| Author | Message | ||
| ryan (Ferrari_kid)
New member Username: Ferrari_kid Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2003 |
first time i saw a ferrari i was but a toddler with my dad's friend's 512. the first time i remember turning around to see one i was 16, just got my license, and the guy had a 308. we waved at him at a stop light and he smiled back and peeled out. that was pretty nice. then there was that one halloween where we saw a testarossa in someone's garage. my brother and i decided we'd get candy there and take a look at that red beauty in the garage. it probably helped that i knew just about everything about it though. first thing i told him was, nice testarossa, i'll let you keep the candy if i can have peak at it. he seemed pleased that a 12 year old knew so much about the car. | ||
| Wolfgang Eistert (53345)
Member Username: 53345 Post Number: 476 Registered: 3-2003 |
Hello Dr. Shelbee, awesome pics from an amazing car, thanks. Have you shot the pics 2 weeks ago in Baden-Baden, Germany? Looks like the 25. Anniversary event of the FCD (Ferrari Club Germany). Wolfgang FORZA FERRARI | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 440 Registered: 12-2002 |
Byron, Barchetta is Barchetta. It ain't 550 nor 575M.. Remember that they only made 448 and considered as collector items. I perhaps would not put too much mileage on the car for long term collector/investment if I own it. Car is too slow anyway and leaks during the rain with factory soft top. But thanks to Michalak soft top design that added the look and style. Better than $20k heavy hard top Something about Barchetta that I really like,.......       BTW, (last photo) does she (girl in red) look like your gf, KUZI ??  | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 901 Registered: 4-2003 |
Given some of the responses, I wonder if this is why some people never come closer than 45'. Perhaps they have met the good Dr. in the past. LOL. | ||
| Drstranglove (Drstranglove)
Member Username: Drstranglove Post Number: 713 Registered: 4-2003 |
My good buddy Colt is never far away....Otherwise, I am quite friendly about showing people the 348. DrS | ||
| Ben Cannon (Artherd)
Member Username: Artherd Post Number: 602 Registered: 6-2002 |
Taek- but momey always said "Strangers have the BEST candy!" Stephen- ROFL! Want to know how to *never* get messed with? Even if you're a white dude walking down the streets of Harlem at 2 in the morning? All you have to do is dress well. Wear a tuxedo, not some cheap one, but a really fine tux. Insure your shoes are polished to a brilliant shine. Wear a pair of designer sunglasses. Carry a conspicious clip of money (cash). Hum softly to yourself. Oh forgot the last part, carry a running chainsaw with catsup liberally splattered all over it and your suit. Throttle chainsaw occationally while humming... NO ONE WILL MESS WITH YOU! Mine's still not as funny as droping trou though. Best! Ben. | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 606 Registered: 4-2002 |
V.Z., Insanity has its privileges %-) Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin PS: of course another approach is to simply "drop trou". But then you really should have a large pair of ***** for that LOL | ||
| V.Z. (Ama328)
Junior Member Username: Ama328 Post Number: 188 Registered: 11-2002 |
2 approaches to fending 'em off: * 'sophisticate' - take a camera, notepad & pen out, make it OBVIOUS you're taking pics, write down the plate number and car info, plus date/time. * 'bubba from Tex-ass' - keep a big cowboy hat in garage, next to the gun rack(NOT rifle rack; in Tex-ass it's a GUN rack), then saddle up in your hat and walk out into the street with your bigass shotgun and just GRIN at 'em...works even better if'n you gots a toothpick to nibble, err, CHEW on. oh, btw, Steven R. Rochlin, you SURE you're ACTING? | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 894 Registered: 4-2003 |
She was supposed to take a picture of it, she sounds a bit shy and embarrassed that you caught her stalking you. LOL Glad it's working out, same girl you were talking about a few weeks ago I suppose? Believe me, if a group of girls pulled up in a Jeep and got out and walked towards the garage I would know exactly what to do! And it wouldn't involve mr. Smith and Wesson. Vincent. | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 893 Registered: 4-2003 |
Here's what I did. More on the Steven line, and seeing the girlfriends I really didn't worry. Plus, in my business you meet a lot of rough looking guys so I'm kind of used to it. Note, I live in a nice neighborhood and town, though it is in the country so you get a little bit of everything. When I saw them pull back, (I was getting the dust off and getting ready for a light buff cause it wasn't shiny enough ) I looked over and waved hello. Immediately the guy in the passenger seat sings out: "Nice Ferrari!" I smiled, thanked him and walked over because he was about to ask me a few questions. After answering the: what year? How fast? Must be fun? They thanked me and left smiling. So far, whenever someone has shown interest, I've been gracious and taken the time to answer questions and it's worked really well for me. I'm surprised at some of the answers here, perhaps I'm not the one who should be changing neighborhoods. Vincent. | ||
