Finally... A Ferrari. | FerrariChat

Finally... A Ferrari.

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Perfusion, Feb 4, 2006.

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  1. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    #1 Perfusion, Feb 4, 2006
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    I joined this forum in October of 2004, and I lurked for at least a year, if not a year and a half prior to finally registering. I've wanted a Ferrari since I was I don't know how young...as long as I can remember, I'll just say. I've read countless posts by FChatters making their announcement of becoming an owner. Now it's my turn... :)

    This past Wednesday evening, I became the new owner of a 1979 Ferrari 308 GT4 (S/N 14768, March build) from a fellow FChatter, Robert M. of San Francisco, CA ("LT-1"). The car has 75.5k miles, is red with tan leather, and is mechanically VERY sound. The thing runs like a top! It's been a California car its whole life, I believe, and over the years it has received a couple tasteful cosmetic improvements (wheels, painted rocker panels, etc.), and many beneficial mechanical improvements (headlights, suspension, ignition, new cats, and so on). It has a binder full of service records, tools, and books. The car really was everything I was looking for in a "first Ferrari", if not more. I wrote down my thoughts/impressions after arriving home the first night I owned the car, and I'd like to share them here:

    "Laura and I (along with our dog Spencer) left San Jose shortly after 5pm and set out for S.F. A drive that would normally take less than an hour took us close to an hour and a half, thanks to rush-hour traffic and a light rain coming over the mountains to the west from the ocean. After spending an hour or so going over the specific ins and outs of the car’s accessory systems, compartments, and “idiosyncrasies” common with all Ferraris of its age, we finalized the deal with the exchange of funds for title/keys.
    By the time Laura and I left Robert’s house, it was nearly 8pm, and the rain had picked up considerably. Hopefully, traffic on I-280 South will have lightened now that the majority of the evening “rush” was over. Down the hill we drove from Robert’s house – no power steering in this car, that’s for sure! It definitely commands 100% of my attention and input at low speeds on the surface streets. The transmission shifts beautifully. The sound of the engine behind me – even at idle – is intoxicating, and the smell is like no other I’ve ever experienced in a car. It’s as if I can feel the souls of the men who built the car, from the man who stitched the seats to the one who assembled the engine, riding along with me.
    Onto the freeway I head…first gear, second gear, and into third…I’m doing it! I’m actually driving my first Ferrari home!...woops!...don’t forget 4th! After merging into traffic, I grab 5th and focus my eyes on the road ahead of me. Damnit, these Italians *really* didn’t put much effort into windshield wipers, did they?! Even worse – the rearview mirror and rear window begin to fog up. What the hell am I going to do now? I’ve got 50 miles to go! Fortunately, Laura is following right behind me in her car, so I need not worry about what’s going on behind me – just in front.
    As we head down the Peninsula into the Palo Alto area, I can see off in the distance two red lights atop the “big dish” – Stanford University’s gigantic satellite dish set atop a hill. The weather is clearing, the road is drying, and I’m cruising along at 80mph. This car REALLY goes down the freeway well. It tracks perfectly straight, the engine is silky smooth, and the suspension is firm, yet comfortable enough to one day take on a long-distance trip. Amazing…simply amazing. I have read time and time again in back-issues of magazines and on various websites dedicated to the 308 series of cars that the GT4 is regarded by many as the best driving of any of its brethren. I now see why.
    Right around 9:00pm, I arrive home – Laura right behind – and she opens the garage door and guides me and the Ferrari inside. It fits perfectly! Space is a little tight on the sides because of some excess clutter that I have yet to deal with, but front-to-back it’s got plenty of room to spare. Before I turn off the light and shut the door, I give one last gaze at the object of my obsession for so many years – a Ferrari. Welcome home!"


    I'd like to thank a few people on this board who, whether they know it or not, contributed in one way or another to my search and aided in the purchase of this car:

    "lukek" - for giving my my first ride ever in a Ferrari ('63 250 GTE), and showing me that Ferraris - even vintage - can be driven in the rain!

    "Redhead" - a really fantastic NorCal member who helped me out by giving me the appropriate GM part # for a Air Pump that would work in the GT4 to get it past SMOG.

    "BigTex" - for contributing so much info about the 308 series cars to FChat. Many of your posts helped convince me that, yes, I *could* do this!

    "thecarreaper" - one of the first members who I contacted about a possible first purchase. The timing wasn't right for me at the time, but his participation on this board re: 308s, much like BigTex, proves that 308 ownership is as rewarding an ownership experience as any FCar.

