Just sold my Ferrari...

Very thoughtful, candid post.

I just added to my "garage" of cars, an even more exotic one. This after already having a hard time with parking, bad roads, etc... But while I take care of my cars, and really do see them as almost extended family, I draw the line at being overly worried. It is difficult, psychologically, to draw the line, and that can really take away from the experience.

But you really do make some great points. Frankly, a lot of it (the becoming acclimated concept in particular) can be applied to many things in life!

 

The age old question. Do you own your things or do your things own you?

 

Thanks for putting your thoughts down. I too share those same worries that take away from the joy of ownership experience but am still drawn to my car. Sounds like you really got to know your car. Once the bad outweighs the good you are right to move on. I am pretty sure that my next fun car will be one of these. I am posting this up in case you had not considered a Morgan 3 Wheeler.

They look great dirty, are simple, small and sporty.
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My biggest fear is pulling up to the curb in front of the patio dining; getting the door for my wife and then the curb is too high.

We're off to San Diego -- Ford pick up or Ferrari? Ferrari stays in garage.

 

I understand at least partially. Ferrari ownership isn't a big deal to me anymore. I've always been a bit modest about owning one to others. December will be 6 years with this one. A new 458 spider wouldn't make it any better.

I find I rarely drive it lately because of some of the reasons you mentioned. It's much easier to hop on the motorcycle or take the other car.

No. I am not selling though.

 

Interesting post.

Some of my older customers / friends have told me "enjoy it now because as you get older, you start to not care about things like fast cars". Maybe you have just reached that age?

For me, my 360 is just a car that is a toy. Considering that the cost of my used Ferrari was about the same as a new Escolade, I don't really worry about the car. If I dent it, or it gets messed up, it is nothing that money cannot fix.

For me, my car is currently at the dealership having the dash redone. It has been gone 2 weeks out of the month it is going to take to fix it. I kind of miss the 360 as there are some mornings I think "man I wish I had the car to raise some he!! on the back roads on the way to work". The kind that makes your pulse go up and breathing a little bit quicker.

 

I did the same thing, but had the added component of maintaining a 348. I sold it after 7 years. Too much money on maintenance. Worried about parking, etc. Worried if I broke down- would I have access to a proper flatbed, on, and on, and on.

Much like you I thought I was done. I would just enjoy my 1956 Austin Healey. After about year 3 I realized how much I missed the Ferrari. So I bought a 360 last year.

You may not know it now, but - you might be back....

 

+1

 

I woke up one day and I gave up a long streak of Ferraris for a Tesla, now two Tesla and more to come. I gave up sound, speed, for something different, very different and for more or less the same reasons plus some. After 1 1/2 years of not owning ICE cars anymore I can safely say I could not go back there anymore. I still loved them dearly and still go to Maranello 3 or 4 times a month to meet friends, eat at Pasticcino, test things, play, but the real love is over, I felt a strong need to move on.

 

Very interesting and thoughtful comments... Although I'm not ready to give up my 308 just yet, I know the time is not too far distant. I always knew the day would come eventually due mainly to a problem I have with my shoulder, but more and more I find my drives just aren't as enjoyable as they used to be due to the nanny state and the fact that I've pretty much driven every road within about 6 hours drive of home, plus all Australian states except Tasmania and the Northern Territory, so I've pretty much 'done' it as far as driving is concerned.

 

I used to worry and fret along similar lines to the OP. All that changed when my wife died.

Ever since then I take each day as it comes and try to enjoy life and my "toys" whilst I'm still healthy and able to do so without being a nuisance or burden to anyone else.

Although as one gets older thoughts about being sensible and practical do fog my mind from time to time but these thoughts are soon curtailed when I say to myself "what the heck, since when have I ever been sensible let alone practical".

 

DrG., I appreciate your post. As an experiential car "collector", I can understand how being able to use/drive the car is an important part of the car hobby. Functionality and usability are keys to great car ownership experiences. You were smart and pragmatic in selling your 360.

I used to have several collectible type cars at a given time, until I was spending more time scheduling when to drive certain cars to keep them in track or roadworthy condition or when to complete certain car projects. I also became too worried about mileage/wear/tear on the nicer cars such that the hobby was not as fun anymore.

Nowadays, I only keep up to two hobby cars at a time. And with my current lifestyle, even this is too much at times. Therefore, I consider myself more of a purger than a collector; and only have cars that I can enjoy without worrying about usage, mileage or minor damage. I also prefer cars that I can enjoy with friends/family.

 

Well said. Nobody actually needs these cars-if it's not fun you have to find another game to play. Just don't get a Porsche haaaaa

 

308mon:
I'm very sorry your wife passed away. Come to the States someday and let us F'Chatters know in advance where you'll be. I'm certain a lot of us would take you driving (& let you drive) on some of our entertaining US roads.
God Bless, David

 

Looks like it has machine guns on the side.

 

DrG, I am very happy for you. You were able to afford it, enjoyed, and have experienced what you hoped for (the miles!). Now you are through with the topic and have done a very sensible thing...good for you.
I am enjoying very much having a modest F-car around for occasional pleasure and am happy downsizing from up to 8 fun cars as I realized I can actually only sit in one and they were absorbing to many resources (money and much more time wise),

cheers

braq

 

The road today is filled with drivers who:
1) Can't drive
2) Are disrespectful to other drivers
3) Often don't even have a license
4) Are under or not insured at all

The laws of the road today implicate any form of "aggressive" (high speed, precision maneuvers) has automatically guilty over real infractions by other idiot drivers.

It is enough to make most of us want to quit driving around in a special car. I give credit to those who hang there. Perhaps in the future, when we have self-driving cars available, only those whom actually take the time and expenditures to to be a proper driver will be allowed to control the car.

If your scared off the road, consider Aviation:
1) No Speed Limits (Ok 250 knots below 10,000 - but c'mon!)
2) Everyone knows what they're doing and are well trained
3) Virtually all pilots are courteous
4) Federal License - no state imposed rules, other than noise abatement
5) You can fly direct virtually anywhere, except for a few restricted zones you have to fly around
6) Operating in 3-dimensional environment is more fun and more challenging
7) You can obtain many ratings as you become more proficient
8) Planes now have BRS for safety and "glass panel" avionics
9) Planes are way cool and some can travel at incredible speeds
10) Too many others to list

 

The ONLY "thing" I would trade my 360 for is a Cessna Citation (good short field performance).

DrG. I'm glad that you had the courage to make that decision but part of me wonders how soon you'll be back in an FCar. I can't imagine my life without Bellissima in the garage.

Though.. I know that life does change. As I get older, the experiences I crave might change to "different" things. At that point if my red car isn't one of those.. I'll move on to other things. But somehow I know that life without a Ferrari just wouldn't be the same.

 

I have been driving and enjoying Ferraris since my 20's on both road and track. Over the last 30 some odd years there have been Lotus', Porsches and various other exotica, but I have always managed to use them without stressing. They are nice to look at, but the real pleasure for me is attacking a challenging corner at 30mph faster than one could in a 'normal' car, and realizing that you could have added another 15! Learning the car, it's limits.... as well as your own and improving your skills song the way.

Sure, there was always the search for a decent parking space, avoiding potholes, etc, etc, but I always serviced my own cars and take care of them, so none of these things have been outrageously expensive for me to own..... even the Fiat X1/9 got the royal treatment back in the day. But none of them ever owned ME.

If these things (and they are just things) control your life and limit your enjoyment, it just might be time to move on to something else. Shuffleboard anyone?