From 240z to 458 | FerrariChat

From 240z to 458

Discussion in '458 Italia/488/F8' started by wthensler, Jan 10, 2019.

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  1. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 27, 2015
    3,149
    Gator Country, FL
    Full Name:
    William
    Here's where it started - my first sports car. An orange on black, 1972 Datsun 240z, 4 speed, around 155 hp. As a poor college student, I borrowed money from Dad to buy (and then fix) it.

    Later would come Sciroccos, Supras, Porsches, and finally, a 458 Spider. Who'd a thunk, almost 40 years later, the bug would never leave - it would just get worse. That certain feeling when I get behind the wheel and turn the key. I still get it. Being at one with the car. I am truly blessed. Image Unavailable, Please Login

    Bill
     
    RayJohns, johnr265, Joe_CT and 7 others like this.
  2. Viperjoe

    Viperjoe F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Fantastic journey. Believe me the longevity of your passion is shared by many contemporaries. Enjoy the 458. It’s a masterpiece in every way. Please post some photos and enjoy your new ride in good health.


    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
    wthensler and Caeruleus11 like this.
  3. tekaefixe

    tekaefixe Formula 3

    May 10, 2012
    1,201
    CH
    Full Name:
    Paulo
    Enjoy your ride! Blessings had nothing to do, you worked your ass off/saved a lot/got lucky :D
     
    wthensler likes this.
  4. dustman

    dustman F1 Veteran
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    Jun 12, 2007
    8,928
    Awesome!
     
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  5. iloveferrari

    iloveferrari Formula 3
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    Dec 14, 2014
    1,754
    USA
    Was that original paint? I love it!
     
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  6. speedy pete

    speedy pete Karting

    Nov 1, 2003
    244
    darkside of the moon
    Full Name:
    Pete B
    thats great....my first car was a 240z. Though there were about 60 cars in between i'm in a 458 spider now. certainly different rides but both put huge smiles on my face behind the wheel!
     
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  7. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    Apr 27, 2015
    3,149
    Gator Country, FL
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    William
    No, it was a car from upstate New York where the combination of salty roads and Datsun making the car out of reconstituted beer caps spelled disaster. It started rusting after about a year. My girlfriend at the time called it the Hansel and Grettel mobile, because it used to leave little pieces behind wherever we went.

    The guy I bought it from doctored it up pretty good, but after some initial mechanical problems, it settled into being a really reliable and fun car to drive. I loved it, until the cancer took its course on the frame. The early Z cars were famous for this.

    Still, some of my fondest memories were spend behind the wheel of that vehicle. And talk about appreciation, the price new was a bit north of 3k, now they’re 35k plus........
     
    iloveferrari likes this.
  8. SeaNile

    SeaNile Formula Junior

    Jan 25, 2010
    679
    West Chester, PA
    Full Name:
    John
    Love it! My first was a 1978 or was it a 1979 280zx. Love that car! Recently bought and sold a 1990 300zx twin turbo. To this day that is my dream car.
     
    wthensler likes this.
  9. soniouze

    soniouze Rookie

    Oct 1, 2014
    15
    GTA, Ontario
    My first car was also 1974 260Z and 2 years later changed to an orange 1970 240Z.
     
    wthensler likes this.
  10. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    Apr 27, 2015
    3,149
    Gator Country, FL
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    William
    There was something about that orange that was soul-grabbing. Datsun went out on a limb to produce such a radical color scheme, which in my opinion, worked extremely well. That ‘70 Z is a rare beast indeed, I’m sure you wish you kept it......but don’t we all.
     
    soniouze likes this.
  11. buddyg

    buddyg F1 Veteran
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    Sep 20, 2004
    5,446
    West Michigan
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    Buddy
    #11 buddyg, Jan 12, 2019
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2019
    My first was a 1978 Datsun 280Z with an aftermarket turbo and 4 speed trans. British Racing Green.

    Then:

    1986 Camaro Iroc Z
    1991 Dodge Stealth Twin Turbo
    1993 Toyota Supra turbo
    1996 Acura NSX-T
    1997 Porsche 993 turbo
    2000 Jaguar XKR convertible
    2002 Hummer H1 convertible
    2002 Porsche 996 turbo modified 630 rwhp
    2011 Cadillac CTS-V modified 658 rwhp
    2013 Ferrari 458 Spider - current
    2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat
    2018 Dodge Challenger Demon - current daily
     
  12. StuM

    StuM Rookie

    Aug 2, 2008
    7
    I too began with a Z, over 40 years ago. A ‘71 240Z and also a US Northeast car, so the tin worm set in very early. Have owned around 80 cars since, including a ‘79 280ZX and a F430 spider. Currently looking at a few local 458 and 488 spiders, but haven’t jumped yet. It’s been a great ride. Happy motoring.
     
    soniouze likes this.
  13. wthensler

    wthensler F1 Rookie
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    Apr 27, 2015
    3,149
    Gator Country, FL
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    William
    I took the plunge two weeks ago, and I couldn’t be any happier. The 458 Spider is just an incredible automobile. Let us know how you make out. I do miss the dual Hitachi carbs and the way the hood opened, as well as the dash of the 240.
     
    soniouze likes this.
  14. StuM

    StuM Rookie

    Aug 2, 2008
    7
    Thanks. Been biding my time watching value depreciation curves, the overall financial market and the various issues/concerns some 458/488 report. Each time I get close to a 458, especially, I read or hear of some owner having new headaches, such as the dreaded sticky dial and parts issues.
     
  15. cavsct94

    cavsct94 Karting

    Aug 26, 2013
    179
    Indianapolis, IN
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Mine was a '91 300ZX! Loved that car!
     
  16. buddyg

    buddyg F1 Veteran
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    Sep 20, 2004
    5,446
    West Michigan
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    Buddy
    458 has been one of the most dependable Ferrari’s made.
     
    RayJohns likes this.
  17. gilly6993

    gilly6993 Formula 3

    Aug 20, 2009
    2,475
    Longmeadow, MA
    Full Name:
    Eric
    My dad's first sports car....an orange Z....a classic!
     
  18. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
    7,398
    West Coast
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    Ray
    240Z is a very fun car to drive. Besides the 458 italia, I think the Datsun 510 was probably the best / most fun car I ever owned :)

    Ray
     
  19. RayJohns

    RayJohns F1 Veteran
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    May 21, 2006
    7,398
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    Ray
    +1

    Best V8 car Ferrari has ever made, even to this day.
     

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