| Brian Saligman (Brisalig)
Junior Member Username: Brisalig Post Number: 130 Registered: 8-2002 |
Vincent, I had a jeep pull up infront of my house 3 weeks ago, and a whole bunch of girls got out of the car. The started to walk towards the driveway. I saw them from insude the kitchen, and stepped outside onto the porch. They saw me, and took off. Later that night, I saw the girl at a party, and now....she is my girlfriend. Pretty weird story...yes I know, sort of stalker-esque. She had a decent reason for being there...but I still dont believe her completely. She thought my house was someone elses....and was supposed to take a picture of it or something like that. It all worked out for the best... | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1123 Registered: 9-2002 |
Byron, Kuzi *is* at work!! --Dan | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Intermediate Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 1003 Registered: 10-2002 |
you guys have too much time on your hands... Taek, that's the first time I've seen the group hug smiley... pretty funny. Kuzi... get back to work! | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 302 Registered: 3-2003 |
ah now thats cool! I see what you mean now when you told me how you have so many posts..........this is what you do all day!............I'm just jealous | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1738 Registered: 11-2002 |
I upload them as attachments. One of my employees is a self proclaimed engiNerd. He does some computer work for my, err... 'puter company. Anyway, "nerds" are good to have in your side. One of the perks is stupid smileys. Et VOILA!!  Group hug!! Hahahaha!! Cheers | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 299 Registered: 3-2003 |
By the way, how do you do those funky icons at the end there? | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 298 Registered: 3-2003 |
LOL.........I can't leave this thread is way too entertaining! Man there goes my day! Taek, I have some candy for you!! ............LOL | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1734 Registered: 11-2002 |
Kuzi, You have problems. Cavorting with little boys eh? Boys and girls, don't take candy from this guy. Shame on you Kuzi aka. "The Priest"  Cheers | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 297 Registered: 3-2003 |
LOL..........................damn i've been on this frickin thread all day...........better get back to work! NOT | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1116 Registered: 9-2002 |
But I thought what we had was special?  I feel so... used. --Dan | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 296 Registered: 3-2003 |
Oh no, I just forwarded him all those images too!!...............LOL | ||
| arthur chambers (Art355)
Intermediate Member Username: Art355 Post Number: 2122 Registered: 6-2001 |
What Vincent didn't say is that his car is ALWAYS polished so that you could shave in your reflection. Those guys were problably blinded by the car. I'd been concerned if they didn't have the girlfriends. Art | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1114 Registered: 9-2002 |
Kuzi, So long as Norm doesn't find out, it's ok!!! --Dan | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 295 Registered: 3-2003 |
LOL.....thats good Steve | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 605 Registered: 4-2002 |
BTW: If all else fails, go Postal :-) ONE trick i use is to act, well, not mentally stable. Twitch a little now and then and keep muttering/spitting she is mine, mine, i love her, she loves me. We are in love (while stroking her curves like you would a Super Model). Act craaaaaaaazzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzy. Really twitchy insane crazy. NO ONE wants to mess with insane people :-) Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Jack (Gilles27)
Intermediate Member Username: Gilles27 Post Number: 1192 Registered: 3-2002 |
Another thing: don't be so quick to judge the "rough-looking". I went to 7-11 this morning (took the day off) and wondered why people were kind of giving me the eye. When I got home I looked in the mirror and saw messy, greasy hair, four days of growth and stains on the t-shirt that I had grabbed in haste. People were probably expecting me to ask for change! Even if people are a little "rough" (perhaps harboring a snobby Ferrari owner stereotype) it can be relatively easy to disarm them by being normal to them. | ||
| Lou B (Toby91)
Junior Member Username: Toby91 Post Number: 238 Registered: 4-2001 |
Had a Firebird make a u turn and follow me about 2 miles to my garage. A guy jumps out and asks if his 4 boys could take a look. Very polite, tells his kids not to touch, lean on it etc. The look in their eyes told me there will be 4 new Fcars fans. Felt good to share the passion. | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 294 Registered: 3-2003 |
