My 328 going to Continental on Tuesday...

Ah,yes. Thank you,sir! My Insurance policy that I have on the 308 is for 2500 miles,or less,per year.(but,I can change that at any time. Will just make my 6 month premium go up about $200.00. No biggie.) Although,in the 3 years that I've owned it,have only put on 4500 miles. So,I have the 2500 for this year,wide open,and perhaps,some "Banked" miles.(an additional 3000,maybe. Of course,service records could shut that theory down. If I bring it in anywhere. But,I've changed the Oil myself the last few times,as,the Filter is just broken in.) I thought about the Antique plates,but,don't particularly care for the look of them. Who knows. That could change in the next 2 years.

 

I don't think insurance companies know about how many miles you put on. However the 2,500 miles apply to maintenance/show driving. So if you have an accident on an Interstate in Michigan, they would probably be quite reluctant to pay for your car. That's why I never tried to go that route.

 

Changing the timing will effect the emissions, maybe not enough to fail the test.

On my ins. on the 308, each year on renewal I do have to give the current mileage

 

And,with the 2500 miles allowed,with my Insurance co.,It's not just for Maintenance or Show. It's for anywhere I want to go. It's not "Classic Car Insurance" It's just because they know,or ask,if the car isn't going to be driven in Bad weather. Winter stored. Not driven in the Winter,or Snow. Locked in a Garage. Stuff like that. But,one Drive to Arizona,and I'm done for the year. Unless I just upgrade. Thats all.

 

So you get 10% off the total service bill at Continental if you're an FCA or FOC member? If so I have to join before I get my service done, if I get it done there.

 

Tod: Com'on, did I read that right, that you joined the FCA to get a discount on your service bill ?

I've got to believe that being an FCA member gives us all a lot more than a little discount here and there. Not that there is anything wrong with saving some cash, but we bring a lot more to your table than that, would you not agree ??

 

Drew, I fully agree with you, but you have touched on a fine point: What is the incentive for a non member to join a Ferrari club?

As a non member you have just about the same rights and priviledges like a regular member. You can attend all events, participate etc. Granted at a higher price, but still. Club newsletters can't compete with the speed of information of internet communication anymore. So what's left?

I'm playing here devil's advocate of course. I'm a FCA member and realize that the membership contributions make it possible to have a club that hosts events. I know that. But why would a lone wolf want to join? It's a bit like paying taxes (although there we don't have a choice).

I find this question fascinating because as somebody who cares about the club, I have always wondered what else could we really offer that makes people want to join.

 

An intresting point Andreas, but one that could go beyond just the FCA club and ask the question as to why join any club for that matter ?

Why would you join a fancy golf country club when you can just go to the local park district and do the same thing ?

It's about one's personal preferences. Where do YOU want to be and what do you want to do.

Do you want to be an integral part of a real organization and make a committment and have hands-on involvement, or do you just want to go to an event and look at cars ? Maybe a better way to put it would be, do you want to be an actual player or just a spectator.

As to the issue of a non-member having the same rights as a club member. That is clearly not the case. While anyone may attend a public event, the general rule is you must be member (in good standing) to enter a car. Exceptions ? Of course. The Automobili Italiane ( former Oakbrook event ) is an example. Some events are private and accessable to members only (Prancing Horse, the Fribergs, etc.) Additionally there is the corral parking, the gifts and awards,and some serious food opportunities (Italian Village and others).

Drew

 

Andreas: As to your point of the "internet communication" vs. the club newsletter--those are two different mediums serving two different audiences. They both have their place and they both do a fine job. Differently of course.

 

Drew, I didn't know that certain events are for members only. Since I've been a FCA member before I had the car, I guess I never realized that. So there is a compelling reason.

You have a point about the difference between electronic vs print media: Different people preferring different things. Old habits are changing slowly, understood.

 

Hey gang, I just saw my previous 2 posts.

Please disregard them, as they don't have anything to do with anything.

Sorry Drew, and everyone. Please just forget what was said.

These wild swings in my blood sugar levels have a tendency to change my demeanor from nice guy to hostile guy.

Again, I give my apology for yet more unwarranted posts.

 

If anybody needs something deleted, just let me know. That's what a moderator is here for.

 

To quote Bak-a-lak-kal-aka-lak: "Chitown just got a little louder."

 

PICTURES! PICTURES! PICTURES!

 

My TR is at Continental for the seatbelt recall and a fluids change. Give her a little pat for me if you will. Seeing the big empty space in my garage makes me sad she won't be back home until next week...