New Member with a Good Story

Hello, All -

I am 37 from Connecticut and a Ferrari fan since high school. Call it mid life crisis or maybe the gray hair becoming more prominent, but it seems the fire for a Ferrari has strengthened over the past year or so.

To quell my thirst for something sporty, not to mention hold me off until the day I can walk into the Ferrari dealer, last summer I purchased a Porsche Boxster, a car what I could justify as reasonable (but clearly not what I desire) considering 3 years ago I had a Dodge Durango.

My best Ferrari story however is over a decade old now.

Back in 1993 my friends and I became friendly with a group of girls from the next town over. Turns out she was a nanny for a Ferrari enthusiast who just happened to pick up his 1992 fly yellow 512TR a few weeks prior. Needless to say, we now had to remain friends, at least through the summer months!

Long story short – the owner was just terrific – here I was, a 23 year old kid wanting to drive his brand new TR and the only relationship I had to him was I knew his nanny. He didn’t even let his own kids drive it!

Nonetheless, one day we ran into him in his dining room when he asked if I had driven it yet (like I was just going to take it out). When I said I hadn’t, he threw the keys at me and said “have fun”. As I walked out he said “hold on a minute” – there had to be a catch, right? – “I have something you’d like” - I was sure the keys were going to be stripped from my hands and a 1:18 TR model was going to appear – “here is the latest Ferrari owners magazine, take it, I am done with it, now go be careful”

I think I am decent at telling stories, but as those of you who have had the privilege of sitting behind the wheel and turning over the engine for the first time know, I can’t possibly do the experience justice in words. Just trust me, it was unreal.

Couple weeks (and a few spins) later, I went out on a limb. I was going to ask to take the TR for a specific purpose.

My grandfather was about to celebrate his 85th birthday and by now had heard enough about Ferrari’s from his only grandson. I wanted to prove to him what the experience was all about.

Once I got the green light that I could take the car, I called him up. “Be outside in 10 minutes, I am coming to pick you up for a birthday surprise.” The screaming (yellow) red head came down the driveway producing a priceless grin on his face.

There we were, me 23, he 85 both in a vehicle well less than 1% of the population will ever experience. It was about the best birthday present one could give and receive. The pictures are of course scans - no digitals back then - so the quality isn't top notch, but I think you'll get the point.

See, that’s what having a Ferrari is about to me. It’s not about boasting you went 180 (when you probably didn't), revving an engine to be macho or telling fish stories about outrunning street bikes and cops. The best drive I ever took in my life was in a 12 cylinder Ferrari that day, and I never exceeded 35mph.

Later that Fall I was asked if I knew of a garage where the TR could be stored during the winter (he had a 750il & 600SL as everyday drivers). I told him that my grandfather actually had a two car garage but only owned one car. "Would you mind taking it for the winter and bringing it out every week or so - I'll pay you $100 a month?" "Sure, no problem"

I was paid to drive a 512TR. True story.
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Fantastic story mate, a dream come true for you and your Grandad, and welcome to F-CHAT

 

Great story and welcome to Fchat! I can definately relate to that story, when I was in 12th grade a friend/metor owned a 355 F1 at the time and he took me in it to the end of year what in the states would be called a prom, well needless to my this rather unpopular Ferrari fanatic had a few new friends on Monday moring.

That 355 had special memories for me, so it was with some surprise that 2 years later I found myself in the same car, though this time I belonged to someone I hadnt met....and I was to drive it following my friend in his 430 spider.....through saturday moring city traffic, well it was a drive of a life time, those first few meters being the most harrowing as the car was LHD and I hadnt driven a LHD vehicle before but the sound of the 2 cars as I got more confident and used more right foot...well I had to try keep up with the 430....

I met the owner around 6 months later and he was glad I enjoyed the drive.....

 

WOW Awesome story!! That is one cool Ferrari owner!

 

What a great story! I started sports car ownership with a Porsche boxster, and then went to a carrera cabrio, a 360 Ferrari, and now a 430 Spider. You are on your way!

 

I always promised my grandfather that I would give him a ride if I ever got him a Ferrari... turns out that hes got days/weeks to live

So much for that

 

Great story ........a very generous owner.

 

Sorry to hear that.

 

Guys surely someone can help out here??

 

Great story! I really enjoyed reading it

Welcome to f-chat, look forward to talking with you

 

I didn't come here for pity, but that would be great.

Hes got cancer, ammonia and his bowels are dieing. Atleast at 84 he's traveled the world!

 

Great story Slice.

Welcome to Ferrarichat mate.

That 512TR looks gorgeous btw.

 

Sorry to hear that buddy.

 

very cool story.

 

Hes 84, so hes definitely lived a good life.

Like I said above, at 84 he's lived amazingly. Hes had 3 great kids and his 50th anniversary was last year. I believe theres less than a handful of countries he hasn't been too. Hes definitely lived, which I am proud of him for.

Thanks a lot guys.

Not to hijack your thread Slice, your story was quite good!

 

No one thinks that. I am sure someone here can help you with that.

 

I wish I could get him a ride, but I doubt it. I've got a friend's dad who owns a Ferrari, but its in storage, and hes the type of @$$H0L3 that wouldn't give a damn.

Thank you for the condolences.

 

Thanks all for the kind words folks, I enjoyed sharing the story with those who appreciate it. I certainly hope my Porsche is the first step towards the Ferrari stable.

Another tidbit about the 512 TR:

For those who remember the movie "Scent of a Woman" with Al Pacino you'll recall the scene in which Pacino drives the Mondial through the streets of New York. Well before taking the Mondial out, he visits Steven Kessler Ferrari. The same TR that my grandfather and I drove in can be seen (albeit for a couple seconds) in the Kessler showroom.

 

Best Ferrari story I have ever heard. Thanks for sharing.

 

Honestly the best Ferrari story ive heard. Few years back when i was about 13 i went over to a friends house whose father was a prominent car dealer.

"My dads got a new Ferrari"
"yeah, believe it when i see it"
Friends dad produces the keys tells me to go in the garage and have a look.
Garage door opens...gleaming brand new red 360 sitting there
First and only Ferrari ive been in properly
Regards

 

That story bring's a tear to my eye because that's how I like to view all Ferrari owner's as being. Welcome to Fchat by the way.

Gregg

 

+1

Greatest story ever! Welcome here

 

Slice...what part of CT. My 348 is obviously out of Commision for the winter but...if your near...always looking for Ferrari buddies to crack a pint with. Great story. FYI sorry, I'm not as trusting a soul as your "friend".

Andy - Montreal in the Winter is going to hard to find a ride. Tell gramps to hold on till spring and we will find him (and you) a great one. I'd love to do it myself, but alas, to far away. I think I know a 348SS owner up there, and I know thats your favorite.

 

Awesome story I'm still teary eyed and owning a Porsche is a thrill in it's own right.

 

The doctors say at most weeks, but they don't know my grandfather, haha. He's had 9 lives, trust me. I just hope that he'll hang on.