    "tifosi12" - Andreas and I are fellow die-cast nutcases, and my conversations with him over the past year have kept my desire to own a 1:1 scale Ferrari going strong

    "Jack Russel Racing" - Daniel (Ricambi America) gave me some great suggestions for my first "upgrades" to the car - a billet pedal set and polished aluminum shiftknob - was every helpful and courteous, got my items shipped out *amazingly* fast after having just been at Cavallino, and was just an all-around class-act.

    Last, but certainly not least,

    "LT-1" - Robert was instrumental in my purchase in more ways than one, and in more than just the obvious, "he had the car before me," way. I rode along with Robert on a NorCal FChat cruise several months back. It was then that I got my first experience with the GT4. In the weeks and months that followed, Robert and I communicated back and forth, back and forth. I knew the car was on the market, but I just wasn't sure if the timing was right. After one or two listings of the car that didn't yield a sale, I began to wonder if it wasn't perhaps a sign... Then - Robert informed the that the car was going on eBay. Whether he realized it or not, this is what I call "push coming to shove"! I knew the car was solid, and that I would probably not find one like it locally again. "Time to get serious," I thought. ...3 weeks later, she's in my garage!

    I'm sure there are others I've forgotten, and if so, I apologize. This entire community as a whole has been so great over the years. It sounds cheesey to say, "I couldn't have done it without you," but it's true. I couldn't have! I've learned so much about these cars here, and look forward to continuing the journey!

    ~Aaron

    PS - Here's a pic taken about a month ago by Robert. When I can get around to washing the car, polishing, and waxing it, I'll post some new ones. Until then, this will have to do!
    Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
  2. Cincy Ken

    Cincy Ken Karting

    Jan 24, 2004
    219
    Cincinnati
    Congratulations on reaching your goal. It's a great feeling, and you'll get a lot of enjoyment from it. Let's see some more pictures when you get the chance.
     
  3. MrApex

    MrApex Formula 3

    Jun 4, 2004
    1,611
    Niagara Region
    Full Name:
    Andrew B.
    Aaron,

    What an amazing write-up! Congratulations on your first Ferrari. Drive it in good health and drive it often.

    I look forward to hearing some more long-term thoughts once you finally get settled in with the car.

    Andrew
     
  4. indaville

    indaville Formula 3

    Oct 6, 2005
    2,309
    Louisville, KY
    Way to go, enjoy!!
     
  5. ylshih

    ylshih Shogun Assassin
    Honorary Owner

    Mar 21, 2004
    20,454
    Northern CA
    Full Name:
    Yin
    Aaron - Congratulations! Glad your search worked out and you're happy!
     
  6. TopMonkey

    TopMonkey Karting

    Mar 14, 2004
    214
    Monroe, LA
    Full Name:
    Joel C.
    Congratulations! Great story, makes me want one even more! Glad to hear your enjoying it so much already.. Fantastic car!

    Cheers,
    Joel
     
  7. Perfusion

    Perfusion F1 Rookie

    Oct 16, 2004
    4,151
    Marietta, GA
    Full Name:
    Aaron
    Thanks a bunch, Yin! That weekend at Treasure Island was very much a "turning point" of sorts for me and my search. I rolled up to the assembly area, and saw all the cars. There were several guys gathered around the car, and I thought, "He's not selling that to anybody else! I've got dibs!!!"
     
  8. whart

    whart F1 Veteran
    Honorary Rossa Subscribed

    Dec 5, 2001
    6,570
    Austin, TX
    Full Name:
    William Maxwell Hart
    Good for you. That car has really grown on me in recent years, and while it was not considered 'sexy' at the time, its styling has now transcended its time period. It is a cool car. Enjoy it.
     
  9. nizam

    nizam Formula 3
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 9, 2004
    1,563
    San Jose, CA
    Full Name:
    Ni Zam
    Congratulations, Aaron!

    That is one clean 308 GT4 you have there. Look forward to seeing you on a drive soon! :)
     
  10. otaku

    otaku Formula 3

    Aug 12, 2005
    1,391
    Boise,Idaho
    Full Name:
    Josh
    Congrats!
     
  11. Bullfighter

    Bullfighter Two Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Jan 26, 2005
    22,600
    Gates Mills, Ohio
    Full Name:
    Jon
    And if you listen carefully sometimes you can hear their empty wine bottles sliding around behind the door panels. ;)

    (And congratulations! It already looks very clean and Very Red!)
     
  12. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
    6,516
    Wine Country
    Full Name:
    Vincent
    Congrats Aaron!!!!
     
