crawford White (Crawford)
Junior Member Username: Crawford Post Number: 81 Registered: 3-2003 |
David- I'll be happy to go driving with you at the Memphis show. Just look for the guy with the yellow 328 - hopefully the only one there! | ||
| Jesse Hoffman (Hoffmeister)
Junior Member Username: Hoffmeister Post Number: 53 Registered: 12-2002 |
I've owned an 308 GTSi since December. Still haven't been home yet to drive it...maybe in August | ||
| David McGee (Damcgee)
Junior Member Username: Damcgee Post Number: 69 Registered: 2-2003 |
Well, this weekend in Memphis they are having the "Italian Car Show", and I'm hoping to get a ride then. Otherwise, I've never ridden in one I've sat in quite a few. Ferrari of Washington was one of my favorite field trips EVER. They were very courteous, and every car there was unlocked. At Atlanta, it was just the opposite. No one talked to me and every car there was locked. | ||
| BILL CHIUSANO (My355)
Junior Member Username: My355 Post Number: 123 Registered: 3-2003 |
Yes in my 1st recently purchased F-car ...MY355 Before that I had only sat in a 355 spider | ||
| Paul Hill (348paul)
Member Username: 348paul Post Number: 288 Registered: 12-2002 |
1976 - Ferrari Dino � Racing through the Kent countryside on a sunny afternoon - Schoolboy dream come true! The memory never faded! Hence the 348! Paul | ||
| Matt (Matt_lamotte)
Member Username: Matt_lamotte Post Number: 406 Registered: 10-2002 |
Hopefully I can hitch a ride this October at the New Orleans meet. Hell I'll be perfectly happy just getting to see one in person and not a neck snapping drive by viewing. | ||
| Tino (Bboxer)
Member Username: Bboxer Post Number: 294 Registered: 8-2001 |
Winter 76, Charles Pozzi (french importer) took me for a wild ride on the Peripherique, from his dealership to the airport and back in a yellow FG 308B; Drove in the emergency lane on the way back. I was hooked. | ||
| Crawford White (Crawford)
Junior Member Username: Crawford Post Number: 78 Registered: 3-2003 |
I think the first Ferrari I was in also had me as the driver... In 1993, I flew out to Motorcars International to see what this Ferrari thing was all about. I had just bought an NSX and was really starting to get interested in performance/exotic cars. It was a Giallo 328 and I DIDN'T like it. Too small, hard to shift, stiff steering with an awkward driving position. Sounded good, though! Well, times change. I sold my NSX in '99 after having the car 6 years. Finally got the balls up to get (in my opinion) a real sports car. Had an 86 328 for two years and loved it. Had to sell for financial reasons. Two years without a car, but now an owner again with a Giallo 328. Ironically, there is a chance that the car I own now could be the very one that I drove 10 years ago - I'll have to do research... | ||
| DES (Sickspeed)
Advanced Member Username: Sickspeed Post Number: 4535 Registered: 8-2002 |
i remember mine like it was March 28th of this year - oh, wait- it was...! Soon followed by April 10th... & July 11th isn't here yet, but when it passes, you'll all know what happened... & October is still some time away, but i lust for it, all the same... | ||
| Chris Horner (Cmhorner17)
Junior Member Username: Cmhorner17 Post Number: 173 Registered: 4-2002 |
I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a F355. Hearing the sound of that engine and feeling the shove back in the seat from the acceleration, and feeling the way everything worked together with such precision, feeling it work better the harder it was pushed....well...I was forever hooked. | ||
| Jason Williams (Pristines4)
Member Username: Pristines4 Post Number: 373 Registered: 12-2002 |
<--- Still hasn't ridden in a Ferrari. :-( | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1605 Registered: 10-2002 |
Pat Except for the time the "Iron Butterfly" tour bus stopped and gave me a ride I don't think I've had more enjoyable hitchiking experience... | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
Junior Member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 155 Registered: 5-2002 |
Hey Philip, thanks a lot for the offer I may have to take you up on that some day - I live about 1.5 hours from Columbus. | ||
| Pat Pasqualini (Enzo)
Member Username: Enzo Post Number: 576 Registered: 2-2002 |
James, You are just going to leave it at that? Come on we need more from our personal James Bond | ||
| James Glickenhaus (Napolis)
