Total Newb...spec'ing a Portofino for fiancee's 60th BD

Raghu · May 30, 2018

That's great. Mine is on schedule to be built in July, but the factory closes in August for vacations. It will ship after that and may arrive close to the same time as yours. My dealer told me mine will be among the first costumer cars delivered to the U.S. I hope you enjoy your car.

Caeruleus11 · Jun 1, 2018

ttforcefed said: ↑

id do azzurro california with crema, no shields. that oozes class.

https://www.naplesmotorsports.com/vehicle-details/81e3a07a9f7e40989ae89845354aae02
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GORGROUS

jumpinjohn · Jun 2, 2018

blbenson said: ↑

That's an approach still under consideration. However...

And this is only what's true in my experience. And in my experience with this particular woman. Everyone's experiences are different.

If there are any women on the forum, I'd really welcome your thoughts. I heard a rumor that "they" are wired a little differently (certainly better) than us male folk.

For starters, I doubt that she'd make it over the hurdle of spending this much on a car. If she saw the price list her hair would catch fire. I don't have that problem. I'm over that hurdle. I would rather her not know specific costs. Obviously she'd know the car was ridiculously expensive. The quality speaks for itself. Deliciously. But expensive is relative. A PF is a lot of money for a car, but not a lot for a Ferrari. I would rather just have her enjoy and not dwell on the cost.

Sitting for hours at the computer weighing every little decision is a guy's approach. We're optimizers and analytics. At least I am. We love the details and will consider them ad nauseam. She wouldn't care like I would about tachometer color. Or exhaust tips. Or wheels and calipers -- what's a caliper? ;-) . Shields or no shields. Or any number of such details. She wouldn't enjoy that part of the process. She'd fret. She'd get frustrated. Other than colors, she'd say "I don't know, decide for me". It's just the way she's wired. Which is very different from myself.

Although there are many thousands of combinations possible as you noted, the vast majority of them I can eliminate based on what I know of her likes and dislikes, what's important to her and what is not. As first-timers, Atelier and Taylor Made aren't a consideration. (Maybe for the next one). There's an element of living dangerously here, making choices for someone else. But if the color is right, it has the right measure of class and elegance, she'll absolutely love it. Am I crazy? Or just stupid? Hehe.

So, on the color... It has to be on the lighter side. And from the standard palette (to have more budget for other options).

I was leaning towards Grigio Ingrid. Great romantic backstory there with Roberto Rosselini and Ingrid Bergman. And then I saw a comment "looks like it belongs on grandma's Cadillac". Killed it for me. We've all seen "grandma's Cadillac". Full stop on that. Ha!

Another choice is speaking to me. Grigio Alloy. Seems to have just the right balance of gray/silver and a hint of blue. (She always picks silver to grey cars) This looks really good on the configurator with chrome painted rims. That might be the one.

Thanks for all your comments so far guys. I really want to get this right, so much appreciated.

B
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I agree with the earlier suggestions.

I brought my wife with me to the dealer to place our order for our Cali-T. She is not a car person. She didn’t want to come but came along anyway, bringing a book to read while I did the order. Now, I had spent hours with the online configurator and had a definite spec in mind. Silverstone or CdF with Cuio interior, carbon shields etc. basically a mild conservative look.

When she saw the car on the big screen TV, she was hooked in and suddenly had a lot of ideas. We ended up with Argento and Rossa interior with deviating stitching. A completely different look. When it came the the shields, she had a very definite opinion for the yellow shields because it is “traditional “!

We normally have grey, silver or white vehicles, so when we went to configure the 812, I expected her to pick a similar spec. But instead, she fell in love with Blu Abu Dhabi with Tortora interior. Not at all what I expected, but a beautiful spec.

We have been happily married for 31 years and she still surprises me. For me, it was so much fun seeing her get so engaged and have so much fun herself that I really don’t mind the car looking a bit different than I thought. The dealer of course never talks about prices... (Ha!)

You could even take her in and just spec one for fun. You aren’t gonna buy it, of course, let’s just do it for fun!

That way in a year she is surprised to see her dream car show up! Just an idea...

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Golden Steed · Jun 2, 2018

I like the shields, and will want them.

But.

