When Dreams Come True: The First Ferrari (599) | FerrariChat

When Dreams Come True: The First Ferrari (599)

Discussion in '612/599' started by Ferrarista3, Jun 29, 2009.

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  1. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    Carlo
    #1 Ferrarista3, Jun 29, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Wow...I don't know what to say...I'm having a sensory overload!!! After so much dreaming we finally got our first Fcar. I couldn't be happier :)

    Took delivery of the car this afternoon and just got back from a 2-hour drive. The car is mind-blowing. The sound, the acceleration, the gearbox, the looks...everything!

    My father did all the driving as I was more than happy to be in the passenger seat on the first day...but I still had the time of my life. I can't wait to get my hands on the steering wheel tomorrow :)

    Wow. My heart is still beating hard. The car was mostly driven in quite a conservative fashion, but it was still stunning. I'll write some more detailed impressions and take plenty of pics in the days to come. I'll use this thread to keep you updated on road trips/ownership experience/pictures etc. if you guys are interested.

    There's one thing in particular I'd like to mention. The original owner of this car (a well known Ferrari collector) had a switch installed under the steering wheel which opens the exhaust valves at all RPMs. It's truly spectacular, with the valves open it sounds ferocious at all RPMs...but if you want to cruise calmly, you just turn the switch and the valves go back to their standard setting (they only open after 4000rpm). This is a mod that every 599 owner should at least consider IMO. I really can't describe how good that V12 sounds!!

    Needless to day, we never raised the windows :) :)

    Here are a few pictures I took. I'll try to take better pictures tomorrow...maybe my hands will stop shacking by then :)

    Regards,
    Carlo
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  2. AustinMartin

    AustinMartin F1 Veteran

    Mar 1, 2008
    5,445
    Los Angeles/Idaho
    Congrats Carlo! I cannot wait to see updates in this thread!
     
  3. SilverF20C

    SilverF20C Formula 3

    Jun 22, 2004
    1,126
    Congrats to you and yours! :) The car looks beautiful and your enthusiasm is shared by many! Post some audio/video clips when you get a chance with the valves opened up (tunnel runs or appropriate areas).
     
  4. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa

    Jul 14, 2003
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    Do a youtube video of you driving the F1 course!

    You'll get a million views from here alone! :):):):)
     
  5. shumi

    shumi Rookie

    Mar 31, 2009
    49
    congratulazioni e veramente stupenda, ma il sistema dele valvole dele marmite con l interutore e stato instalato da la ferrari o da un privato ? forza ferrari
     
  6. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    Carlo
    #6 Ferrarista3, Jun 29, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2009
    Thank you for the kind words everyone.



    I'd be happy to take a video demonstrating the car's sound or taking a lap around the F1 circuit...if only I had a device with which to record the videos. I might have to get a camcorder one of these days...

    Grazie!

    Il precedente possessore dell'auto ha fatto installare il sistema dall'officina Ferrari locale. Quindi non e' un optional "ufficiale" ma un'officina Ferrari può sicuramente occuparsene.
     
  7. The Ape

    The Ape Formula 3

    Feb 28, 2007
    1,793
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    WHOA!!!!! What a gorgeous 599! Congrats!!
     
  8. shumi

    shumi Rookie

    Mar 31, 2009
    49
    diciamo che fa parte del programa perssonalisazione lol comunche e stupenda saltando a vedrla in foto il cuore mi va a mille sei veramente fortunato spero anche io un giorno non tropo lontano di realisare anche il mio sogno rosso :) (scusa per il mio bruto italiano me la cavo molto meglio in francese)
     
  9. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    #9 Ferrarista3, Jun 29, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2009
    Vedrai che a furia di sognare il sogno di materializzerà ;)

    Comunque il tuo italiano e' ottimo.

    ------------

    I just wanted to emphasize another thing before going to the garage (to make sure it wasn't just a beautiful dream) and then going to bed: the car sounds amazing!!!

    I can't get over how good the car sounds with the valves open. The sound it makes when down shifting is simply glorious...listening to the F1 gearbox rev-matching is simply amazing. It then pops and burbles and makes all kinds of great sounds when you get off the gas.

    With the switch set to its standard setting (valves closed until 4000 RPM) the car still sounds good but it isn't half the experience IMO.

    The car also looks stunning. As I mentioned in another thread, IMVHO the 599 is the best looking production car Ferrari produced since the Daytona. I could stare at it for hours. The interior is also fantastic. All the beautiful leather and carbon fiber create perfect blend of luxury and sportiness.

    ...and then there's the acceleration...it knocks the air out of you!! Our 997 911 4S was a fast car IMO...but the 599 feels twice as fast at every speed.

    However, the car feels just as happy screaming in a tunnel as it does doodling quietly on a highway comfortably within the speed limits.

    I'll post more pics/impression in the following days.

    This is going to be a great summer :) :)
     
  10. darth550

    darth550 Six Time F1 World Champ
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    By all means, please do! :):)
     
  11. laudaman

    laudaman Formula 3

    Jan 4, 2008
    1,017
    Michigan
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    Chris
    Carlo,

    All the hard-work has finally paid off. You have one of the most beautiful 599GTB Fiorano's I have ever laid eyes on. From all the little details right on down to the ball-polished Challenge rims(bravo on that option! :)) She is absolutley beautiful. While I am not the "elegant cruiser" type(I love Nero/Nero and Rosso Corsa/Nero.), yours is hands down, one of the best I have seen. I wish you only the best with her, this could be the best summer of your life. I hope that smile that is permanently stuck on your face right there, stays there for a good while. Only the best for you and your 599. Drive her in good health! :)

    Chris
     
  12. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    Carlo
    #12 Ferrarista3, Jun 29, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 29, 2009
    Thank you very much for the very kind words Chris...but I think it should be my father taking credit for the hard work.

