My Challange Stradale story

I FINALLY took delivery of my Challenge Stradale. It was a 37th birthday present to myself a couple months ago, and I couldn't be happier! Unfortunately, I'm a little sick and it's raining today, so I just took a quick drive to the weigh station (for car registration) and then home to put it in my garage. Even with that little drive I am absolutely in love with this car. My wife even likes it, and that's saying a lot. It is exactly what I was hoping it would be, and I am looking forward to the weather being nice so I can actually enjoy it. It needs a wash BAD, and needs some TLC and Alcantara cleaning, as expected with a 20 year old car with 18,000 miles. Looking forward to working on it and enjoying it hopefully for many years to come!

The mods done to the car are Tubi headers, hi flow cats, and 360trev's mild tune. I am also converting it to 430 Challenge hubs and wheels here in a few days when I feel better. After that, I'm tossing on the Morimoto tail lights I've had sitting under my desk for months, and I'll be done with mods on the car. Not doing much, as that would be silly. I'm then going to toss in new spark plugs, coils, MAFs, O2 sensors, and air filters per 360trev's recommendation. After that, it's just washing, a good bit of TLC, maintenance over the years mostly done by myself, and lots and lots of driving. I will not be watching miles at all expect to tell me when to do maintenance.

I'm making this thread so I can have all my posts about my car in one place, and to share my journey of ownership with this car. Thank you to everyone that talked me into this. I've wanted this car for 19 years, and can't believe I own one now! My wife was staring at it in the garage shaking her head and said "I can't believe we own a Ferrari. Man, we've worked hard." She is 100% right and this is so AWESOME!!!!!

Just one picture for now of it in the county weigh station (old sugar mill weigh station they still use). Came in right at 3,000lbs for what it's worth. Many more pictures and video to come.
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Finally its here. Well done

 

FINALLY

 

Can’t believe it has been almost 20 years since those came out. My first ride in a Ferrari was a CS back in 2004 when it was brand new. I didn’t realize just how special it was at the time but after a few more rides in other Ferraris over the years I kept thinking back to the CS. Such a pure and raw car.

Congrats on achieving such an important dream and thanks for sharing your experiences!

 

Awesome! Saw it on your insta, didn't know it was your page! Hope you'll post plenty of pics and vids there.

 

I hope you enjoy the car. I have had mine since new in 2004 and it still puts a smile on my face.

 

Thanks for sharing! The moment you see it in person for the first time is so special. Share your IG handle so we can follow your journey.
Also, I recommend Sonax Alcantara cleaner with a soft brush.

 

Now aren’t you glad a few of us pushed you off the fence before your handle became “Grandfather of a College Boy”? Just remember us non-Ferrari owners on your thrilling drives.

 

I really am thankful, and yes, much better than waiting another 5-10-20 years.

 

wow! You’ve had it since new? That really is something special. You were one of those guys I’d see in college and be like “wow”. Haha. Keep enjoying your CS!

 

Thanks. I actually have Dr. Beasely’s cleaner and also their protectant. I already bought it because I knew it would need some work.

 

Sweet, congrats!

 

She is gorgeous Mikey! Big congrats and officially welcome the 360/430 club

You are right, our stories are so similar. Got mine for my birthday as well. Between the initial deposit for the car and delivery was a couple months apart. The anxiety of waiting is real so I totally feel you. The "upgrades" I bought for the car while waiting stacked up and I still haven't put them all in yet due to all the rain lately in SoCal.

Is the car with you in Kauai? We love that Island. Would love to see it in person some day

 

Yes, it is in Kauai. It will probably bounce back and forth between Kauai and Texas as we go back and forth quite often.

 

I have been blessed to own many Ferraris since 1974. The CS is among my favorites along with my first Ferrari a 275GTB and my Daytona which I owned almost 40 years and sold in a moment of pure stupidity. I plan not to make the same mistake with the CS.

 

She's a beaut ! Enjoy on rude health !

Glad we where able to spot those power sapping issues on the Dyno and get them resolved quickly!

Get some miles under those sexy rims, they need driving to keep everything running well.

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Nice! Wonder how much it'll cost to transport it that way though. Cost $1K to bring it from from NorCal to SoCal alone

 

It is right at $4,000 from Texas to Kauai. I just paid it LOL. When I bring it to the mainland, knowing me, I'll just ship it to California for about half that price, then drive it to Texas. I love driving very long distances.

 

If you bring it ca .. most definitely we need to rip together

 

Count me in on that too

 

Absolutely fabulous! Congratulations on your purchase.

like you, the CS is my favourite car and always has been since 2003 when it came out.

I made my dream purchase when I was 32, except I cheated a little as mine is a challenge stradale converted car as I couldn’t afford the whole premium that an original CS holds.

I’ve subscribed to the thread and can’t wait to see more photos! Lovely and health to drive bud

 

Any time

 

Oh hey there's the guy from IG!

Grats again man. Car looks fantastic.

 

Congrats!

 

Congratulations on the CS purchase. I’ve owned mine for 12 years. One recommendation. Don’t mod this car. It will impact its value. This is a car you want to keep original. It’s like a Picasso. Don’t mess with it. Enjoy!