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Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by desmomini, Jun 7, 2005.

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  1. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
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    Nov 18, 2003
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    Jeff
    #1 desmomini, Jun 7, 2005
    I've finally decided to the plunge into F-car ownership!

    After a string of British, American and Japanese sportscars, and a number of Italian motorcycles, I've decided it's finally time to seriously begin looking for a Ferrari. This is the marque I've been reading about since my high school days in the '80's, so the prospect of it being a reality is very exciting!

    I'm going to take my time looking so I'm fully familiar with the quirks of possible starter Ferraris. I'm very into the Bertone styling of the 308 GT4, and I like the fact that I could bring my daughters along for a ride. A Mondial would serve the same function. Mainly, I think the search itself will be a blast, so I want to enjoy every step.

    I look forward to checking out various models at local shows - definitely going to make it to the Frenchtown NJ show in August.

    Don't be surprised to hear more in the coming months! Thanks, all!
     
  2. ghost

    ghost F1 World Champ
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    Dec 10, 2003
    10,046
    Singapore
    #2 ghost, Jun 7, 2005
    A great decision. And take your time with the search. Many have had as much fun with the hunt as they have had with subsequent ownership. Keep your mind open and your wallet primed. Most of all, ask lots of questions and search frequently on this board. You will find it an incredible resource.

    Welcome.
     
  3. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    May 4, 2001
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    #3 Dr Tommy Cosgrove, Jun 7, 2005
    The GT4 is a great choice. I am thinking of getting into one in the next year or so myself.
     
  4. MJT328GTS

    MJT328GTS Formula Junior

    Mar 30, 2005
    374
    St. Louis
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    MJT
    #4 MJT328GTS, Jun 7, 2005
    Congratulations on your decision to go with an F-Car! You won't be dissapointed no matter which model you decide on. Good luck on your search.

    I've been looking for my first F-car for nearly 2 years and as of today I'm inches from closing the deal! It's a 1988 328 GTS (my favorite model) Black / Black and I have F-Chat to thank for finding the vehicle.

    For what it's worth, I would take the GT4 over the mondial. To me it's a nicer car and more stylish of the two.

    Good Luck in your search.
     
  5. jaturon

    jaturon Formula 3

    Oct 25, 2004
    1,599
    Bangkok Thailand
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    Zane
    #5 jaturon, Jun 7, 2005
    Well, take your time and you undoubtedly will find the right one for you.
    Good luck with the search and the fun starts there.
     
  6. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
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    #6 desmomini, Jun 8, 2005
    Thanks, all! I've been reading FChat for years now, and reading the popular press for decades, but it's sure going to be fun getting into up close and personal research.

    My experience so far is limited to riding shotgun in a Mondial and sitting in the driver's seat while it's stationary. I'd like to get stationary seat time in a GT4 to determine how I fit and how it feels - same with a GTB and GTS.

    It's interesting - almost every auto purchase I've made was cinched by the car's interior, where you actually come closest to being part of the machine. Naturally, I also consider drivability, acceleration, handling and exterior styling, but a car can have all the above but lose it in the running for me if I feel I don't mesh well with the interior. After all, that's where I spend all my time while driving!
     
  7. dm_n_stuff

    dm_n_stuff Four Time F1 World Champ
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    Dave M.
    #7 dm_n_stuff, Jun 9, 2005
    NOw, since you're close by. Hop into whatever you're driving now and meet us at Algars on Sunday Morning at 8:00.

    There will e three or four ferraris and a handful of other cars. It's a great way to meet the gang, and bum a ride in a Ferrari or two.

    DM.
     
  8. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
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    #8 desmomini, Jun 9, 2005
    Aw, man! I would absolutely love to, but I'm away weekends until after the 4th of July. Thanks so much for the invite, though. What I will do is keep my head up for the upcoming Sunday ride threads, and jump onboard when our schedules converge.

    I remember first being aware of Algar in my Temple U. days in the '80's. What a great place to meet for a ride out!
     
  9. LT-1

    LT-1 Karting

    May 13, 2005
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    Robert
    #9 LT-1, Jun 9, 2005
    Have fun with the search. As a F-car owner for 1 week, 5 days and 12 hours I can say that after all the years of wondering what the 'mystique' was all about, I get it. I will also say if it weren't for this site and all the helpfull advice I was given, there is no way I would have had the confidence to bite the bullet and buy the car.
    I just dropped of my GT4 for it's smog test and my garage looks VERY, VERY empty.
     
  10. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
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    #10 desmomini, Jun 9, 2005
    LT-1:
    As you might expect, I've been reading of your recent GT4 adventures. Now, inquiring minds want to see pics of your new ride!
     
  11. LT-1

    LT-1 Karting

    May 13, 2005
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    Robert
    #11 LT-1, Jun 9, 2005
  12. LT-1

    LT-1 Karting

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    #12 LT-1, Jun 9, 2005
    I should add, I've driven the car EVERY day since I brought it home.
    I walked in last week with a big ol' grin on my face, my wife asked what was up, I replied:

    "I just drove a Ferrari to pick up hamburgers for the kids."
    It just doesn't get any better then that.
     
  13. desmomini

    desmomini F1 Rookie
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    #13 desmomini, Jun 9, 2005
    Now THAT is a thing of beauty. Best of luck with it! Just wondering - how do you fit in the car? Does your head brush the headliner? I'm 6'1", and certain cars fit me perfectly, while others are cramped.
     
  14. LT-1

    LT-1 Karting

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    #14 LT-1, Jun 9, 2005
    I'm 6'-1" as well. Yeah, I brush the headliner a bit, not enough to bother me. And to be honest, unless it's raining the sunroof is always open. The guy I bought it from had a Momo racing seat installed (which came with the car) specifically because it sat lower than the stock seat. He was at least 6'-2". I think the seat sat 1-1 1/2" lower than the stock seat.
     
  15. Kieron

    Kieron Karting

    May 3, 2005
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    United Kingdom
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    Kieron
    #15 Kieron, Jun 9, 2005
    Since you mentioned Mondials - I've always had a soft spot for the Mondial cabriolet - a beautiful car with space for four people. It's the family Ferrari!

    Good luck with the search!
     

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