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Driving a 612 in the DMV?

Discussion in 'Mid-Atlantic Region - USA (PA, DE, MD, DC, VA)' started by Alaris, Oct 7, 2024.

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  1. Alaris

    Alaris Rookie

    May 22, 2007
    45
    MD/DC
    #1 Alaris, Oct 7, 2024
    I have been lusting after a 612 ever since I found out I can actually fit comfortably in one (even the rear seat amazingly) at 6’6”. The dealer of the one I sat in would not let me drive it without a signed contract and I didn’t want that car because of the color combination and the price ($99k and silver, I am looking for a *color*). That car is gone now anyway now that I’ve gotten more serious.

    I’m looking for a pre-OTO F1 hopefully with HGTS. The nearest 612 for sale is 600 miles away (I’m in the MD/DC area) and it’s not one I’m interested in. I’d rather not waste anyone’s time and would prefer to either rent one or drive a kind Fchat owner’s car willing to share the love if possible. I do not have time in the next few months to spend more than a day on this project.

    1) does anyone know of one for rent for instance on Turo (I haven’t been able to find one) or 2) would anyone on the east coast preferably within a day’s round trip drive of DC let me drive their car for half an hour or so?

    References: I have known Al Passori for over 20 years and he can (hopefully) vouch for me being a reasonable guy. Jim Humphries kindly let me drive his TR.

    I’m not looking for a high speed test drive, I really just want to get a proper feel for the car and decide if I should continue to list over one until I can find just the right example. I recently test drove a 430 and I don’t fit and it wasn’t my cup of tea—too high strung. My favorite is a 355 but I drive too much for that kind of engine out work.

    Longtime Porsche 911 owner and Fchat member, hope this isn’t an unacceptable ask. The car would be joining my 1973 911 and 2007 911 as my first Ferrari.
     
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  2. Stackhouse

    Stackhouse F1 Rookie
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    Feb 14, 2004
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    #2 Stackhouse, Oct 7, 2024
    Just got back from a 500+ mile trip in my 612! Absolute joy to drive! If you happen to visit Utah I'm happy to toss ya the keys! I'm 6'2 and have driven three full grown adults and often toss my kids in the back with zero complaints! Have a friend who is 6'7 and he can comfortably drive it!

    Currently the 612 is one of the best values in the Ferrari Market!!
     
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  3. Alaris

    Alaris Rookie

    May 22, 2007
    45
    MD/DC
    #3 Alaris, Oct 8, 2024
    Thank you for the kind offer. Hopefully someone nearby will be equally generous. I agree on the value front. I’m looking for a long distance grand tourer and this is exactly the right choice I think.
     
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  4. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    Feb 11, 2005
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    PC, UT
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    Joe
    #4 Qksilver, Oct 8, 2024
    I don't know... it's a great time of year in Utah - might be worth making a trip out of it!
     
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  5. Stackhouse

    Stackhouse F1 Rookie
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    Feb 14, 2004
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    #5 Stackhouse, Oct 8, 2024
    Indeed! But, Utah roads suck for driving* I would suggest people never move here, stay in CA, AZ, NV, NY, ETC...

    (*Feeding the Algorithm) ;-)

    Start the morning in the canyons, afternoon dusting the car off on the west side! ;-)


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  6. Qksilver

    Qksilver F1 Rookie
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    #6 Qksilver, Oct 9, 2024
    I meant to say it's NOT a great time of year to be here... absolutely terrible. Wish I was anywhere else!
     
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  7. Stackhouse

    Stackhouse F1 Rookie
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    #7 Stackhouse, Oct 9, 2024
    Agree, Never is a great time to visit Utah* LA or down town NYC have much better driving lol
     
  8. Cobraownr

    Cobraownr Formula Junior
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    Feb 6, 2008
    944
    Edgewater, MD
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    Donald Silawsky
    #8 Cobraownr, Oct 12, 2024
    I owned (past tense) a 2010 612 OTO and 2007 612 Sessanta and would be happy to chat with you. I have a buddy in PA with a 612 OTO who might be willing to let you drive it. I did that for him in my OTO when he was still thinking about purchasing. No promises, though. The OTO will be a little different drive from a non-OTO but would be better than buying blind.

    Get in touch by PM if interested.

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  9. chris_columbia

    chris_columbia Formula Junior
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    Feb 5, 2008
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    #9 chris_columbia, Oct 14, 2024
    My response is basically the same as the "advice" I gave to guy looking at the barnfind 456 over in the 456/550 section. Life is short. The risk is you don't end up in a 612. You have a well known member offering you a drive in a 612,(plus his wealth of knowledge), and flying to Utah is too inconvenient? I think you'd learn a lot. On the other hand, I just don't see a lot of risk in just buying a 612 in a "color". I'm not a monochromatic guy either so I get your preference. Worst case is you have a 612 for a awhile and decide it isn't for you. One day you'll be too old to do this kind of stuff.

    I was looking for a 997 like you have(10yrs ago), and ended up in a 456 instead, somewhat by accident. They weren't that different price wise at the time(this is still true today). I had access to a 997 and found it fairly boring, but definitely useable and was looking for a local one, when a local 456 came up for sale. Waaay more interesting car. I assume the same holds true for the 612. And in a lot of ways the 456 was easier to own. Certainly engine bay work was easier to access.
     
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  10. rampante550

    rampante550 Formula Junior

    Jul 20, 2010
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    #10 rampante550, Oct 22, 2024
    Yeah, I agree - a guy offered to give you what you want and you're not willing to hop a quick flight? Not to mention it would be fun and a cool story
     

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