My Year in Heaven

Dear Ferrari Chat Readers,

I must, for I believe duty demands, honestly report and sincerely reveal my complete, utterly fantastic: beyond all expectations Year One (1) Ownership. of a 1987 412i.

It has been automotive ecstasy. Comfortable, pretty; it grows on you I think, beautifully sounding; as are all of her sonorous siblings, yet wonderfully discrete, until it is past you, example of how even the controlling interst of Fiat could not significantly dilute the Heritage Production of Ferrari.

Ah yes my friend...It is a year of bliss which I'm certain you would enthusiastically echo were you to have experienced the nearly trouble free year of pleasurable 412 driving I and my recently willing to accompany me wife have enjoyed. She whom previously believed Ferrari's are frequently driven out and towed back to our garage at a modest two digits left of the decimal point cost per mile per year. Indeed, speaking just briefly, of economy: our 412i has demonstrated a remarkable, perhaps incredible, 14.6 to 15.5 miles per gallon. And yes my right foot is known to possess, occassionally, the weight density of neutron stars.

Indeed, our adopted younger sister, butch though she looks, to our 330 GT is the bell of our ball. The '66 330 has accumulated more dust than miles since the acquisition last May of our beloved 412. When I drive the 330 my sense is of some degree of loss...a measured loss of comfort and moderness which transcends mere stereophonics and working air-conditioning. It is a step to a two and a half decades old example newer than the 45 year old veteran formerly hereto referred.

It all makes me wonder...if newer guarantees better what might a year 2000 or newer Ferrari do to foster my exponentially enraptured driving experience? Can there be or should one seek counseling for my; our, shared addiction?

Changing my name from 330Guy...maybe..

 

That was one of the most fun post I have read, love it. Fritz

 

Great post! I have owned and driven a lot of exotics, but it seems that this particular GT was designed just for me. And you!

 

To add to the above ,my wife and I just returned form a 1000 mile rally ( the New England 1000) in our 412 and can report that our love affair with this car continues...it was an absolute joy. I know we surprised some folks with the performance of the car. There was some spirited driving to be had and we did not hesitate to partake. The 412 ran and handled beautifully.

 

great to hear !

i've had unlimited access to a '68 365 GT for the past 2 months and will have for the forseeable future...
and what it's given me is an even greater appreciation (possible?) for this series of Ferrari's.

in terms of comfort, performance and most definitely sound, it isn't even close...the 365 GT4's and 400/400i's i get to drive everyday are just so much better...light years.

however, i couldn't even begin to deny that the 365 GT is achingly beautiful on the road...just gorgeous...but behind the wheel, it's a tractor compared to a 365/400.

the same partner of mine also owns a 1999 456M and it too misses the mark for me, for totally different reasons, when i compare it to my 400...weird, eh ?

 

I totally agree- Took the 412 out to look at a relatively intact "Queen Mother" that is for sale- kind of have the taste for a vintage Ferrari- Pretty surprising at how different the cars are- Obviously a 20 year newer car is going to be more luxurious but the 412 is tighter, faster, quieter when you need it to be an louder when you want it to be.

Similarly i was in the 400i when I got to drive a very clean 365 GTC/4 and honestly felt the 400i was a better driving, better handling car- overall i found speed and power to be similar though the sound of the GTC/4 is pretty awesome- the injected 400i misses the mark just a little bit....

 

i think you owe it to yourself to have a carbed V-12 in the mix Jay...

 

Well interestingly,having owned my 365GT4 2+2 for a couple of years,I wanted a 'curves and chrome' car.In eastern Aussie at the time there were only 2 that I knew of for sale,a Queen Mary in Sydney and the S1 330 in Brisbane.
Cutting a very long day short(I flew from Cairns to Brisbane to look at the 330 then hopped on another aircraft to Sydney for the 365.
As is happened the 365 was a dog anyway BUT it didn't feel a great deal different to the GT4;5 speed,IRS,power steering and it didn't have Borranis'.
I made the right decision though,the 330,it is a very well known,concours winning,much used(not garage queen)delightfull and comfortable to drive long distance car.
The 365.................................


is a hotrod and the car I'd choose for highspeed driving both on the road and for track days.