Did my bit for the "Wow, Ferrari owners are nice guys" routine today...

I plan to, but do observe certain rules when taking other people's kids for rides.

A nice cruise around the neighborhood, then maybe a few miles on a local intown highway, hit 50 mph max.

The Tubi does wonders to enhance the experience; short fist-to-second blasts through a couple of underpasses are great.

It is a nice feeling to know that you've initiated a new enthusiast, who will drive his parents nuts talking about Ferraris.

 

very good point! i.e sick bastard rents Ferrari for day and offers rides to kids???nowadays ya never know unfortunately :-(

 

That occurred to me also. Plus, what the kid might say the driver did. What a shame that modern life has forced such concerns.

 

If there's a genuine interest of someone who's not a complete stranger, it's my pleasure to give a ride.

The cop story reminds me of a story of an F40 owner who was stopped by the police. The owner tried to explain that it's impossible to respect the speed limit in that car and let the cop try it. After a drive, the cop agreed and did not give a fine.

 

That is great stuff Mike. I don't have a Ferrari yet but am looking forward to the day I can do the same. I was lucky enough to get my first ride when I was 16. My favorite car was the Testarossa (now it's the 512 TR) and I wanted to just see one in the worst way to make sure it was my favorite car. My mom was driving me to pick up my Fiat X/19 (was in the shop again) and I saw one parked at a business. I screamed as if though I was going to die or something. Scared the crap out of my mom. She knew better, and was gracious enough to turn around so I could see the love of my life. It was better than expected.

Being the inquisitive and brave soul I am I walked in and asked to see the owner of the car if it was possible. The secretary was gracious and called the owner, who happened to be the owner of the business also. He came down talked with me and invited me to go to his house and take pictures (he lived out in the country and bred race horses). He was kind enough to pull it in a very ideal spot so I could take pictures. He also showed me his freshly restored 275 GTS. After taking pictures he then took me for the best ride of my life. He reved that engine full song (not top speed just RPM's). We became good friends after that.

I was President of the Young Entreprenuers Society in my area and he came and spoke a few times. He also spoke in my business marketing classes a couple of times. Great guy and great experience. I already had the bug to get a Ferrari (got that when I was about 8) but after meeting him I also wanted to be a Gentleman Ferrari owner and I will be.

Thanks for posting that story Mike. Brings back very good memories.

 

The Fiat/Bertone x1/9 is a gateway car that makes ya want the Ferrari.
It was called a baby Ferrari
And I have pulled a part off an X parts car to fix the Mondial--there are several common parts.
And yes i have given rides to interested parties, including one woman that we met while at a winery that I left my wife there with her husband as we went for a spin.

 

I believe the Lancia Scorpion/Monte Carlo was called the baby Ferrari or I should say baby Ferrari 308. The Scorpion/ Monte Carlo is the closest thing to the F308.
Not only they are both Pininfarina design, alot of the parts are interchangable and similar in design. I'm not saying this because I have both cars, I'm saying this because it was written in a book,
If only I could find that book I will share it with you.

 

You are exactly right. It had parts from all kinds of cars. The outside door handles were used on the 308 GT4 and the Lambo Jalpa. The headlight motors are the same as the countach. Never knew about the Mondial but makes since.

Yes the X1/9 is a gateway car. The car was gutless but I would get it on the tight twisties and it was incredible. I was able to take corvettes and Camaros untill I got to the straight aways and then they would blow past me. But I would be on them again when the twisties came. It was a very fun car. The only thing that I have owned that has given me more pleasure is the Chrysler Crossfire SRT6 and a 1971 Fiat Dino 2.4 Coupe (a real baby Ferrari).

 

My bit for 'we are nice guys too' comes on Sunday when a bunch of us take deprived kids in our cars around a racetrack. Great fun, puts something back and having done this several times in the UK before coming here, the smiles on the kids faces will live with me forever!