Need Help from Local NYC Metro 288 GTO Owner

I am writing a 288 GTO story for a magazine and need help from a local NYC Metro owner. I know it's asking a lot - however, I need ~10 minutes behind the wheel to be able to finish the article.

My credentials: I am a member of the International Motor Press Association. I have a competition license. I have been a track instructor since the late 1970's. I have hundreds of thousands of miles behind the wheel of manual shift cars and have never replaced a clutch. I have a never had an accident that was my fault and I have a clean driving record...

Your car will be pictured in an international magazine and I'll give you a 16X20 inch photo of your car as thanks.

Please let me know if you can assist.

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Where to begin? I drive cars for a living. Interesting cars. Fast cars. Expensive cars. And have been doing this for over 2 decades. If I can't find out what I need to know about a car in a 10 minute drive, I would not be able to do this job. During press days, many times you do not get more than 10 minutes with a car. Last year, in one 60 minute period, I drove a Rolls Royce, an Audi A8, 3 BMWs and a Mazda 2. I take great notes and can tell you everything a driver would want to know about each car. Of course, a longer drive allows for a more in depth study but a professional has, over time, learned an automotive vocabulary and can quickly make comparisons to other similar cars driven and can just as quickly categorize the one being driven for a handful of criteria that the avid reader craves to know. I have driven press cars from NJ to Florida, Wisconsin and West Virginia. I have driven Ferraris and Porsches in Germany, Italy, France and Monaco for many hundreds of miles. And in all occasions, I have answered my basic list of questions in 10 miles or less. A few years back, for an article, I co-drove a Porsche with Derek Bell on a race track. He drove first since it was my car, and he knew every thing he needed to know about the car in one 60 second lap and while I was impressed, I wasn't amazed. Alas, since I'm not D.Bell, it seems to take me a little longer.

I hope that answers your question. Since you are obviously a fine linguist, please let me ask you a question. Can you provide the Dutch translation for a few of words that have come to mind recently - arrogant, ignorant, ill-mannered and condescending. I'm making a guess that you are quite familiar with them.

 

Your response was enlightening (especially the MPG part - very important these days). I was not aware of the stolen 288 GTO issue and apologize for that.

I have been researching a story for Forza. I have not been able to drive one and the quality of the article hinges on being able to describe the driving experience. I have been given permission by very many owners to drive their priceless Ferraris and Porsches without question. That's why I am a bit flummoxed with the difficulty finding a 288 GTO to drive. I know they are valuable and, of course, understand there may be some the reluctance. But the insight into a stolen car incident has really opened my eyes and I really thank you for that.

It's hard to believe, but Forza has never done a story on the 288 GTO. Maybe because of rarity or maybe because it slipped through the cracks. Given the rarity and value of these cars, I won't try to over sell the idea of a brief drive to any owner. I just thought I'd ask in the place where many owners are.

As for treating anyone's car like a press cars - that has never been an issue for us. Our owner has a firm rule for all loaned vehicles - treat them with respect. We are obliged to returned them clean, in the same condition as delivered to us and with a full tank of fuel. I know I have never abused a vehicle (press or owner) and would be kicked off the masthead if I did.

Again, thanks - your response was both helpful and very professional.

 

Thanks - most helpful!

 

I agree, but I was made aware that there was an issue where someone posted a request for a drive and it resulted in a stolen car attempt. I can understand any reluctance.

 

I kind of guessed there are very few in the USA since them made around 273 (give or take). As for the fast food drive through... My first press Ferrari was a 456 M GTA and my friend and I drove it from FNA HQ in Engelwood Cliffs to Asbury Park. Drove by the Stone Pony. Then we went to Rumson and went by the "Boss'" house and then Bon Jovi's chateau (there was a Ferrari, as I recall, in the drive). On the way home, we stopped at Mickey D's and went through the drive-thru lane. Naturally, we super-sized EVERYTHING. I believe I have a slide of that event lurking in the files.

Thanks for the post - you guys are being very helpful...

 

Thanks you sir. Recently, I had an article in issue 108 and have 2 articles in issue 109 - the Boxer piece was made possible, I must add, by some of the generous folks on F-Chat.

 

I know I have every issue back to number 1 - I'll check it out. Thanks.

 

Much appreciated.

 

A memorable moment in a Ferrari!
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