    As far as smiles are concerned...I've been smiling so much that the muscles on my face hurt :)

    I can't take credit on the spec as the car is pre-owned...but I must say that my ideal spec would be very similar though.

    We're actually getting the ball-polished challenge rims swapped for some silver challenge rims as we're told that repairs aren't possible on ball-polished rims. The car will be driven a lot and therefore the idea of having to change rims for a scratch isn't very appealing. I also like standard silver rims better...just a matter of taste of course.

    Parking sensors are also getting installed next week.

    I can't wait for tomorrow. I can already hear the V12 singing :)

    Goodnight.
     
  13. ggetz

    ggetz Karting

    Dec 20, 2007
    150
    Many congratulations!

    It is unreal when you first accelerate in that beast, isn't it? For many years I owned a 512TR with that fantastic, high torque flat-12 -- and it doesn't begin to compare with the 599. A dream car indeed!

    One quick question, if I may: you mention that you're having parking sensors installed. I'm strongly considering doing this with my 599 and am wondering if you are keeping the same bumpers (especially the rear) or need to install new ones, are installing factory sensors or aftermarket parts, how much of the wiring is already installed in the car, approximate cost, etc. I'm paranoid about backing the car into things, so would love to learn what you know!

    Again, all the best,

    Gary


     
  14. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    #14 Ferrarista3, Jun 30, 2009
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2009
    We're having factory sensors installed.

    We were told that rear sensors aren't a problem and costs should remain within 1K euros as the old bumper can stay.

    However, front senors may be a bit more complicated as a button has to be installed (a third button after the "lock" "unlock" buttons near the arm-rest area) and also a new bumper may be required. The local Ferrari dealership will get in touch with the factory today and they're going to tell us the cost of also having the font sensors installed. We are going to decide whether to install them based on what they tell us.

    Rear sensors are very important IMO (we have to do some VERY tight maneuvers to park in our garage) but front sensors aren't essential.

    I'll keep you updated.
     
  15. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

    Dec 4, 2004
    6,890
    Cape Town,SA
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    Jacques
    Congrats, great looking 599! That exhaust trick is very neat but it wont be too long until you want the full fury a Tubi offers....;) Interior colour combination is really great, suits the car so well...
     
  16. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    Thanks!

    I've seen a couple 599s with Tubis around. They sound very nice...but I'm not sure if they're that much louder than the stock exhaust with valves open?

    I suppose it depends on the set-up. I have read all your threads (and saw your videos) about your adventures with a red 599 with Tubis. You mentioned that the car had the "loud" system. What does in consist of? Just the rear silencers?

    However I don't think Tubi (or any aftermarket exhausted) will be installed in the near future. The car is certainly loud enough with the valves open...but once you want to restore tranquility (to drive through Switzerland for instance) you can simply turn a switch.
     
  17. M-individual

    M-individual F1 Rookie

    Oct 5, 2007
    2,937
    GTO, 458C, GT3RS
    Congratulazioni Carlo.

    The moment you have been waiting for arrived! Your 599 looks great and I have to admire you. You were able to sit in the passenger seat all afternoon and didn't drive it? I would go nuts. Anyway, today will be your day. If you were impressed yesterday then I can't wait to read how you will feel today after driving it yourself.

    I'm interested in hearing the difference between "switch off" and "switch on". If you have some time, please post video's (start up, drive away, ...). I wonder what the effect would be on an HGTE exhaust.

    Also looking forward to your F1 Monaco lap video.

    Enjoy every minute of it today. Happy driving.

    Cheers,

    M
     
  18. Tifosi66

    Tifosi66 Formula 3

    Nov 30, 2004
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    Congrats Carlo :)
    More piccies and the F1 lap Vid please....
     
  19. Ferrari 360 CS

    Ferrari 360 CS F1 Veteran

    Dec 4, 2004
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    Correct it has the loud system, consists of the rear silencers, true in Europe the "music" of the Tubi may be a bit much for the green party but down here the thunderous "music" never ceases to bring smiles to many a persons face....

    As for comparison between standard with the valves open, well in my opinion the Tubi is obviously louder below 4000 rpm but there is a much great scream at the top of the rev range...

    Enjoy the power of 600 bhp.....just tell your dad not to worry about how fast the rear tyres will wear....nearly 2 sets in 8000 kms....
     
  20. ggetz

    ggetz Karting

    Dec 20, 2007
    150
    Thanks, Carlo! I'll look forward to the updates.

    Best,

    Gary


     
  21. Ferrarista3

    Ferrarista3 F1 Rookie

    Oct 30, 2007
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    Carlo
    #21 Ferrarista3, Jun 30, 2009
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Just got back from a nice 3-hour drive and manged to get some seat-time myself.

    Wow!!!!!

    In one word: EPIC.

    It's everything I was hoping for x 10.

    £$%%@@!!!! :eek: I'm lost for words.

    I'll write some more detailed impressions and answer questions later as I'm in a bit of a hurry (we are leaving for Italy in 1hr...and not taking the Fcar as rear seats are required :( )...and I won't be back till Thursday :( :(

    Here are a bunch of pics from this morning:
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  22. Bas

    Bas Four Time F1 World Champ

    Mar 24, 2008
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    wow, congrats mate:).





    [quickly clicks the youtube tab and searches for 599 Tubi:D]
     
  23. M-individual

    M-individual F1 Rookie

    Oct 5, 2007
    2,937
    GTO, 458C, GT3RS
    Thanks for the pics Carlo. Very nice. How I miss the Côte d'Azur seeing your pics.

    Ciao,

    M
     

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