Intermediate Member Username: Napolis Post Number: 1603 Registered: 10-2002 |
Fall 68. Standing at the Sunset Blvd. entrance to the 101. Thumb out looking for a ride back to UCSB. A beautiful blonde in a red 275GTB stopped. True. | ||
| Erik (Teenferrarifan)
Junior Member Username: Teenferrarifan Post Number: 186 Registered: 2-2003 |
My first ride was back in April in Labcars(les brun's) 550 maranello. The ride was awesome and it seems like yesturday. F-cars are amazing and those front engine v-12's are sick. It was well worth the wait of 17 years for that one. Since then I have ridden in my dad's friends 360 spider cool car. Top down great fun, but there is just something about those v12's. F-cars are amazing and the first ride really puts everything into place. You finally know what people say when they talk about the clink from gear to gear or the exhaust note. Thanks again Mr. Brun. Anyone hear from him lately? Erik | ||
| kemal batu (Rogermelly)
New member Username: Rogermelly Post Number: 6 Registered: 6-2003 |
Just 2 weekends ago - A mate in his 348 took me to AFN for me to check out a new 996 Cab... The noise on the way home on the little A-roads was fantastico... is like no other car I have been in or driven - Made me chose my next car very quickly - hehehe | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Intermediate Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 1855 Registered: 7-2001 |
My first ride was in 1977 in a 'glass 308GTB. The surgeon down the street took me around the block and I was hooked. My second ride was in a 355ts, when the dealer picked me up from the airport to pick up my car. The first and only one I've driven is my car. | ||
| philip (Fanatic1)
Member Username: Fanatic1 Post Number: 264 Registered: 2-2003 |
Hey Rikky, I'm in Columbus OH........If you're ever out this way, send a message to me on the board or private e mail.......I'll give you a ride in my car. I mean, your not DES, but you still deserve a ride!! LOL | ||
| thad brown (Thadbrown)
New member Username: Thadbrown Post Number: 9 Registered: 5-2003 |
My first drive was this past summer at Ferrari of Orlando. I drove a 1979 metallic brown 308 gts. It was so amazing. The sound of the exhaust revving WAY up high and the burble when you let off was addictive. Heavy steering at low speeds, the metal on metal sound when shifting is something I cant live without. I smile thinking about even today. That was for sure one of my best days. But, I have not yet driven or ridden in a more modern Ferrari. I am in So Cal, so can I bum a ride from anyone? I am obssesed with these wonderful cars. Thad Brown | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 975 Registered: 11-2002 |
When the F512Ms first came out in the mid 90s one of my dad's friends let me drive it. Problem was there was a ton of traffic so I drove it in a parking lot. I remember it fondly AND vividly. Great experience. I regret to say that I don't remember when it was the first time I had been in a Ferrari, no less as a passenger. Cheers | ||
| Rikky Alessi (Ralessi)
Junior Member Username: Ralessi Post Number: 152 Registered: 5-2002 |
Haven't had the chance yet... I did sit in a 308 GT4 though, about 5 or 6 months back. It wasn't in the best condition, but it was a Ferrari none the less. I was amazed out how the car was, and the position of the seat - basically on the floor. A very cool experience, to say the least. | ||
| Marq J Ruben (Qferrari)
Member Username: Qferrari Post Number: 392 Registered: 2-2002 |
First ride/drive = when I test drove mine immediately before buying it. | ||
| Jens Haller (Jh280774)
Member Username: Jh280774 Post Number: 795 Registered: 9-2001 |
I was 26 and it was the test drive of my 348 just before I bought it! Can you imagine how nervous I was when entering the car? Never even sat in a Ferrari before! Funny thing, isn�t it? BTW: It was one day before my 27th birthday. An eventful day that was to drive MY first Ferrari back 150km to my hometown and then celebrating into my birthday afterwards! Con saluti cordialissimi, Jens Haller | ||
| Andrew-Phillip Goalen (Andrewg)
New member Username: Andrewg Post Number: 28 Registered: 9-2002 |
