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Finally got my first Ferrari

Discussion in '308/328' started by JoeZaff, Jul 13, 2008.

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  1. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    Aug 5, 2007
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    #1 JoeZaff, Jul 13, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Well, it took over three decades of dreaming and 6 months of searching, but #1 on my wish list has been accomplished. On friday I took possession of Isabella-- A beautiful 3.2 Mondial Cab in black/tan. I was worried that actually owning her could never live up to the decades of fantasizing. I was wrong. I have owned tons of sports cars and driven tons of others, but nothing, and I mean nothing comes close to the thrill of owning a Ferrari. My wife and family had been resistant to the idea of a Ferrari since the beginning. They are all wonderful, modest people who are very pragmatic. Yesterday, I got my wife and in laws in the Mondial and set off for a gorgeous country drive. As the sun broke over the horizon on one particular winding road, I mashed the throttle and the engine screamed as we broke 4K RPM on the way to redline. As the Ferrari bore down and set about her business I glanced over at my wife and family...they were grinning ear to ear. In that moment, they got it. A ferrari is something truly special, and I hope that all the lurkers who are on the fence ultimately take the plunge...what an amazing car...simply sublime.

    I will post pictures when I can, for now here are some taken by the dealer.

    Thank you to everyone who helped me on this search. I had tremendous confidence when it came time to purchase knowing I had the wealth of all of your collective wisdom to rely on.
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  2. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    #2 miketuason, Jul 13, 2008
    Congrats, that's one clean Modial, and love the Black/Tan combo. Enjoy:)
     
  3. Isobel

    Isobel F1 World Champ

    Jun 30, 2007
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    #3 Isobel, Jul 13, 2008
    Congrats, Joe. Love the name for some reason.....

    Looks like you've got one immaculate Ferrari and it's good to hear everyone shared your enthusiasm. Bet you'll have more relatives at your door next weekend for another tour of the countryside..

    Now, back to my lurking.....;)
     
  4. jeffQV

    jeffQV F1 Rookie

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    #4 jeffQV, Jul 13, 2008
    she looks great! enjoy and enjoy some more, the thrill just keeps getting better!
     
  5. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    #5 308 GTB, Jul 13, 2008
    Lovely, crisp Black/Tan Mondial! Congratulations, Joe! Drive it in good health.
     
  6. 76Steel

    76Steel Formula 3

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    #6 76Steel, Jul 14, 2008
    Nothing but best wishes with it ..... enjoy!!!!!
     
  7. RVIDRCI

    RVIDRCI Formula 3

    Dec 1, 2005
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    #7 RVIDRCI, Jul 14, 2008
    It is an experience that just cannot be explained with words, eh !

    Congrats, man. ENJOY!

    (Belissima Mondial Nero, BTW !!)
     
  8. Max4HD

    Max4HD Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2006
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    #8 Max4HD, Jul 14, 2008
    Drive her in good health!

    Cheers
     
  9. PAP 348

    PAP 348 Ten Time F1 World Champ
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    #9 PAP 348, Jul 14, 2008
    That is a GREAT looking car Joe!! Nero/tan is a gorgeous Ferrari colour combo. :):)

    30 years!! Awesome!! Glad your dream has come true friend. Take care. :):)
     
  10. RGigante

    RGigante F1 Rookie
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    Nov 1, 2006
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    #10 RGigante, Jul 14, 2008
    Congrats and enjoy the moment!

    I too have dreamed about a Ferrari for 29 years. Two years ago I finally did it, and I still feel the same everytime I start it. Every morning, when I enter the garage and look at Gina (the Italian mistress, a 328 GTS) I go "YES!!!" :)

    Enjoy in good health !
     
  11. jimshadow

    jimshadow F1 Veteran
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    #11 jimshadow, Jul 14, 2008
    Great story!!! Congrats on your purchase. That smile won't leave for many, many moons!!!

    JIM
     
  12. djohnson63

    djohnson63 Karting

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    #12 djohnson63, Jul 14, 2008
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2008
    Congrats Joe! She looks beautiful and I love the story about the first drive, I can totally relate!!!!!
     
  13. climb

    climb F1 Rookie

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    #13 climb, Jul 14, 2008
    Lookin' good

    Congrats!!
     
  14. toggie

    toggie F1 World Champ
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    #14 toggie, Jul 14, 2008
    That is my favorite color combo (same as my current Ferrari, BTW).
    Congrats. Enjoy every moment with your new toy.
    Things will probably never be the same.
     
