That's a good point Doody. Everyone states that you should keep them up from preventing air in the system to...you name it. However, you go to any showroom and they always keep them down. I know my car must have sat in a showroom for prob 5-6 months with the top down. Did have a potentiometer failure one time, other than that works fine and drive top down every time (except if raining)
I've had a targa 328 and now have a targa 355. IMO the targa is the best of both spider and berlinetta worlds. It feels rigid like a coupe with the top on, there is a tiny bit of shake with the top off. Top off, you hear the engine more, and feel the wind in the hair etc. But can clip the roof on and enjoy berlinetta style and feel. Plus there is the security of having a proper roof when the car is unattended. I like the modern Porsche Targa system with the glass roof that slides away- feels cool inside because the whole roof is glass. More convenient than taking the panel out too.
I always put roof up on my 360 spider when in garage but it is more out of practice/lucky ritual to prevent problems. I found that Autoglym glass spray works wonders to keep rear visor clear - then again why bother looking behind you? In a Ferrari the object is only going to be getting smaller!
When I had my Mondial Cab, nothing like a beautiful sunny day cruising down the highway with the top down, and with the sound of that italian symphony in my ears. Unfortunately, wife hates convertibles. Nothing like the sound of "put the top up" on a beaiutiful day. Next one may need to be a coupe or targa.
girlfriends and wives just dont get ferraris and they dont get convertibles either unless its a 3series conv!!!!!!its a mans world!!! yea right!
Last arguement I ever won with my wife was when we were dating...imagine October in DC. Sunny but brisk day. Going for a foliage drive... Arrive to pick her up with the top down, heated seats on and a blanket in tow. Says she - "are you going to put the top up?" Says I - "if you are going to date me...you are going to have to learn to live with the top down." Had I known it would be the last win...I might have reconsidered! - JMG
I drive an S2000 which is a convertable (not a ferrari though). Since it doesn't have heated seats, I tend to put the top down only when it is nice out. However, when the top is down, it is one of the best experiences with a car IMO.
Why couldn't Ferrari make a convertible with push-button roof like the SL/SLK . Then you have the windschott and the steel/insulated roof. It only takes 25sec.Of course Ferrari could make one in a light material.Aramid-reinforced carbon or something. Good idea, at least for the F-cars with front engine....