Driving holiday in 77 308GTB - advice sought

Mechanically I reckon you're covered - beyond that : the wrench for the electric windows too open/shut them if motor or switch goes - good overseas recovery cover - charger lead for phone - list of possibly useful UK phone numbers - always carry EUR 90 in cash for the inevitable French fine - suntan lotion - petrol stations are shut effectively from noon satudarday to 8 am monday as their machines do not accept UK credit cards - have a ball - where are you planning on going ?

 

You might want to keep some extra fluids in your boot (oil, water, brake fluid). Also a spare distributor cap, rotor and points wouldn't be a bad idea. Even if you don't carry the tools to R&R them on the roadside yourself, at least you'll have the parts on hand in case you have to be towed to some wayward garage far away from a Ferrari dealer/shop. Make sure your spare is inflated, and as Greyboxer said, the cell phone charger and the window crank and money for petrol are also smart items to have. Don't know how roadside breakdown assistance works over there (I know you have the AA and the RAC in England), but here in the US, we have AAA which is nationwide recovery service (towing, extra fuel, jump start, etc..). Make sure your breakdown coverage is current and just have fun!! Oh, don't forget the camera! We want to see pics!!

Cheers,
Aaron
'82 GTSi

 

A couple of spare fuses just in case you legitimately blow one. I'm not worried about your fuseblocks melting though!!!

Birdman

 

And remember if "you have the spares, you'll never need them" so its like insurance.

 

I'd do a thorough search of the areas you'll be in for Ferrari main delaers as well as known independent shops......


Maybe even post in that Section for phone numbers of Fchatters..

I did this for a cross USA trip...be prepared.

 

Let's see now...

* chase vehicle with not DUPLICATE spares of EVERYTHING, but TRIPLICATE.

* three factory certified mechanics(three eight hour shifts/24 hr day).

* babe in the passenger seat.

you're all set

 

First & foremost, make sure you've got adequate breakdown cover - AA 5 star or equivalent. ALso check what "stuff" you are supposed to carry in France (i.e. warning triagles, first air kits etc).

If you don't speak French then at least learn a few simple phrases like "Where is the nearest mechanic!"

There is no reason why your car shouldn't be fine. I have a friend who has done at least half a dozen 2-3000 mile treks round Europe in his 308 GTS QV. I think the worst problem he has had was a window stuck down & some local Mercedes dealer fixed it for him in a couple of hours.

Only other things I'd check before you go are your gearbox oil & brake fluid levels - just make sure they are topped up.

If you havn't pre-booked hotels then I'd look for hotels with Off-street parking & be aware that where some places that have off-street parking its down in a basement & involves steep, non front-spoiler-friendly ramps)

Other than all that, if you han't driven in France before you should love it - far, far less traffic than in the UK. Be sensible with the speed, too much & they'll take your keys off you.

I.

 

Sounds like you have the service end of things well covered. Your car should not give you any problems if it has gotten some reliable miles on it in the past few months. Two bits of advice:

1. Pack earplugs. Yes the sound of the engine is glorious but the drone can get to you for extended periods of time. Its a little like savoring a nice glass of wine rather than downing a whole bottle of it.

2. If you are in the Champagne region you must go to Riems and visit the old GP track that is there. For your wife there is a really nice cathedral to visit nearby and the only thing left of the track is the original pits and grandstands on the main straight. Here is a pic I took.
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