87 years old and in a Ferrari

Last evening I realized that I had never taken my father for a ride in any of my Ferraris. Shame on me! I had given rides to many visitors, friends, family members but not my 87 year old dad. Compound that with the fact that he had a triple bypass two months ago and nearly died from a staff infection! So, last night I asked, "want to go for a ride in the 355"? Yep! So, off we went, took him out, great thing to take a heart patient on his first ride. We know his heart works well now! Man, I've owned Ferraris for several years, can't believe I have never taken my dad on a ride. Again, shame on me. Now to let him drive!

 

No pictures?

 

Good Man! These are the things we will remember one day when our parents are no longer with us. For me it was watching the 2004 World Cup with my dad at 3 in the morning after getting home from work! Spend as much time with him as you can now.

 

It was because of my dad having a 250 Lusso when he lived in Italy, that I now have my 308. A few years after buying my 308, dad bought a Mondial Cabriolet! My dad has always been a car nut.

 

My dad is 75 and I took him in my 355 spider a few times. While he enjoys it, he does get nervous when I take corners (somewhat) fast and rev the engine. Whe I had my 328 I drove up to Montreal for the grand prix with him. We had a blast and it was great to see a smile on his face.

Next is my mother. She has not been in the 355 but she really likes the look of it. She told me that one day she wants me to take her to brunch at the Four seasons with the car.

Theo

 

Took my dad recently up Hwy 74 in Palm Desert on an early morning canyon run. He was a bit nervous. Heh, heh, remember when you took my keys away in high school, pop?

 

Well, I let my dad DRIVE my car last weekend. So I'm thinking he's going to take it slow and drive it like a pansy...which was going to be a-okay with me. Holy ****, he floored it around turns up in the North Georgia mountains and revving up to 7000 rpm and actually managed to scare ME!!!!! It was actually quite a lot of fun. I didn't know the ol' guy still had it in him. The best part was the massive smile from ear to ear that I haven't seen in a while! Definitely a memorable experience.

 

he was just waiting for you to toss the 'kid' the keys...... bout time.

 

I guess he was...and he surely didn't dissapoint.

 

isn't it amazing how these old folkes make us feel like they were 'been there, did that'

remember two instances where such happened with me:
- my parents, who I knew to dance...slowly, got up once and "CUT THE RUG" doing a 40's style swing dance at a wedding: WOW

- dad, great car guy who I never really seen do like your dad, took me out in a small MG he had and just smoke the winding road.

WOW again.....


[still trying to learn swing dancing, but my cornering is looking good]

 

This thread reminds me of the ride I gave my now deceased grandfather last Thanksgiving in my F355. He had never been one to like European or Japanese cars as he had served in World War II and still had not really forgiven the axis powers. He was quite ill and I thought it would be too much for him to even get into the car, but he insisted he was fine. I took him for a spirited drive up I70 and back and he had the time of his life! I asked if he was okay with the car being Italian (WW II thing), to which he replied, "it is not a car, but a work of art, it is fantastic and thank you so much!" During his last couple of weeks in July, he kept telling my relatives and the nurses in the hospital about his ride with his grandson in a Ferrari! So all I can add, is if someone wants a ride, don't hold back because of their age or health, maybe even make sure you give them a ride for this reason if they ask, I know I certainly do not regret it.

 

Your point touched me since this happened to me as well with my father-in-law who passed last year, but not before I took him on a bonzai run along the coast in Palos Verdes on an unpatroled section up to 125mph, top down and he was howling the whole way like a 10 year-old. He returned with a grin that stayed for days and a story he told everyone until his death.

 

These are great stories folks. My dad was never a "car" guy. Never really had the cash. But, I know that we both treasure the time we are able to spend together. I was moved many years ago regarding my own sons. I was driving up 99 in Central California and that old song, "Cats in the Cradle" came on the radio. I just about broke down, now spend as much time as I can with my twin 27 year old sons. My dad was always there for me, I want to be there for him. Next time, HE DRIVES!

 

You are not allowed to write this kind of post anymore, I think.
BT

 

I too was able to get my father a ride in before he passed. He had always asked to go, and unfortunately, he was a very large man, I was fairly certain I'd be able to get him in, it was getting him out was my concern. After my Mom passed, I decided, I was going to make it happen. I was able to get him in, and we went for a great ride. He smiled the whole way, and told everyone of his experience. Timing was of the essense as he passed suddenly only about a week later.

I'm so glad that I did it. It's a memory I'll never forget.

 

I only wish my dad was into "sportscars"............he always took very good care of his "family" cars, they were always washed and in great running condition. He loved to take us on crazy road trips from the desert, through mountains and finally the ocean where we would respectivley go hiking, hunting and fishing/boating. He loved the outdoors and instilled a great appreciation of it in me .

The last time I showed him my "sportscar" he liked it and said: "that is a great car to sell and buy yourself something more useful, like a pick-up truck!" ... ....... I will never forget that... .......lol.. ........ so now when I take him places, I bring the "useful" car........ BTW he just turned 79 and is very sprite and independant of which I am very thankful for.....

 

Fantastic posts guys, I really enjoy reading these. My father passed away when I was 19 and I have thought on occasion how cool it would be if he were still alive to take him for a spin in the 348 (he was a British car nut back in the day and had MG's and a Triumph). Sharing the experience of being in these cars (giving rides and letting friends drive them) is as rewarding as owning one in the first place.