Got the bug in Maranello as well

After reading about some of the other experiences on this board, I decided to pay a visit to Maranello after a business trip to Paris brought me in the general vicinity.

I booked a 1-hour tour on a 430 Scuderia with a company called Warm Up, right by the Galleria Ferrari, which included an extended drive into the hilly countryside.

Bearing in mind my daily driver is a 996 Turbo, the co-pilot did not need to tell me to go faster...

All I can say is: now I gotta have one! Nothing I've ever driven comes close to the visceral experience this car offers.

Interestingly, all the people I spoke to, all confirmed the same thing: these cars are meant to be driven. A 5 year old car with 3,000 miles on it, is basically asking for trouble.

They drive these cars on average 40,000 miles per year and only need regular service item (tires, brakes, oil, in their words).

When I mentioned I might be in the market for a used one in the US, they unanimously said 'get one with detailed service history, but stay away from the garage queens'.

I can live with that, as that makes my purchase more affordable

In any event, I had a blast and now I gotta have one...
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Sandoval,
That sounds like a lovely trip. Having a summer house just outside Monaco, I know the area very well.

I highly recommend the Galleria and the drive. If you can stretch to it, I would go for driving the Scuderia AND the 458,just to see what the next generation brings to the table compared to the racing pedigree of the scud.

I don't know how well you know the region you plan to vacation in, or what your budget is, but I'd be happy to provide tips on where to stay, where to eat, etc.


In terms of buying an F car after my daily driver experience of the 996TT (as reliable and as cheap to run as a Honda), I have been doing a lot of reading.

I can't quite stretch to a used 430 just yet, even though that would be my first choice.
The 360 coupe with manual gearbox would be my second choice, but there the drop in power from my modified 9966tt might be a concern in terms of driving experience. Also the fact that you're looking at a regular timing belt change (where the 430 and the 599 use chains).

Alternatively, I could go for a 2+2 like the 550 or the Scaglietti and go for the Grand Tourer experience instead.

In any event, enjoy your cruise and let me know if you need any pointers/tips on your travels.