I was 9 years old, was away at the national cadet (dinghy) finals where all the kids seemed to camp and the parents stayed in the local hotel!, was woken at 2 in the morning by a family friends eldest son arriving in a very noisy car, in the morning opened the blinds in our camper to see a 246 Dino gt, enjoyed a great trip as a passenger to London and back in it (about 80 miles each way), sad part is that as this was the late 70's the car when it broke down a year or so later was left parked in the road near there house proped up on stnads, used to walk past every day on the way back from school until one day it was gone (replaced with an espada) | ||
| Red GTS2 (Redgts2)
New member Username: Redgts2 Post Number: 5 Registered: 3-2003 |
My first ride was a Ferrari 308 GTSi QV when I was 24 yo. The next year I bought my first Ferrari: 1988 328 GTS: Red/Tan...been hooked ever since...earlier this year, 2003, I bought my 550. | ||
| Lee Pierce (Leepierce)
Junior Member Username: Leepierce Post Number: 120 Registered: 1-2003 |
First ride was also first drive! My first ever Ferrari experience was in a rented 348 in Las Vegas. I'd never even sat in a Ferrari when I found myself breaking out my credit card, sliding behind the wheel, and roaring off into the Las Vegas sunset. Total bill was $600, but I drove it 200 miles over 24 hours, and literally wouldn't trade it for the world. The passion that car expressed (and that I experienced) led to the 308 in my garage. | ||
| Michael C. James (Mjames)
New member Username: Mjames Post Number: 9 Registered: 6-2003 |
The first time I sat in a Ferrari was at a body shop. I was looking at a slightly damaged 328 that was for sale dirt cheap. As I sat in the car, everyone walked away to leave me alone. The smell of the leather, the ergonomics, etc totally sold me on the car. Unfortunately, I couldn't find the door handle in the dark (nobody showed me where it was, hidden up under the hand-bolster) so I sat there trapped, unable to open the car door until someone came back for me 20 minutes later....... My first drive was in the same car after I bought it and the body shop repaired it......the owner's son took me out for a drive, we pulled over, and I slipped behind the wheel. The handbrake was down on the floor, so I just took off. The car and the drive were fantastic, but the car was alittle sluggish for some reason. The guy I was riding with (dipwad) forgot to explain to me that the cam mechanism to the emergency brake allowed the engaged brake to lay on the floor while still engaged, and I had just driven my new car around for some hot laps with the parking brake on the whole time. Small whisps of smoke came from the wheel wells, but other than that no damage done - still, I felt like a total idiot. Since the car came with no manuals, I went out and dropped $250 on a complete set of 328 owners documents (which I still have, this was before EBAY and those Adobe CDs floating around for $14) so as not to do anything totally retarded again. Alas, the car is no more, but that is another story for another time. | ||
| Ron Shirley (Easy_rider)
Member Username: Easy_rider Post Number: 475 Registered: 12-2002 |
My first ride was also my test drive last November. I was hooked immediately. Carl if you get past LV to the LA area there are a lot of people here who will make it happen. | ||
| Carl Roberts (Carl63_99)
Junior Member Username: Carl63_99 Post Number: 85 Registered: 10-2001 |
I haven't had such pleasure yet. I hope to someday, maybe if I visit Vegas and win some extra, my wife will let me "blow" it on a one-day rental. :-( | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
Member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 450 Registered: 4-2002 |
I was in middle school in Fairfax, Virginia and our neighbor had a 308. Took me for a very nice ride and to the gas station. I have wanted one ever since-I was 13. | ||
| The Don (Don_matteo)
Senior Member Username: Don_matteo Post Number: 5199 Registered: 8-2002 |
my first ride was when I bought it. I will give anyone in So Cal their first ride if they want one. | ||
| Tazio Nuvolari (Nuvolari)
Junior Member Username: Nuvolari Post Number: 229 Registered: 9-2002 |
First ride would have been in 1996 @ Mosoprt Park where I was taken for a passenger ride in a yellow F355 with a tubi exhaust. I remember vividly that my favorite sound was when the you came off of the throttle, the engine went quiet and you could hear the metallic clicking sound as the shifter was moved from one gear to another through the metal gate. My first Ferrari drive (I am not counting the Dino 246GT I drove in 1997) would have been again at Mosport Park where I got to lap a 1958 Testarossa. This was made all the trickier becaust the car was right hand drive. Shifting with my left hand, and having to double clutch with wooden pedals was quite the task. I chose to ignore the simple lap belts and drove without them. I even did'nt wear my gloves as I wanted the most 'period' feel possible. The car was a handful in the corners and the 12 cylinder ate 355's on the straight. Quite a car. | ||