I do think the real purpose of the side shield is so that whomever you pull up next to at a light can know what it is you're driving. It's a Brag Tag.

tomc · Jun 2, 2018

jumpinjohn said: ↑

...But instead, she fell in love with Blu Abu Dhabi with Tortora interior. Not at all what I expected, but a beautiful spec....
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Have you posted pics on F-chat of your 812 in Blu Abu Dhabi?
T

jumpinjohn · Jun 2, 2018

tomc said: ↑

Have you posted pics on F-chat of your 812 in Blu Abu Dhabi?
T
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It is on the boat...

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jumpinjohn · Jun 2, 2018

Shotgun Styles said: ↑

I like the shields, and will want them.

But.

I do think the real purpose of the side shield is so that whomever you pull up next to at a light can know what it is you're driving. It's a Brag Tag.
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I don’t know the real purpose but I could care less about bragging and frankly wish there were no shields. I get them because of resale primarily because as much as I say I won’t trade this one in on another... I am an addict.

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TheLastdragon · Jun 3, 2018

blbenson said: ↑

A few things I'm certain of. There are maybe only 2-3 paint colors from the standard palette that she'd go for. She wouldn't like black roof/A-pillar (perception of hot in our climate). She definitely doesn't like black or dark colors in the interior. Even Cuoio interior is probably much too dark/masculine for her. She's not impressed with CF. To her it looks more techie/racy (which it is) than elegant. Definite yes to contrasting stitching, horses, colored seatbelts, colored dash and wheel. etc. Seat style is only one offered on PF, yes? They seem to make a big deal of the magnesium frame on the new PF seats which gives 5cm more backseat legroom. I think there are only a few items that I could be a little off on. But the palette is pretty narrowed down.

You guys have made some good points though. I'm pondering how to get her input without letting the cat out of the bag completely.
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Take her shopping for a C Class Mercedes. Let her pick colors etc. hear from her what is important and translate what you learn Ferrari.

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Redneck Slim · Jun 3, 2018

That sounds like a good idea. But what if she falls in love with the Mercedes and is disappointed when all she gets is a Ferrari?

jumpinjohn · Jun 3, 2018

blbenson said: ↑

A few things I'm certain of. There are maybe only 2-3 paint colors from the standard palette that she'd go for. She wouldn't like black roof/A-pillar (perception of hot in our climate). She definitely doesn't like black or dark colors in the interior. Even Cuoio interior is probably much too dark/masculine for her. She's not impressed with CF. To her it looks more techie/racy (which it is) than elegant. Definite yes to contrasting stitching, horses, colored seatbelts, colored dash and wheel. etc. Seat style is only one offered on PF, yes? They seem to make a big deal of the magnesium frame on the new PF seats which gives 5cm more backseat legroom. I think there are only a few items that I could be a little off on. But the palette is pretty narrowed down.

You guys have made some good points though. I'm pondering how to get her input without letting the cat out of the bag completely.
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The dealer configurator is now showing Daytona seats as an option. So be prepared for more choices when you order from the dealership...

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Andial · Jun 3, 2018

I wouldn't get shields either. You should work w/ the closest dealer to you. You might want to consider the GranTurismo Convertible as it is still NA and Maserati has more dealerships.

jfm_cdm · Jun 10, 2018

azlin75 said: ↑

On the shields, I’d personally get them as to me they define the car as a Ferrari. It’s one of the things that always stood out to me on all the Ferrari’s I’ve ever seen since childhood. Then again If you skip them the car will certainly be one of a kind. I also agree on the leather, and the contrast stitching. And magnaride is also a good option as it makes the car ride much better. I also think any of the color options mentioned look very nice on this body style so I’d do as others have mentioned and play with the configutor and see what you like. I also agree on the cuoio is likely the interior color is option with the upper portion of the dash and steering wheel black as the cars I have seen with the dash one solid color other then black I didn’t care for too much. Another option that might be good, if you think you and your wife would use it, is the Apple car play. While an expensive option if it’s used would be worth the expense especially if you will be keeping the car for a long time. Another option I think is worth the extra expense having driven several different Ferrari’s is the front camera option as the rear camera is now standard. Again a pricy option but probably worth it if pulling into parking places forward facing as front fascia replacement is probably way more thenthe camera option.
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‘[t]hey define the car as a Ferrari”. And the six other Cavalino’s On the car (front, back, 4 wheels) + the Ferrari on the boot don’t tell someone what the car is?