  13. flyingboa

    flyingboa Formula 3

    Nov 27, 2003
    1,564
    Italy
    Full Name:
    Eugenio Dalla Rosa
    Congrats.
    My first one was the little sister of yours, i.e. a 208 GT4. I loved it. Enjoy the driving.
    Ciao
    Eugenio
     
  14. bigodino

    bigodino F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 29, 2004
    13,143
    The Netherlands
    Full Name:
    Peter den Biggelaar
    Congratulations! Enjoy your Ferrari. I'm sure a lot of members can relate and others will follow too. I hope one day as well.

    Ciao, Peter
     
  15. WCH

    WCH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Mar 16, 2003
    5,186
    Terrific story, congratulations. Let's see a few more pics of the car ....
     
  16. RMV

    RMV F1 Veteran

    Apr 11, 2002
    7,372
    I love those rims on the GT4!


    Good on you! Hope you have many, many miles of enjoyment! :)
     
  17. $$$=SPEED

    $$$=SPEED F1 Veteran

    Aug 18, 2004
    5,330
    Portland, Or. USA
    Full Name:
    Depends who's asking
    Aaron,
    It is so wonderful to hear first hand from someone who has the same passion as many of us Ferrari drivers. Your post brings me back to my first F-car! Thanks so much for the great post. Enjoy your new F-car, I am sure you will!

    Mike
     
  18. davem

    davem F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jan 21, 2002
    10,742
    Stepford, Connecticut
    Full Name:
    dave m
    That looks awesome! Congrats and enjoy.
     
  19. SROC4

    SROC4 Formula 3

    Mar 16, 2005
    1,893
    San Francisco
    Full Name:
    Alex
    Right on, Aaron!

    Wish you could join us today in HMB.
     
  20. doug328

    doug328 Formula 3

    Mar 11, 2004
    1,599
    The Space Coast, FL
    Full Name:
    Doug B
    Congrats on a fine looking car, sounds like it was realy taken care of. Now it's your turn to carry on and take care of it. It's important that cars like this don't die away. Enjoy the ride.
     
  21. quartermaster

    quartermaster Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2005
    1,826
    Well done, Aaron--thanks for sharing.
    Keith
     
  22. Crawford

    Crawford Formula 3

    Mar 5, 2003
    1,294
    Nashville, TN
    Full Name:
    Crawford White
    Congrats - I have a very good friend who is also a perfusionist. This will give him hope that owning a Ferrari is not too far off!
     
  23. LT-1

    LT-1 Karting

    May 13, 2005
    238
    San Francisco
    Full Name:
    Robert
    Aaron,
    Thank you for your very kind words.
    I first got in touch with Aaron shortly after buying the GT4, I knew he was on the hunt for a carbed 308 and offered to give him a ride any time he was in S.F. After 6 months or so I knew I would be selling the car so I gave him a 'heads-up' before posting it anywhere. Like he said, it wasn't the right time for him, but we kept in touch ond met up for a local meet/drive. I figured even though he wouldn't be buying my car it would give him some seat time in a well sorted Ferrari so he would be able to make some comparisons when it came time to bite the bullet. Well, what can I say, he turned out to be a great guy and someone I now consider a friend (and a TRUE lover of the marque). Time passed. More time passed. Every once in awhile I would get a PM...."Sell it yet?"...."Still have it?"

    I was going to put it on eBay and wanted to get some good photos of the car so we met up at Treasure Island. He and Laura each went for a ride in the car. Aaron got a chance to nervously drive it around the island. Talked some more. Two days later I get the "Let's Do It" email.

    Then three weeks for smogging (we learned some things that will cut that time down next go around). ;)

    Then the call....."Hey Aaron, you gonna be home tonight, I wanna drop something off."
    "No, Laura and I will be up in a couple of hours, bye!"
    "But it's night time and raining."
    "Laura and I will be up in a couple of hours."

    This car was sold new 20 miles away from where Aaron lives and has never lived outside of a 60 mile radius of his house. It has spent 26 years waiting for him to move into the neighborhood. It's HIS and he deserves it.

    Have many years of happy driving buddy.
    -r
     
  24. LT-1

    LT-1 Karting

    May 13, 2005
    238
    San Francisco
    Full Name:
    Robert
    BTW, Aaron, feel free to post the rest of the Treasure Island pics if you'd like.
     
  25. ClassicFerrari

    ClassicFerrari F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jan 7, 2004
    16,798
    Toronto
    Full Name:
    Vasco
    Congrats. Glad your dream has come true. Enjoy in good health. Any more pictures?

    :)

    Vasco
     

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