| Ken Ghiringhelli (Kenny94945)
Junior Member Username: Kenny94945 Post Number: 60 Registered: 12-2002 |
Yes, a red Dino. I was a passenger. The car maybe the ride occured in 1984. First drive, a Mondial Coupe. Brought my two daughters to their high-school in it. (I do not think anyone noticed us) Also got to use the hi-occupancy commute lane! That I personally enjoyed. I recall three things about the Mondial 1- It took twenty minutes to "clean out" the engine 2 -The top of the steering wheel blocked the vital speed and tach reading 3 - Manual steering and a eight point turn. These recollections are priceless. | ||
| melo yelo (Meloyelo)
Junior Member Username: Meloyelo Post Number: 78 Registered: 5-2002 |
My first was in a 1980 blue 308. That was in 1984. Next in 2002 - I rode in a 512TR at TWS. 140+ mph on the front straight and never used fifth gear. I rode along in a 1981 Green 308 at the Sebring event this year on the rally. I have not rented one yet, but have thought about it. I have sat in the drivers seat of a 355 but have never actually driven any Fcar. Not yet at least. | ||
| PeterS (Peters)
Member Username: Peters Post Number: 682 Registered: 1-2003 |
When I was 23, I took my Old's Cutlass to a friend that was a mechanic. Since I needed to leave the car for a day, he threw me the keys to his 308. I was shocked! I have never driven one in my life. I drove that car and felt like a rich king. I knew that people who own these types of cars did something right in life and I wanted to do the same. From that day on, I focused my efforts to become the best I could be in sales...and I did it! Seven years later, I bought my first 308, a pristine '85 Rosso 308QV. Pulling in my driveway, I looked at the car and thought back to my mechanic buddy that gave me the motivation to do well in life. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 977 Registered: 10-2001 |
Yup. About 4 years ago I drove a red 83 Mondial Cabriolet QV on a test drive. I do remember thinking it shifted better than I expected; I thought the gate would screw me up but it didn't. The pedals were fine. Hand brake was useless, paint wasn't terrific, window antenna switch was broken. Had some hot starting issues too. With a new 30k, they wanted $29k and probably would have taken $27 or so. I wondered why the car had issues when they just completed the 30k but the salesman was evasive. It wasn't a great example but I think it would be a fun car; I need the back seats. The power was okay and it sounded okay. I may yet buy one one of these days but I prefer black for this particular car, and I need to see more of them so I know what I'm doing before I take the plunge. | ||
| Andreas Forrer (Tifosi12)
Intermediate Member Username: Tifosi12 Post Number: 1216 Registered: 10-2002 |
My first ride as a passenger was about 18 years ago. A friend took me in his 308 to the Geneva auto salon. I remember 'breaking' with my feet for the turns. It scared the living daylights out of me and I had a sporty car myself at the time. That got me hooked. My first drive as a 'pilota' was a few years back. Rental 348 in Las Vegas. That was so awesome it cemented my decision to finally get a F car myself. | ||
| Terry L (Terrykarr)
Junior Member Username: Terrykarr Post Number: 147 Registered: 12-2002 |
My earliest recollection of seeing a Ferrari would have been in the early 60's, probably a televised race or something. My first ride was last August when I was looking at my 246, I was 46, it was worth the wait. I have since then driven my friends 355 GTB. | ||
| John Perry (Perryaviation)
New member Username: Perryaviation Post Number: 18 Registered: 6-2003 |
I had the amazing expirience this past weekend to take my first ride in a Ferrari. (Thanks Mike C !!) And for someone who has admired and wanted one of these magnificent cars since I was 15, and now 14 yrs later being lucky enough to be shopping for one, it was quite a thrill !! Just wondering how many of you remember your first taste of the spectacular cars simply know as "F-cars"..... |