Byron, I guess if one wants one bad enough, they can justify it anyway they want. Personally it would be impractical up here in the NW with no functional top and all. And thats besides the huge $ premium. Basically my reasoning for the 575M was that I wanted a two door coupe with a auto-manual transmission that is unique but yet obscure as far as flashiness. And the black/black 575M serves that purpose well. Thats what the red spider is for! It was nice meeting you and the guys the other night.......we'll definitely hook up again. Like I said I do some CDE down in Orange. Gordon, my email should be on, I've been getting them all morning. Dan, when I get more recent pics, I'll forward them on to you ..............as long as you don't post them all over the net! Wait, that didn't come out quite right..............oh well screw what other people think! | ||
| Dan (Bobafett)
Intermediate Member Username: Bobafett Post Number: 1112 Registered: 9-2002 |
Vincent: I wouldn't worry too much? I guess it depends on where. Doesn't hurt to be cautious, though, as Jeff mentioned. Steve: bad-ass attitude. I'm the same way, only no one notices my car! --Dan | ||
| Gordon (Gwat)
New member Username: Gwat Post Number: 19 Registered: 7-2003 |
Hey Kz, Is your email server up, I'm having problems replying to your mail. Sorry for the off topic note. -Gordy | ||
| Byron (Bmyth)
Member Username: Bmyth Post Number: 998 Registered: 10-2002 |
Vincent, it happens... most ppl just give the thumbs up - but they are probably asking themselves, how does a young guy like that afford a sweet ride like that! Just give them a wave and they will either honk or wave back... If not, go with Kuzi's advice... have a "don't f@#$ with me" look on and 9 times out of 10, they won't. Pleasure meeting you the other day, btw. Will head up to Napa one of these days and will look you up. Kuzi - question for you... I know the Barchettas are very unique and offer a different level of ownership experience, but other than the "chop-top," how does one justify the enormous added expense of that car over a regular 550/575M? If it is Fiorano prepped, I can understand... but I've seen these cars go for 50-80k more than a stock 550/575... your thoughts? | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 293 Registered: 3-2003 |
Dr I think you need to add that Barchetta to the stable! Maybe Taek can scout in out for you and get you the best deal. I know you are not intimidated by Ferraris | ||
| Taek-Ho Kwon (Stickanddice)
Intermediate Member Username: Stickanddice Post Number: 1731 Registered: 11-2002 |
Doc, I've seen the Barchetta. One of my employees was considering it. Worked with Twyla. Very very nice lady. Offered test drives, found out everything we needed to know about the cars, politely followed up, etc. He didn't drive it, and ended up not buying. Got scared. Owning a Ferrari for most is a very intimidating proposition. Very nice car. Cheers | ||
| Dr. Shelbee (Shelbee)
Member Username: Shelbee Post Number: 439 Registered: 12-2002 |
Had the same experience with a bunch of teens stopped when I washed my car in the drive way. They are pretty polite though, perhaps the neighbourhood I live in?? Did you three go to Silicon Valley Autogroup (formerly Ferrari Los gatos) to view their F50 (sold) and 288 GTO?? They also have 550 barchetta with low milage Azurro California/ crema NUMBER 448/448 asking for only $275k. | ||
| Ken (Allyn)
Intermediate Member Username: Allyn Post Number: 1070 Registered: 10-2001 |
Steven, you have a very refreshing attitude. We had a block party just a week after I bought my Europa and the neighbors wanted to see it, so I pulled it out. All the kids left fingerprints everywhere, inside and out not to mention napkins and other crap, but their amazement at how small it was was priceless. I even did a few laps in spite of it being fairly rough back then. Although I had spent a day cleaning it (it was a VERY dirty garage queen), I didn't mind spending an hour doing it again. Ever since, all kinds of people from doctors to bikers have recieved my ".25 tour". The rougher the person, the more they seem to know about it too! | ||
| Kuzi (Kzma)
Member Username: Kzma Post Number: 285 Registered: 3-2003 |
Just put on the dark sunglasses, don't smile and look like you won't be f%*&$^% with and you won't. Seriously Vincent I've found that really works. However, I've also found that with most people and F-cars, their just curious and will usually give you the thumbs up or smile..............only then do you crack a smile also! | ||
| Willis Huang (Willis360)
Intermediate Member Username: Willis360 Post Number: 1398 Registered: 8-2001 |
Speaking of people with bad intentions toward Ferrari owners. I was behind a huge delivery truck on one of my Ferrari exercising routes, a two lane rural highway. He tried to wave me by on a passing section as oncoming traffic was closing in. I could peek around him to see what's going on. The guy did it one more time trying to get me into a head-on collision. | ||
