Why do you drive/own Ferrari(s)?

Good question. I guess its the first car that gave me that youthful head clearing feeling of freedom . escape , exhilaration . I am at a stage of my life when I just can. It hasn't brought too much attention. Put around 1500 miles on it in the last 4 months. Just back road dusk driving mostly by myself, on the road to nowhere.

 

My car lust began in my cousin's basement. I am 46 years old and when I was about 7 he had a huge Aurora HO scale car track in his basement. He gave me a Porsche 917 & a 1956 Chevy wagon. All his buddies were into this, we would trade parts, so I changed the magnets, polished the electrical pickups, swapped tires, painted the body. We would race for hours... The same cousin also repaired lawnmowers to make extra cash and had procured himself a riding mower that he stripped down, painted red with stripes, and we would race that thing around the yard like AJ Foyt.

Then when I was about 9 I got a ride in a Porsche 911. It was my dad's friend and I was sitting on my dads lap. When he accelerated at full throttle I was shoved back and heard the wail of the engine - it was awesome!

Then I started with the car magazines, Road & Track, Car & Driver. I would re-read each issue over and over. I went to the library to research how engines and transmissions worked. I would watch whatever little racing was on broadcast tv back then. I remember reading about the Ferrari 512 BB - top speed and track tests. I believe they tested it against a Lamborghini. Interestingly back then, and to this day, the Lamborghini does not interest me at all. I was obsessed with Ferrari & Porsche.

I would look at these exotic cars and dream. My family is from Brooklyn, dad grew up living over a store with 3 families in one apartment but he put himself through college and then started his own business so as I got older we got nicer & nicer cars. Before I got my license my dad had a Jaguar XJ6 and mom had a BMW.

But the Porsches and Ferraris I saw in the magazines were mythical stuff. I would see them at the NY Car Show behind a velvet rope. Stare at them and wonder what kind of people could spend that kind of money for a car. And then my uncle purchased a Ferrari 308. I went to see it and he let me drive it! Holy ****! I was 17 years old and that day was when I knew that I would someday have my own Ferrari. There was no doubt in my mind, just a matter of time and figuring out how....

 

Because I like them. I saw them run at Sebring as a teenager, and was blown away.

I remember seeing a GTO for 6K and a TRC for 3500. I knew a fireman with a Cal Spyder.

They were not bank busters by any means. New 275 for 14 thru NART, 10 or 11 if bought direct from Ferrari, which anyone could do.

The Ft Lauderdale "dealership" was on a side street with no sign on the one bay warehouse that he occupied and answered the phone " hello"

Different days

Different clientel also. More like hot rodder mentality

Different days, although most people can afford 400s or 308s, which cost less that Toyotas, and also steer, stop and decelerate when you lift.

 

My answer from the "Why did you buy a Ferrari" thread (July 2008):

http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?p=137867329#post137867329

 

Cause I wanted one!

 

I can answer this from another POV. I'm 18 and I've wanted a Ferrari since I was 12. At the time I was more of a Corvette guy, but one day I saw a 360 Spider on TV and KNEW I had to have one someday. I just get this unexplainable adrenaline everytime I see one. My blood pressure gets really high and I get a crazy rush. I call it "Ferrari Fever". Haha. Also, I have a poster of a Ferrari Enzo above my bed and every time I think I want to take a break from studying I picture myself in that car. After about 5 minutes of daydreaming I hit the books again. It's my drive. Hopefully it all pays off and I have a Ferrari someday.

 

Ditto.

I'm 18 and Ferrari has been my passion ever since I was 10. I was always into anything with wheels, then I became interested in Corvettes. So, I got this video game called Need For Speed High Stakes. I always used the Corvette...until I was beat by some strange car called a "Fer-rar-eye." Didn't have a clue what it was. I was at the store a day later with my mom and went to look at the Hot Wheels and I saw the same "Fer-rar-eye" that beat me in the game. So I bought it. (It was a F50 btw). I took that car with me everywhere I went, although my passion was still for Corvettes. I took it into go see my oral surgeon to go get teeth pulled. Coincidentally, he was my second cousin. He saw the toy and asked, "Do you like Ferraris?" That's how I finally knew how to pronounce it correctly. I replied, "I don't know anything about them, but they're fast and they look cool." He smiled and said, "I have a Ferrari." Two weeks later, he called one evening and asked, "Do you want to go for a ride in the Ferrari tomorrow? I'll take you to school." I was VERY excited. SO, I packed my bag the next day and he took me to my fourth grade class in his 1986 Red/Tan Ferrari 328 GTS. THAT is what got me hooked. The sound, look, smell, and feel of the car was incredible. Ever since then, I've always had an adrenaline high everytime I see one, hear one, or ride in one. I've been fortunate enough to ride in that 328 3 times, a 512 TR 2 times, a Challenge Stradale 1 time, and an F430 1 time. Plus, I've even had the experience of DRIVING an F430 (same one that I rode in). I've sat in countless Ferraris; anywhere from a Mondial to an F50 and every time, I still get that feeling. I want a Ferrari.

