Need Opinions on Ferrari Dilemma...

Hope I posted this in the correct sub forum. Just wanted to get some input / feedback / opinions from all of you, since I value highly your collective opinions and experiences...

Was doing some thinking over the holidays and doing the usual New Year's regrouping of goals, planning, and new directions -- and, for some odd reason, the idea of "downsizing" and "consolidating" has sort of taken hold. Perhaps it's simply a matter of evolving priorities, etc. -- or perhaps it came about while trying to decide whether or not to repair the pool screen enclosure for the umpteenth time just for another series of hurricanes, or simply tear it down altogether -- which led to more thinking.

Then I really fell off my rocker and started thinking about the cars! Seems as though with each year there's less free time to enjoy as the responsibilities of family, business, etc. grows; therefore, I find myself not being able to drive and enjoy the cars as much as I'd like. Then, when you factor in not enough garage space, constant upkeep and maintenance, etc. -- for cars that increasingly seem to become garage queens -- one starts to wonder if it's time to downsize / reprioritize.

Add also the fact that the wife (who was kicked out of the garage long ago) would like to get a fun car this year as well -- and reclaim her garage space . I now find myself in sort of a quandary as to "what to do".... what would be your opinions regarding the following:

After sharing with the wife the above, I mentioned also that it would be nice to downsize the collection on my behalf to just one Ferrari. Funny thing is how receptive to that idea she was . My thoughts were to perhaps sell or trade the 308QV and the TR across the board for something "newer" -- say a '98 or '99 F355 F1-B -- and pay the difference. This would give her the convenience of driving and enjoying the car as well due to the F1 tranny. Would also be delighted to hear from former and current 355 F1 owners -- especially those of you who've previously owned 308's and TR's.

At the present, it's just an idea that I've been tossing around; and, although I'm not that enthusiastic about letting go of the current cars, it would be very nice to have just one newer F-car to enjoy and worry with. I must admit that I don't really look forward to the hassle of trying to sell two F-cars neither. Either way, I'm going to need the extra garage space later this year for "her" toy -- a man's gotta' keep his promises.

Is this a ridiculous proposition? Am I out of my mind? As Bruce says, "Do I need to up my meds"? Tell me what you really think.....

 

Thanks Yoshi and Eric for the opinions and advice thus far -- you've helped calm my insanity!

Indeed, parting with either of the current cars would be a big gulp to swallow; but, in the end, it seems the best solution.

Like Yoshi said, the 308 was my "first". And both it and the TR have been long-time "dream cars". I still think they are beautiful and visceral machines!

The more I research the 355's, the more beautiful and appealing they become beyond what I noticed before. It seems like a proper and fitting car to replace the others with. It almost has many of the qualities and features of both the 308 and TR built into one nice well-designed package -- with an F1 tranny to boot.

Primarily, the car would be used as a "fun" car -- driven to events / shows, around town for pleasure, driven to work on occasion, etc. -- all of which the current cars have been used for, with the exception being that the 355 would be actually "driven" to events/shows instead of tailored . And, with an F1, the wife could drive it and enjoy it as well (she doesn't prefer manual / clutch trans. at all).

As hard of a move as this would be from an emotional standpoint, there would always be the satisfaction, experience, and knowledge gained from once owning the former “dream cars”.

I guess that next comes the cold hard reality that I’ll have to basically “give” these two cars away….

 

Karen – LOL! Yes, at this stage of the game, I’m even considering letting the MGB and the 944 go just to “simplify” things.

Vik – very good points. In addition to the F1, the wife will probably appreciate creature comforts like power assisted steering, ABS, etc.

Thanks Dan – the idea of a storage unit didn’t even cross my mind. Do have a couple of available enclosed garage bays at the office, but it’s rather dusty and dingy environment. Currently, I keep the MG and 944 stored there the majority of the time and it’s sort of a hassle to care for the cars and take them for drives when they are not that readily accessible, if you know what I mean. Sort of complicates things.

Mike – ROTFL! How very true! Which is part of the reason I promised to get her a “fun” car too – but, as we all know, that still can’t compete with the items you mentioned. As a matter of fact, I think she’d prefer those instead.

My good friend, Bruce – I really like your religion! And, like you, wouldn’t want it any other way. She certainly deserves it after putting up with me all these years . Your recommendation of a 550 is one I hadn’t considered yet. After the TR came along, I’ve become intoxicated with the aura of the 12-cyl. engines. Price-wise, they aren’t too far off base from the 355 F1 prices it appears. Will definitely have to give the 550’s close consideration also. That said, my wife loved seeing the pics of your TDF 550 a while back – so that’s a good sign.

Duane -- would you believe that we actually considered that idea in our discussion? Was thinking about adding a detached single-car garage w/ lift to accomodate two additional cars. We have the space available for this. Of course, this would probably delay the 355 or 550 for at least 3 or 4 more years. Haven't ruled this one out though.

I guess it boils down to simplifying things. Having time to reflect and realize that, in addition to life getting more hectic, the days and years are flying by. Just realized that my daughter will be leaving for college in another 4 years, and my son won’t be too far behind. Rather sobering, and puts things in perspective. Furthermore, I would not want these cars to be neglected, and not driven routinely as they should – nor do I wish to shell out unnecessary $$$ on maintenance because they were not.

 

Just out of curiosity...is the 550 available with F1 trans.? Have seen it on the 575M models, but don't recall running across it in the 550. A quick browse of the dealer pages only showed available 6-speeds for sale.

 

Andrew – Thank you for the info. On the 6-speed. Was wondering why I couldn’t locate any 550’s with F1’s for sale. Kind of a bummer too, as this is one of the main deciding factors. I recalled reading in FORZA Mag. a while back and they mentioned a possible F1 option, but I guess that never came to fruition…especially with the newer 575. Looks like all things are pointing towards a 355 now.

Andy – Your insight into this is very helpful…particularly with regards to the F1 side of things. I showed my wife your post just a little while ago, and she was happy to see that this option is and can be enjoyed by our “better halves” – even when shopping. On a side note, I was mainly looking into the Berlinetta models – but was wondering what it was like to live with a Spider version. Is the top fairly simple to raise up and down and store away?

 

LOL, Frank! I do admire and respect your appreciation for the 12-cyl. F-Cars. Believe me, after having driven the TR over the last year-and-a-half, I have great respect for that machine! I can only imagine what it'd be like to tap into the capabilities of the 550 / 575 cars. Ironic that you mentioned the Corvette, as that is precisely the car that the wife wants. We've put off purchasing one until the latter part of this year, hoping that by then the new 6-speed auto. will be available in the C6. Otherwise, we'll just have to see what's available.

Thanks Andy and Vik for clearing of the questions regarding the Spider top! Doesn't sound to difficult or hard to live with.