I’ve got one Ferrari with them and two without. My 512BB does not have them and I don’t recall them being that common before say 20 years ago and the older cars that have SF shields have them hand painted on which is a different (more subtle) look. It is a question of personal taste. I’ve grown to believe simpler is better and without them, you get a better more continuous visual of the car’s lines. If focused on ease of resale, then go red, cuoio, shields. If not, and it is her car, think hard about what SHE’d want. IMO, If you are going to the effort and expense of spec’ing one out, make it special and unique! And when you get it, drive it like you stole it!

azlin75 · Jun 10, 2018

jfm_cdm said: ↑

‘[t]hey define the car as a Ferrari”. And the six other Cavalino’s On the car (front, back, 4 wheels) + the Ferrari on the boot don’t tell someone what the car is?

I’ve got one Ferrari with them and two without. My 512BB does not have them and I don’t recall them being that common before say 20 years ago and the older cars that have SF shields have them hand painted on which is a different (more subtle) look. It is a question of personal taste. I’ve grown to believe simpler is better and without them, you get a better more continuous visual of the car’s lines. If focused on ease of resale, then go red, cuoio, shields. If not, and it is her car, think hard about what SHE’d want. IMO, If you are going to the effort and expense of spec’ing one out, make it special and unique! And when you get it, drive it like you stole it!
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Can’t argue with your logic. For me I don’t think it’s the resale but I actually like the shields. I also like the red but have really been drawn to the blues. The yellow calipers and shields really pop with the blues. At the end of the day yeah it’s all about personal preference and while it might be a billboard screaming “hey I’m a Ferrari” and that isn’t that bad in and of itself to a certain extent.

jumpinjohn · Jun 20, 2018

So how did it go?

Did you order?

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LARRYH · Jun 21, 2018

ttforcefed said: ↑

id do azzurro california with crema, no shields. that oozes class.

https://www.naplesmotorsports.com/vehicle-details/81e3a07a9f7e40989ae89845354aae02
Click to expand...

this would be a great color and maybe or sabia interior with either black carpet or better yet dark blue carpet and blue stitching... I bought a Maserati for my wife several years ago in this color combination it was perfect..she loved it
Also I love the idea of buying the car as a surprise for your lady....I have done similar .. The way I did it was about six months earlier I took her out looking at cars and got her to drive several different brands etc telling her I wanted to look and then I just listened to her went out later and ordered the car I thought she would love ...and she does...

rmmcdaniel · Jun 21, 2018

I would make sure and get folding rear seats. Will give you more flexibility for luggage/storage on road trips you mentioned. On the California they were an option, not sure if they are still an option or standard on PF.

Redneck Slim · Jun 21, 2018

They are an option. But be aware that you have to open the trunk lid and press a button for each side to be able to pull open the seatbacks. I plan to modify this so that I can simply pull open the seatbacks from inside.

tomc · Jun 21, 2018

^$1700 per the latest option list....T

AD211 · Jun 22, 2018

Redneck Slim said: ↑

They are an option. But be aware that you have to open the trunk lid and press a button for each side to be able to pull open the seatbacks. I plan to modify this so that I can simply pull open the seatbacks from inside.
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Hmmm...not to take a detour on the thread but one of my seat backs on my 2010 won’t stay up. I thought it was the tension in the hinge since it just flops down and the other stays up. Neither seem to engage the latch. I haven’t looked for a button in the trunk that may affect their operation.

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fga4 · Jun 25, 2018

blbenson said: ↑

Let me just get this out of the way that I'm a total newb to the brand. Please forgive any uninformed questions or viewpoints which I'm sure to have.

My fiancee has always wanted a bespoke GT car such as a Maserati, Aston, etc. (She currently drives a rather pedestrian Lexus). I think she would absolutely fall in love with the Portofino, as I have. It's pretty much the most beautiful thing I've ever seen that has wheels. (My opinion, anyway.) As Ferrari first-timers, we are squarely in the target market for the PF.