-G.B.

 

'cos it's a cool car.

 

I'm glad I'm not the only one...

Kevin

 

I edited my post; you might be able to relate to me a little more if you read it.

-G.B.

 

Start out in the early 70's with an XKE, wind up with some Ferrari's 40 years later. Its kind of a natural progression.

 

I read it. We have a lot in common in terms of Ferrari. Maybe one day when we're both owners we'll have to have a Ferrari meet. Haha. That would be cool; 15 years from now meeting up after talking on FerrariChat.

Kevin

 

That'd be sick. lol. We'll have to keep in touch.

-G.B.

 

Definitely. That would be awesome.

 

Because when I was 9 years old my dad came home, put me in a car, and drove me across town to show me one. It was about 1979 and the car was a red/tan 308 GTS. I went home and immediately devoured any magazine article or screen appearance I could possibly find.

There was passion about it...

Then one day I started to realize I could actually own one....so I bought it.


PDG

 

Follow the link to this thread: ( http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=286973 ). This should answer it for at least 80% of the members here.

 

I sort of have a different take on this question than most. The closest I got to seeing one as a kid was the movie grand prix and other movies of the 60's and 70's.

But, aside from that exposure, I own them because they are totally unique. I've driven a lot of cars and I could close my eyes and know I'm in a Ferrari of any era.

I like the way they drive. I like the way they look. I like that they are not perfect and you can see someone's actual hand in making them. I like that they have some connection to racing and race technology. And, I confess, I like that others ooh and aah when they see it. I like that friends and family ask if they can go for a ride because it's something they always wanted to do.

People say the new cars have little to do with the cars of the past. I totally disagree. The first time I drove my F430 I was instantly thrown back to my old Dino. The look out the front over the bulges and creases seemed familiar. I saw the purposefully designed dashboard with the big clean gauges right in front of me. And, the magnificent motor behind my head was making the right noises. The rear view mirror still vibrated from the engine at take off. The car seems alive as it communicates with you through your backside.

And I drive them because they make me smile. I'm not joking... they make me smile. I feel happy driving them. I feel sad when they are in for some kind of repair -- like a pet who's visiting the vet. I want it well again.

Ferrari's are Ferrari's. No imitation will do for me. I feel special driving one. Yes, that's an ego thing. But, what's the point of living if you can't enjoy yourself doing it?

 

Brilliant write up. Descriptions like these are what make dreamers like myself stay focused on making our dream a reality. Enjoy every drive as much as your first.

-G.B.

 

Great post bdelp.

I bought one because I am a car guy, always have been and always will be. I feel privileged and honoured, not to mention proud to be an owner of a Ferrari.

After taking care of my family and all the important things, it is a reward for myself for all of my hard work. It is quite an accomplishment to own one of the most sought after marquees that life has to offer, so anyone/everyone who owns a Ferrari should raise their head high for that reason as opposed to one of arrogance.

 

Another great post!

All I know is that I saw my first 458 on the road today....I was driving with my family in the Panamera when I saw it.........I LOST MY MIND! My wife, daughter and her boyfriend thought I was having a stroke......I went friggin crazy......It was so stunning in person and so much sexier in motion.....I need one

In 1971 when I was 5 years old I was eating with my grandfather at a cafe on a corner when a Dino drove by.....I had the exact same reaction then as I did today.

 

Well said!
I have always been a Formula 1 fan and went to Zandfort many times while going to school in Den Haag. My first car was a 1971 Fiat 124 Coupe that I loved and still miss. I got used to driving an Italian car and had many others including 124 Spyders, Lancia Beta Coupe and Lancia Scorpion (also Pininfarina designs). Strange cars for a guy from Florida. When driving these cars I always dreamed of Ferraris.

The first Ferrari I fell in love with was the 275GTB/4. I was lucky enough to see 2 of these back in the late 60's - the sound they made was absolutely beautiful and the styling exuded power and grace.

Getting to ownership was a long trip for me after 3 businesses – paying off a large business debt and fighting the IRS (BTW I won – and received a settlement from them). Last month my first Ferrari was delivered and my life has not been the same.

As with the Fiats and Lancia I’ve been the mechanic and love to see the inside of the car and how she is put together and what makes her special. I have purchased new injectors, plug wires, fuel lines , timing belts, tensioner bearings, etc, etc, etc and looking forward to doing a major service on her soon, then I’ll really feel like I know the car.

When I am home my wife and I go out for a drive early in the morning and listen to the beautiful music she makes as we take the turns hard and accelerate onto the straights. We return home with a smile and are ready for the day. One word - Exhilarating!

 

Simple: The most direct interface between driver and road.

 

After a stressfull day, there's nothing better (for me) than go for a 50-100 km ride in the Ferrari. The sound, the feeling, the speed makes me totally relaxed during the drive and I can take my mind off the not-so-fun stuff in life.

Also just walking around in my garage with a beer is one of the best feelings ever. Cleaning a wheel, polishing an exhaust, relaxing is just that simple. Sometimes just a quick glimpse at the cars and I'm happy lol