http://driving.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article2004580.ece
I actually responded to this article. While I usually regard Mr Clarkson as a sort of extremist automotive Howard Stern, I think in this article he must be bordering on some personal spiritual enlightement. No, these cars are not about point and squirt speed or technical marvels - they are about having a soul. Bravo, Mr Clarkson.
I guess the rising tide has brought the 275 GTS up with it as well, but is it really as well regarded as that, aesthetically? My recollection was that it had a distinct Fiatish quality, at least to the interior. That it was not a worthy successor to the earlier 250 cabrio or spiders; that the so-called NART spider version of the 275 GTB was more in keeping with that soul thing; and that the car, like 250 PF coupes and Lussos (more beautiful) were not the sweethearts of ball. Granted, the Lusso is now a rich man's car (again). Maybe i'm just kicking myself for not buying all of these, not so long ago, before the prices rose so dramatically. Oh, and Clarkson mentioned what I think was called the 'Frau' seat- wasn't that pretty rare- I thought that seat did not show up on many of the cars.
clarkson's article is good. he hits on the essence of what it means to be part of the humanity of the Ferrari culture. Ferrari is often a state-of-mind. moreover, a large part of the magical draw of the Ferrari is it's soul; a Ferrari embodies an emotional and artistic quality that transcends banality and sterility that so commonly appears today in other makes, including, unfortunately, newer Ferraris.
There is transportation and then there is ferrari - and IMO (not humble at all!!!) soul & passion is where it's at. the 430 is phenomenal, but it left me a little japanesed (like Honda not the people), a little processed, a little well - flat. The TR, the 355, the 250 SWB - even ironically the 612 - these things have soul. I can not comment upon the 599 as I have not been in one, but I wonder if the moderns are as deeply satisfying and soulful as the ones that enzo made.... Take the 328 - beautiful. Add carbs and we'd have a marriage... Speed is not the primary virtue, it's how you do it, not how quickly - ask any woman...
Great article. I agree with him, I would take a 275 GTS in a heartbeat over the modern "laptop Ferraris". So you actually get to use the fire extinguisher you paid good money for, and your smog test takes more visits to the shop.
ahh, but the sound is SO much nicer .... and the flames die down after a while I miss the scream of my GT4 over the reliability of injection
I respectfully disagree about the old vs. new cars. With the values that some of these old cars are achieving, the new ones are looking better and better. I mean PF coupes and Dino's are beautiful cars, but for 200k I think I will get an F430 and create my own history. I will keep my 308, though. George
But then F430,s great as they may be, will never reach the historic status of a 250 PF Coupe. Allthough my choice between a 599 and a 275 GTS wouldn´t be as easy as Clarkson´s. Likely I will opt for the 275 GTS but not after long, hard and numerous deliberation.
Was posted on Dino site too. Marvelous writing. Great replies here in vintage. Dinos were next in line and Ferrari got it right on that one. Would have been unbelieveable if it had a V-12 though. But I'll hang onto my Dino anyway. John
i would never consider trading my dino for a 430. i have a 360 and the older cars are so diiferent than the newer ones. i am not saying i don't like the new ones, trust me the hassle factor is greatly reduced and they have working a/c's. but if i had to chose, i would keep the dino, even without concern to value. they made 18,000+ 360's and who knows what the total 430 production will be. i can assure you, there are far less than 1300 dino spyder's around and they aren't making more. the cars simplicity is part of it's beauty. get into a modern ferrari and try to figure out how to work the radio, etc (and don't start with the "no need for a radio stuff"), it is overly complex. the dino and the older ferrari's are true machines, not just icons. i find it hard to think cars will ever be made like this again.
The 275 was the first road car fitted with 4 wheel independent suspension? I've got a '51 Lancia with a similar system + transaxle gearbox. It my be a De Dion system, I've never really looked closely.
"the dino and the older ferrari's are true machines" "True machines," that's perfect. Much of my fascination with the older cars has to do with being able to see and easily understand how everything works. Carbs and mousetrap springs ... true and beautiful machines.
Funnily enough I was pondering the difference between the older and modern Ferraris while on the trip through France with Dad in his 599 recently. The 599 is an awesome car no question but at 40mph it feels like any other luxury car around. The older cars (whether it be the 250 or Daytona) you know couldn't be anything other than a Ferrari no matter what speed you are travelling. If I was rich enough to buy a 599 I would and love it, but if i wasn't and someone was kind enough to give me £200K which I could only spend on Ferrari(s) (I'm open to PM's if someone would like to do that ) I would spend it on a Daytona or possibly a Dino and a 550 to get best of both worlds. Returning to the article I'm surprised that the 6ft 7" clarkson could fit in a 275GTS comfortably. The 330GTS has a lot more legroom. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
It strikes me that also describes exactly the facination with steam powered locomotives. If I had a big enough garage, and a track to run it on - it would sit next to a Ferrari and a Morgan trike. Cheers Warren