  15. b27

    b27 F1 World Champ

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    #15 b27, Jul 14, 2008
    Congrats Joe on your purchase. :)

    You summed it up with your families smile upon a little squirt. They do sound good and more importantly great to drive.

    May you have many years of fun driving.
     
  16. Crallscars

    Crallscars F1 Rookie

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    #16 Crallscars, Jul 14, 2008
    Congrats!...... I have had mine 2 1/2 years and everyday is like the first, and I still peak into the garage from time to time in amazement to see that increadiable dream sitting there and get the same feeling that I had when I signed the papers at the dealership.
     
  17. Dino246gt

    Dino246gt Formula 3

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    #17 Dino246gt, Jul 14, 2008
    Congrats from me too, you're certain to have much enjoyment from your new baby!! Keep posting here so we can share your joy with you! Ciao, Dennis
     
  18. blainewest

    blainewest Formula Junior

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    #18 blainewest, Jul 14, 2008
    Congrats, she looks fantastic and the mondials are unique in the fcar family in that you can take 4 persons sans top and cruise...awesome.

    What really amazes me is that to this day other auto maufactures still don't "get it". Enzo perfected the formula for successful specialty sports cars decades ago and the people who make buckets of money to design new and exciting products just don't get it. Case in point...the new Pontiac/Saturn sky convertible. Finally, and I mean finally an attractive vehicle from GM....haven't seen this since the 60s corvette. But the "commitee" installs a completely pedestrian, uninspiring dog of a V6 as a mill ....WTF?
    Another example....Plymouth Prowler. Seriously, spend the dough, develop a streetable, innovative powerful race engine (for eg. the Yamaha SHO) charge double the price and presto, instant classic.
     
  19. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    #19 JoeZaff, Jul 14, 2008
    Blainewest--
    You hit it right on the mark. However, although no car touches the Ferrari in terms of pure passion, there have been a couple of bright spots in recent automotive history which you neglected to mention---all of which shared Enzo's no compromise approach to car manufacturing:

    (1) First Generation Dodge Viper-- What a splendid one dimensional vehicle
    (2) Lotus Elise- that thing is RIDICULOUS!
    (3) Mazda RX-7- 90's addition. ( I was on the fence about mentioning this one, but I Got to give it credit--in the pursuit of lightness they dethreaded the carpets and thinned out the dipstick for goodness sake!

    I am not comparing either car to a Ferrari, but in each instance, the car represented the pinnacle of the manufacturer's design capability, while at the same time making few concessions to the committee! The result, in each instance was a cult classic--which I believe will have a following for years to come
     
  20. hank sound

    hank sound F1 Veteran

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    #20 hank sound, Jul 14, 2008
    Hey Joe,

    Congrats on the adoption of your newest "family" member. She is a beaut! The joys that await you will blow your mind, and most - or all of your family will be along for the ride !

    Drive her in the best of health.

    Cheers, Hank - - and my Rachel says "hi" to Isabella.
     
  21. blainewest

    blainewest Formula Junior

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    #21 blainewest, Jul 14, 2008
    Good points Joe. There are always some exceptions and your three listed are valid I think (though I haven't driven any of them). I personally would put an asterisk with the Elise but just because I think they could've done a better job with the styling..to kit carish for me (objective I know). But I'd loooooove to drive one.
     
  22. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    Feb 28, 2004
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    #22 Robb, Jul 15, 2008
    Joe,

    Beautiful Colors and it looks to be in great shape.

    I have always loved the mondial since I saw my first one around the weird science time of release...

    When I saw one in person the first time on the road, I was surprised that it seemed a little longer than what I had remembered from the movies or seeing in the magazines.

    Have fun with her.

    Robb
     
  23. magnum

    magnum Formula Junior

    Feb 21, 2008
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    Antonio
    #23 magnum, Jul 15, 2008
    Congrats for the car!!! Really the Black/Tan combo looks awesome. I know your feelings. I'm also a new Ferrari owner. Welcome to the family.

    Enjoy in good health!!
     
  24. Wade

    Wade Three Time F1 World Champ
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    Mar 31, 2006
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    #24 Wade, Jul 18, 2008
    If I were the emotional type I'd be a little misty eyed right now just thinking about that. :)
     
  25. johng

    johng Formula 3

    Oct 23, 2004
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    john g
    #25 johng, Jul 18, 2008
    nice car...who got to name her?
     
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