My First Ferrari

Folks,
This week an adult life goal was achieved. I brought home the car of my dreams – a Ferrari F12. I have learned so much in the time that I have been visiting this sight especially after I joined so I could see those marvelous pictures that get posted. Now it is my turn with this first post.
I learned of the car’s existence while working on a proposal out of state but was too busy to go for a visit. I was also afraid to visit a Ferrari dealership. I read many good and bad stories about dealerships. We weren’t sure if they would treat us as not worthy or pop the champagne.
The car was beyond words to behold. Sitting in the center of the brightly lit showroom, I could see no other vehicle (although it was packed with Ferraris). My wife actually cried during the test ride. When he opened the hood to the engine compartment I could feel my heart roll in my chest and I indeed let out an audible gasp. That motor is the size of my couch. The paint and spec are so close to what I would have ordered that there was no way to not get it. My wife would not let me leave without it. I paid cash and immediately got placed on the list for a new build. I think it will be for a 2016 or more likely a 2017. Hoping for the HGTE or better so as to be a little different from this one (as long as they keep that big screen crap out of the cockpit).
Here are the main specs I can remember for this beautiful vehicle:
2013 F12 Berlinetta w/2,200 miles
Rosso Maranello with shields
Stock silver wheels with flat black rotors
Nero leather on top dash/pillars and headliner with Cuoio lower dash, seats, doors, with black thick stitching and black horses.
Yellow Tach
Full electric seats
Black carpets.
Full carbon interior (wheel/driver zone/dash/bridge/cup holder/sill kicks) except door panels.
Front and rear cameras
JBL upgraded Hi-Fi
Sat/NAV
AFS lights
I took the scenic route home through the Virginia mountains with my daughter. Epic ride for us all. She was beside herself. She said it was on her bucket list. There are no words to describe the F12. Must be seen and experienced for yourself. SOOO much power, passion and luxury. Rosso Maranello belongs on the F12. Total sensory overload – even sitting in the garage.
I will also say that I learned all Ferraris look much better in person than in pictures. I was not a big fan of the 458 in pictures but it is very beautiful in person. For me, however, the F12 is a part of my soul. Thanks to the folks on this website for helping bring us together.
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Thank you. It has Novitec springs and spacers installed at the dealership. I have all the original springs and hardware to return to stock height if desired. Not sure how much adjustment is in the current setup.

 

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Thanks. Yes. It has Novitec springs and spacers. Not sure how much adjustment there is. I have all the original parts to return to stock if desired. Ride is firm but nothing to compare it to.

 

Agreed. I always thought it would be a very hard decision for the body color. It was not at all.

Thank you. Appreciate your comment.

To tell you the truth, this was also the first modern Ferrari I've ever seen in person. I wanted to have one built but, alas, you must by used first. Thanks for your nice comment.

Thanks. It is amazing and part of the decision was to not wait until I was too old or ill to actually enjoy it.

Thank you kindly. Funny, I did not favor the Cuoio compared to beige. I thought it looked too much like a baseball glove. However, sitting inside it is quite warm and reminds me of pumpkin which fits the season and really looks great with the Nero.

Thank you kindly. I feel very blessed. My hope is also that the external relationships to come will strengthen our relationships at home.

Must have been an overwhelming experience to walk the floor where they are made. All the colors and finishes and different specs. My favorite would be the V12 engine assembly. Is it true that the 12s are assembled by a single technician?

You are quite welcome. Had to share and thought folks here would understand and remember their first. So special.

I hope no electric motors, forced induction, gaudy wings or flaps! And no computer monitors. Classic yet luxurious and still sucking air and burning hi test fuel. And a beast in the mid-front that screams.

Agree on those colors. Also Ruby Metallic (can't spell it in Italian). Maranello goes from a dark solid to sparkling bright red and a bit of orange and just works so well. Its like a Medusa forcing you to stare into it. For the wheels, I am still a fan of the forged in silver but the stockers look great and are lesser seen these days.

Thank you.

Glad you like it too.

Thank you. I was hoping someone from the area would comment. What do you think of the dealership? Have you been treated well there?

Thank you for commenting. I do favor the F12 in classic dress especially with this as the first.


I must say that prior to this purchase, I had plans of endless polishing and not so much use due to fear of damage or lost value. I was wrong. You must drive this car. It wants you to do so. Can't imagine just parking it and staring at it like some museum exhibit. I know it will depreciate and a new one will take more of my very hard earned wages but the payback is that very large goofy smile chiseled on my face behind the wheel (a picture I chose not to post) and the fun I will have with my wife and kids.

 

LARRYH - I have been following your posts on your F12 build. Great spec. The wait must be incredible. I hope it is everything you expect and more. My daughter took a lot of photo's of the Californias there. I'm sure one was yours. Good luck with the sale and the new arrival.

 

Thank you sir.