I drove an F40 today.

It's arguably the most iconic Ferrari of all time. The Ferrari F40 has been sought after by collectors and enthusiasts all around the world and has been hailed by those that have been fortunate enough to experience them. Some of you may remember my post from earlier in the week when I was lucky enough to go for my first ride in an F40 owned by our very own frefan. It was a brief ride, but it definitely made an impression. Today, Sunday, we got together to do a photoshoot with the F40, so I was extremely excited to ride in it again. This time it was for a much longer drive so I got to really experience the car in various situations. The car is brutal. It's raw, it's edgy, and it's very, VERY impressive. When you consider that this car has been around for as long as I've been alive, it puts everything into perspective. A member once mentioned that he did a 10-hour long drive in his F40 and was dying to get out at the end. I spent about an hour and a half or so in one sprint before our first stop and was totally comfortable the entire time. Not saying that a 10-hour drive would be totally comfortable, but I was surprised that it held up so well. Anyway, we get done with our photoshoot and are heading back home. I ask how this compares to other Ferraris (the 328 that I drove, the F50, etc). He explained how it feels so different than anything else out there. He then offered to let me drive. We switched seats and walked me through driving it (everything from when to shift on certain gears, braking methods, how the throttle would respond, etc. So I headed off onto an almost vacant freeway. The clutch is heavy, the throttle is hard, and the brakes are tough. Once I got used to it, it was extremely rewarding. The steering is pin-sharp and the feedback through the wheel, pedal, and seats is fantastic. The brake pedal is very hard, but the feel is outstanding. The shift knob is a lot stiffer than the 328, but I actually like it. Once those turbos spool up, they unleash their fury as if they were opening the gates of Hell. You can feel the car (especially the rear) hunker down and grip the road like a Vice Grip on a plank of wood. The turbos hiss away and you see the boost gauge increase at a rapid pace. You're thrown back into the seat while holding onto the steering wheel with a death grip. I glance down to see the speedo race past...well, if I said I'd get thrown in jail or at least a hefty ticket fine. Off the gas and the exhaust burbles and fires off shots like a back-alley gun fight. After driving the car for a number of miles, I said to Mike, "This can get really, REALLY addicting." I've driven 9 Ferraris now. This was the most difficult car I've ever driven, but it was also extremely rewarding.

Mike, THANK YOU for providing such a wonderful opportunity. You are truly a car ENTHUSIAST who isn't afraid to drive his cars and shares his passion with all alike. Mike, I truly owe you one.

Video: [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wJEIL3Gcg8[/ame]

-Gil

 

Where do you go in life after that?

 

F50

 

I have no clue. Owning one maybe?

I've ridden in an F50 and I think I like the F40 more. The F40 was more raw and organic. Granted, I've never driven an F50, but I'm assuming having ridden in both.

-Gil

 

Thanks for sharing your experience. I could almost hear the turbos spool up.

 

Here's one of my favorite photos from yesterday's drive. That's Donner Lake in the background.

High-res: http://www.flickr.com/photos/folkphotography/7975359606/in/photostream

-Gil
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

That's a fantastic image. I love the others on Flickr too...

 

Thanks Joe. This is another favorite of mine.

EDIT: Sorry the photo attached is so small. F-Chat wouldn't let me upload a larger size. Click link for high-res: http://www.flickr.com/photos/folkphotography/7978679801/in/photostream/

-Gil
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Very cool photo.... [yeah, HDR and all]

Jedi

 

Frefan does sound like a very cool guy by his postings on here. Very cool of him to share something that special.

 

Thanks Jedi! Actually, none of my photos are HDR. Just some minor editing in Lightroom 3. Hope you're doing well!

He is a wonderful ambassador of the marquee. He is very passionate and enthusiastic about all of his cars and none of them are garage queens. He drives the hell out of every one of them, but also keeps them meticulously maintained.

-Gil

 

Fantastic photos!!
I scrolled through your flickr and you are very talented

I'm still jealous of you

 

those are some incredible photos. Is that north of reno closer to the california side?

 

Thanks guys! Those were taken near Truckee which is in California. About an hour drive from Reno.

Mike and I took the car out again yesterday for some more photos. We went to a place that I found here in town. Here's one from that shoot. Really glad you guys like the photos! I'll post more if you'd like.

High-res: http://www.flickr.com/photos/folkphotography/7987086184/in/photostream

-Gil
Image Unavailable, Please Login