Hi all, Like many when I was a kid I could only dream of some day have a Ferrari. I got a taste of the sound and excitement and fan base for Ferrari at the Indianapolis FI race a couple years ago and to say the least it was most impressive. Most of my racing has been the one quarter mile at a time variety. I've had many powerful cars over the years and while blistering acceleration is a rush, I now desire the combination of ride, handling, performance and sound, "the complete package". Ferrari ownership is getting much closer, as in a couple years maybe sooner. Meanwhile I've looked at the info that is in this forum and I really appreciate how much help it will be in deciding which model I bring home. Thankyou all very much, UncleRay
Welcome to Ferrarichat UncleRay What other cars have you owned? Fill out your profile so we can know more about you
Thankyou for the welcome and I got a start on the profile page. Previous car list is quite long but here are few of the ones I'd like to have back; 1956 Studebaker Golden Hawk, 1964 Corvette, 1965 Olds 442, 1967 GTO, 1967 442, 1973 GMC short box low rider, 1977 Corvette. These were all fine rides and some had been modified. Current sports car is a 1987 Porsche 944 Turbo which after a couple more months of winter comes out of storage. Ferrari of choice for now is a rear engined V-8 or 12 cylinder two seater. I am looking forward to the Ferrai experience. Thanks again, UncleRay
Welcome Ray, er Uncle Ray. I completed my Ferrari education right here on Fchat. I didn't know a lot about them until an owner told me about this site a couple of years ago. I read, searched and learned and now am an owner. Welcome.
There are a lot of Ferrari choices and picking one will take a while because they are all so gorgeous. Like going to the dance and getting the first pick of all the lovely ladies. I definitely like the red exterior with either the tan or black interior. Black exterior with black interior or tan interior a very close second. The car doesn't need neck snapping acceleration. If I want that I can a street car with the parts in the garage, but that is too one dimensional. I like a engine that will accelerate the car smoothly with out effort and at the same time it is telling you, if you want more all you have to do is ask and I'll deliver. I like to think that the car and engine are always talking to the driver through the seat, steering wheel, ears and pedals. I am looking for a combination that will put that grin on my face while driving. The 944 turbo I have now is a nice blend of power, handling and ride. I'd like a car with similar power or it could be a little more. I like to be able to roll up the widows after the first 100 miles or so on my way up north to the lake. The trip is 210 miles so I'd like to make it without stopping for gas. I also don't mind taking the car to the the hardware store and then on the way home make a "whip" through town and come back home the other way for total trip of around 10 miles. The car needs to be able to cruise in high gear at lower speeds when the mood calls for it. It needs to be able to pass slower traffic with one downshift or if in a real hurry downshift two gears with out having to rev it red line to get enough power. I think that the 328 GTS or coupe is a good place to begin gathering information unless I'm way off the mark. Your interest and replies are appreciated. Thanks, UncleRay
If I was in your shoes, I would go for a 550 or a 575M sounds like that's what you are looking for. What is your budget?
I did a little searching on the 550 about features, standard equipment and checked ebay for more pictures. There was red with tan interior 1998...........very nice. It could be parked in the garage anytime. I do like the extra storage for golf clubs, fishing gear, etc. I must admit the V-12 is very "intoxicating". I went to the 550 section and listened to the exhaust sounds. I prefer a somewhat muted sound but loud enough for me to hear at normal driving and the definite attention getting snarl that cannot be mistaken when stepping on the loud pedal. I'd put about 2500 miles a year on the car. The car would get rev'd close to red line at some point during each use, typically the first few gears without hammering the shifter. My initial thoughts were for up to 50g initial out lay for a car and the maintenance is take it as it comes. If 944 went down the road I would raise the initial to 60g. This how it would look in about 2 years and hopefully not longer. Thanks for your reply, the 550 will be a force to consider with the others. UncleRay
Yes, the 355 is definitely an option and perhaps closer to my initial amount to spend. I have not had the opportunity to ride in or drive any Ferrari. My preferences now are based solely on sight and sound. When the time comes, a seat of the pants experience will either tell me "this is ok but not quite it" or "wow this is it". Thanks for your reply, Uncle Ray
I would agree, I want a 355 as my first Ferrari, they sound amazing and look beautiful, the only reason I recommended the 550 or 575 was because Uncle Ray wanted the ride with comfort as well as the option of punching the throttle. Good luck with the search
Even though ownership is out there a ways I have to say that I feel a bit like a kid at Christmas that can't wait to open presents. The search will be fun. For now, I need to get ready to head up north for some long awaited ice fishing. Thanks, UncleRay
