I vote for "a quiet gradual groundswell of change" myself.....sounds more like a beautiful morning on a tropical beach somewhere.... I know Napolis uses the term as it applies to this country, as a cautionary warning....I tend to agree.
Hi Jim: I agree on the sketches, I have a set on the wall. I also ordered changes to match the original sketch a bit more, as well as nod to my old cars. I think the 599 is an outstanding, useable Ferrari, far more than any in recent memory. A 4-cam crossed with a 6.3. The 8C is a CF body on a smaller chassis, so dynamically it should be better than a 599. That said, great car as the 8C is (I'd take one in the dark blue they showed), 250k for a brand that has not had a "premium car" since the 30's is stretching. About as idiotic as the last 2 Bugattis, or a 2 ton "Mclaren" pig. 8C is far better car and concept as aforementioned, but it again is a part of the Ferrari/Maserati/Alfa toe-stepping contest. The California is an SL, should have been a Maser. The 8C doesn't fit anywhere, should have been marketed in association with Alfa as PF, not as an A-R. Production numbers will preserve value, as will beauty. I think the 599 will do reasonably well long-term, better than other 12's, as it is a better car. Also, such profligate consumption won't be tolerated by governments or society, so doubt we'll see another like it in future. Even the new F-whatever will be smaller (good), and likely not a 12 if my sources and yours are reasonable. A return to the 288/F40 will be welcome, but even so, it must be greener, less brash. I'll take the one I have coming (assuming FNA likes me enough), but the 599 is a keeper, even if range is less than I'd like. So, white bings vs. starfruit. Both rare, both tasty, but utterly to taste. J-car or P-car. DV-32 or J. Ineffable, ethereal, but greatness either way. L PS, I don't want people noticing my 599. All the better to use it as god intended.
In the spirit of the revolution that founded this country, we are long overdue for another. Let the streets run red with the blood of the thieves and cowards and traitors who hide behind office and bluster and patriotism. [/highjack]
The original revolution was driven by men of thought and reason, not by hordes. Revolution by horde leads to a repetition of same. And a big damn deficit. Enough, or a good thread will be in P&R.
I know that my opinion is not to be weighted as heavily as the big dogs on here. I am a simple man and I am no car collector. However, I really do not find the 8c to be all that breathtaking. I hope everyone buys the Alpha instead of the 599... more for me.
Numbered sets given to boneheads like me (and Jim ) There is a article on PF's website http://www.pininfarina.it/repository/Approfondimenti/Ferrari599/Ferrari%20599%20GTB%20Fiorano%20Car%20Styling_31-07-2006.pdf BTW, nobody gives much credit to the Rosso, which was a semi-forgotten but prophetic showcar. And it didn't have bloody chrome all over the front end like a rapper.
The 8C got a REALLY bad review on Topgear. EVO Magazine wasn't too cheerful either. It comes down to all looks but not much else. Of course I don't know this from first hand.
The only 8Cs I've seen in person were in the warehouse, wrapped in that white tape stuff... still, I'm not a big fan of the looks. Honestly, I'm not that big a fan of the looks of the 599 either, but I prefer it to the 8C. And the 8C is small, if that's your thing.
Hi Jim: Dutch collector has her now. Quite a few items on 599 are on that car, character lines that intersect was most notable, and semi-exposed taillights. I'd have bought that, needs an FXX evo motor to seal deal though, one of the Barchetta helmets.
Pretty famous car, but it's hard to cover the Hill Country or a continent 1/4 mi at a time That club needs some real iron it it.
I have had 2 599's and am patiently waiting for my 8C to arrive late September early August. Will give you my views then. For now at least I think the 8C is drop dead gorgeous that that counts in my books. Neither 8C nor 599 will see the track. I have other weapons for that purpose.
+1 Don't get me wrong, the 599 is respectable, but that 8c brings tears.. Can't wait to see one and drive it.
Maybe I'm off kilter here in this love fest for the 8C, but I've seen one up close (right next to the Nuvolari 8C) and while it is very pretty it really doesn't do it for me as a $250K exotic. It's an Alfa for heaven's sake! I had Alfas when I was younger and loved them. I tracked a really pretty 1600 GTV and later a 1750. I had Guilias, Guiliettas, even an Alfasud. I rented a particularly peppy 159 in Maranello earlier this year and really enjoyed it. The 8C is a continuation of all of that for me. I simply can't see it or feel it in the same ethos as a Ferrari - any Ferrari! All of you who are buying it - I wish you happy healthy miles. Those replacing Ferraris with it, I wish you good therapy sessions, because once the enormity of the decision comes to your frontal lobe, you will need therapy.