| J.D. Smythe (Jeff)
Junior Member Username: Jeff Post Number: 222 Registered: 2-2001 |
Vincent I hope my story doesn't make you more paranoid but I had a similar situation that turned out to be serious. I had a car drive by my house and then stop to take a picture. I thought this was strange. I wrote down the license # of the car and went to my local police. Make a long story short, this car turned out to be the "scout" car for a gang who did home invasion robberies. My house was going to be next. | ||
| Bryan Phillips (Bryanp)
Junior Member Username: Bryanp Post Number: 144 Registered: 8-2002 |
If they were that 'rough' looking, they probably drove off all happy that Detroit had decided to bring back the Camaro . . . | ||
| Steven R. Rochlin (Enjoythemusic)
Member Username: Enjoythemusic Post Number: 600 Registered: 4-2002 |
Welcome them like old friends. Ask if they would like to see the engine, give them the complete "Quarter Tour" if they want. Shake their hand, be polite and when they leave discretely write down their plate number. Have had more than my fair share of folks following me, stopping me at lights, etc. In fact some police officers seem to pull me over for no reason, yet i am ALWAYS polite and offer the Quarter Tour. They like that :-) If ask price, i say 20 years of hard work and am still in the process of restoring her all by myself. Not easy, yet she is worth it. She has been a dream of mine that took many years to earn. Fast? Yes she is, yet i also love the way it sounds. Amazing how friendly folks are when you treat them like good friends. In fact i have HUNDREDS of Ferrari stickers. Give away to folks who show a true interest. If they have kids, i put on the gate lock and let the kids sit in the drivers seat, play like they are driving her, and ask the child to honk the horn. NEVER fails to bring a smile/giggle to the kids face when the air horns sound. Naturally she is fully insured and, besides, IF IT CAN BE REPLACED WITH MONEY THEN IN LIFE IT HAS NO "REAL" VALUE (read: can you replace your wife/children/friends/etc for $1B?). It is "just" a car, they make more of them everyday. Enjoy the Drive, Steven R. Rochlin | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 494 Registered: 1-2003 |
Vincent, call your friends Smith & Wesson. | ||
| Alex Lee (Alxlee)
Junior Member Username: Alxlee Post Number: 190 Registered: 4-2002 |
People will gawk, unless they really did something that would make you suspect they wanted more than a look, I wouldn't worry about it. I've actually had people follow me to my house to look at the Lotus. | ||
| Oldslow308 (Djparks)
Member Username: Djparks Post Number: 424 Registered: 2-2003 |
I would make a point of letting them know that I saw them. Most people think twice knowing they have been made. A plate number helps. Could be some plain old Ferrari fans too. I would still keep my eyes and ears open for the next couple of days anyway. DJ | ||
| ELI (Titanium360)
Member Username: Titanium360 Post Number: 510 Registered: 4-2002 |
just go about your business unless you see them again tomorrow. | ||
| Paul Bianco (Paulie_b)
Member Username: Paulie_b Post Number: 493 Registered: 1-2003 |
Vincent, call your frineds Smith & Wesson. | ||
| Mark (Marvellous_mark)
New member Username: Marvellous_mark Post Number: 22 Registered: 12-2002 |
Yep fans do slow down to gawp at Ferrari's. On the weekend there was a 360 M behind me, so i slowed down so he could pass before the corner (well, and so i could hear the engine accelerating past me). Not only did he pass me, it sounded like he redlined it as he overtook me and three other cars all in one go The girlfreind said she understood why i like them so much after it roared past... | ||
| DGS (Dgs)
Junior Member Username: Dgs Post Number: 204 Registered: 5-2003 |
Have your FAQ answers ready. - Yes, it's a Ferrari. - Yes, it's "real". - It goes just as fast as the SUV in front of it.  People often slow down to admire Ferraris. And "rough looking" people can be fans, too. | ||
| Ansgar Sch�rmeyer (Taunus)
Junior Member Username: Taunus Post Number: 227 Registered: 6-2002 |
No panic, i would also drive the slowest way, if there is a Ferrari in a opened garage. Just for taking a look and not for stealing it. | ||
| PSk (Psk)
Member Username: Psk Post Number: 756 Registered: 11-2002 |
Move. But seriously this must be a common problem, that you must surely have already experienced. I would check your cars insurance is all up to date! Then they may have been just having a good nosey and the reverse trip was to have another look. Did you get the beaters plate number? Pete | ||
| Vincent (Vincent348)
Member Username: Vincent348 Post Number: 886 Registered: 4-2003 |
Alright, I'm in the garage about to take off to meet Kuzi and Byron who are in town for the weekend here in the SF bay area. I'm in the process of taking the top off the car when I notice this beater driving past the garage slow down...almost stop. Two rough looking guys and their girlfriends. I count to 5 and then sure enough...same car in reverse. What would you do? Vincent. |