Did you save/plan for a LONG time to get your Ferrari?

IIRC, my comment was somewhere along the lines of "If he can't even wipe the dust off the visor when he's trying to sell it, how well do you think it's been taken care of?"

 

What, used wasn't good enough for you?

That's certainly the only way I could justify buying one as I'm not one of the super wealthy.

 

Luck isn't needed at all however it never hurts. IMHO, the most important factor is a person's talent. Someone could be smart, experienced, and connected but it won't mean much unless they are great at what they do. Successful people are generally leaders in their field of work.

 

Back in 1987, while working for 3 months in Long Beach, CA, I spent a weekend in Las Vegas. I decided to do my gambling at Circus Circus, mainly because they sponsored unlimited hydroplane racing in those days. I found a bank of progressive slot machines where the jackpot was not a cash prize, it was......a brand new Ferrari 328!

Needless to say, I "invested" a whole bunch of coins in a vain attempt to win the car. It's a bit ironic that 17 years later I wound up buying an identical car.....

 

They have some Roush or Saleen-kitted Mustang on a stand outside now I think.

 

+1...nothing wrong with a slightly-used Ferrari-Certified 360/430...there are/will-be PLENTY of ultra-low-mile examples on Dealership showrooms this year. $200K drives any one of them out the door.

 

I guess I took a slightly different route than most. I always knew I wanted a Ferrari... a White Testarossa to be specific (hum... wonder if Sonny Crocket had somethign to do with that). I love cars and bought what I could afford (used) and when I had a little more money, worked up to the next level. I always took great care of the cars and with my obsessive record keeping, was usually able to sell them for what I paid for them or more. I started with (dare I say it) a Camaro IROC-Z, then onto a newer track ready Miata, traded to a newer Trans Am, up to a Corvette, and now at a Black '85 308 GTS QV. A Testarossa is still out of my reach currently, but I am hoping with a little more savings, and some wrench time with the current 308, I'll be to the ultimate goal in the next few years. The 308 is nice but needs a little TLC to make it perfect... I have a lift in my garage which makes it nice that I can do a lot of my own work in the "off" season here in New England.

I have a 18 month old and another on the way and I can't wait until they are old enough where it is safe to take them out and really enjoy it with them. It will be some great father and son time.

 

Ironically, a white Testarossa was the first Ferrari that I ever rode in. It was being driven by Robert Taylor, the same gent whose "348 GTO" is being featured in the current issue of "Forza". I flew out to Sacramento to buy the 328 he was selling, and it was an amazing sight to stand on the curb at the airport and see this white rocketship coming up the drive. As we pulled away from the curb, two guys in sunglasses in a white TR, we must have looked like Crockett and Tubbs to the other people standing on the sidewalk!

 

This is the best forum I've read here in a long time...neat to see people scrimping and saving for years because they have the passion...

 

For me it was no problem at all I just watched these DVDs and it was easy street all the way!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhGpIzH7N6Y

Actually, my dad was an accountant and saved all his life. He passed away in 2006 at 61 years old and didn't get to spend any of it. He actually said if he knew he'd go that early he would have spent more of it. He left my mom in good shape that's for sure. Anyway, he passed on some good skills - most of which is patience - so I too have money in the bank. I said the hell with it and I bought a 355. She's a screamer - worth every penny!

Alternatively, instead of patience, you can do what this guy did:

http://oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/

 

What year is the Shelby? Any pics?