I would like to surprise her for her 60th in October 2019. We're getting older. She's a cancer survivor (and now healthy thank goodness). At this point in life, it's time to say WTF and get her whatever she wants, cost be damned. One doesn't buy a car like this based on specs, price, etc. You buy it for the art and spirit of the thing and how your own soul interacts with the driving experience. You get a Ferrari because it's well..a Ferrari. And other cars are not. I get it...or at least I think I get it.

She would love a convertible. I have this vision of presenting the car to her with the top up. And hearing her say "But I really wanted a convertible. What about that?" I would stall as much as possible of course. Then at the right moment, she might say "What does this button do?". And I'd say "I don't know. Why don't you push it?"

Worth the price of admission right there.

I'll have lots of questions about spec'ing the car and the process of ordering.

Keep in mind that I'm spec'ing a car for a mature female driver who would tend not to push the car's performance too hard (although I might). She loves to drive, but she's not an extreme performance driver. We would use the car as a GT, driving locally a few times a week and road trip getaways of a few hundred miles or so. Maybe the occasional cross-country trip. The car would never be street raced or tracked.

If the car was just for me, I'd spec it differently. But I really want her to feel like this car was built for her with the options she'd like. She is more luxury oriented as opposed to racing oriented. I'd tick the box for all leather options. Full power seats yes. No passenger display. No CF. Wouldn't impress her at all, especially for the cost.

I'm thinking no shields. Yes, I am familiar with the discussions on this. We tend to keep our cars for a very long time, so resale is not a primary concern. She would look at those shields and ask "Why are these here?". And I'd explain about the racing team and she'd say "So?". Not her focus. She would prefer clean, classy, and elegant to race inspired badgery, even if it is iconic to the brand.

Paint...hopefully there's a standard color that'll work. With our hot southern climate, I'm thinking heat insulating windshield and light colors inside and out. We intend to put significant road miles on the car and inevitably there will be scratches and dings despite our best efforts at avoidance. Something in grey, aluminum-like, or a very light blue. She really wouldn't appreciate the ultra-premium price of some of the colors. I have the PF option list, but it lacks detail on what colors are standard vs. premium vs. ultra-premium. Suggestions?

We're on the Gulf coast and the most practical dealer choices are Houston or Atlanta. Any pros or cons of one vs. the other? We live bi-coastal, so we could also consider a west coast dealer. Or I suppose any US dealer for purchase as long as we could go to any of them for service.

Okay, I've probably written much more than I should for a first post.

I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions for options, dealers, and the process for ordering.

Respectfully,

Brian
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Yes, go with the new model for her. Less headaches having a warranty. Get the car coated with XPEL or Sunguard. Your a good husband.

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airtire · Jun 30, 2018

Dealer??

I just completed a transaction with Ferrari of Houston on a 2015 Cal T, Craig Becker was the salesperson. They went over and above excellent. I spoke with many dealers while I was looking, and many are flaky and don't respond quickly. I made a deal for the car on a Thursday and they shipped the car Friday. Highly recommend Craig at Ferrari Houston.

Andial · Jul 1, 2018

airtire said: ↑

Dealer??

I just completed a transaction with Ferrari of Houston on a 2015 Cal T, Craig Becker was the salesperson. They went over and above excellent. I spoke with many dealers while I was looking, and many are flaky and don't respond quickly. I made a deal for the car on a Thursday and they shipped the car Friday. Highly recommend Craig at Ferrari Houston.
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That only works for used cars as one should work w/ their local Ferrari dealership in regards to new orders.

dr_genious · Aug 7, 2018

You have that so wonderfully written and first of all I wish you many more happy years full of love, health and happiness together. Whatever you choose for her, she will love it, no doubt. Wonderful.

For your lady, here are the specs I would pic (not for you, not for me, for HER): Grigio Ingrid, roof black, rims black /gunmetal, Interior light beige OR Iroko / Choccolato w contrast stitching (I would go with the light interior w ciuio stitching . Very elegant, and it would really be her's. You should order the passenger display for YOURSELF though .

Still would do the shields, so you could do yellow calipers. If no shields, keep the calipers black.

All the best!!

P.S: I have the Portofino on order for me, my wife gets a McLaren for her 50th (4 years to go on the day!)

jumpinjohn · Aug 7, 2018

What did the OP decide???

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