Hey guys, long time lurker but I rarely post. I just pulled the trigger on my first Fcar. It's an '06 F430 6spd with 15k miles. Service seems to be up to date, one owner etc. I live in Northern Cali and the car is in FL. I am thinking about driving it across country with my better half. I just feel like it would be a once in a life time adventure. Question is... Am I nuts!! I am worried about all the "what if's". What if I break down in the middle of no where. What about all the negitive attention. (deep south with flashy car and mixed race married couple) stone chips, on the hwy, flat tires there aren't to many nice Hotels (see safe to park your ride) along this trip. etc etc etc I think it would make for some great stories. I will post pics when I pick her up. Thanks in advance
Do it. Most things you have to try at least once. If it's fun, do it again for your next Fcar, if not, well at least you tried and now have some stories. Stop by in Clearwater!
I would do it in a heartbeat. I agree with the post above, you have to try everything at least once. Driving an F430 or any Ferrari cross country is something few will ever do. Let alone have the balls to do it. Depending on where it is in FL, I can shoot the car! And, I mean shoot pics.
Go for it! How many other people could say they've done the same thing, and you bought it to drive anyway!! Also, I hope you will find the south is more hospitable than you're expecting. Best, Paul
i did it in mine..... TWICE! but my country is small, only 600+miles round trip. U need to put on a clear bra before u go, and i did had a flat, but local dealer got me on the road within 15 minutes, (we had a support vehicle.) but dont count on seeing the scenery because u will be going so fast!
Unnecessary worry here. Drive and enjoy. Once in a lifetime trip more than likely. Take your time and take plenty of pictures. You will talk about the trip the rest of your life.
It will be a Great Drive indeed but be prepared to respray the front as it's going to get chewed up a bit but Hey I say go for it as well!
Hey thanks guys! I am glad that i am not nuts for wanting to do this. The car is having a PPI done by Central FL Ferrari in Orlando and my mother is driving up from Clearwater to have dinner with my wife and I before we head north (the next morning) to Mrytle Beach to visit friends then hot footing (2 days?) it to Dallas..(more friends there) fllowed by a stop over in Santa Fe then the Grand Canyon before heading across NV into Southern Cali. Just south of Bakersfield CA is where I will turn and head north. I am looking at this sick road through a national forest and keeping off the trucking lanes as much as I can. Any "you gotta check out ---" you can think would be great help in making this a very memorable trip I have put a lot of thought into getting a clear bra put on but... I hate the "line" across the hood. But I know that's it's a must have. Thoughts? Advice?
Do it!! I've don it in a TR, Mondial t, Lotus Esprit, and an F40. If you over worried about every 'what ifs', you just may never leave the house! Go have fun and be safe!
You don't need to have a line on the hood. Have the clear-bra installer do full hood and fenders. That's what I have on my cars and you can't see any lines. I have: Full hood Full front fenders Full bumper (of course) Both mirrors and a bunch of other places... but you get the idea. No lines... Frank
Sounds like an incredible journey!!! Stop by in Reno!!!!! Congratulations on the purchase and have a safe (and fun) trip. -G.B.
Beat me to it +1 I've picked a few cars up this way never that far of a drive though. You are going to have a blast! What an awesome adventure. Also you should treat your wife and spend sometime at 10,000 Waves in Santa Fe. By the time you get to SF you'll appreciate a massage.
Don't take Top Gear too seriously, we are welcoming in the south unless provoked! Go for it and have a blast doing it my friend
If you stop in New Orleans, Dallas, Phoenix, and a few other cities in between you should be fine... How many stops were you thinking of doing? If you come thru Dallas, let me know - have a garage you can park in overnight
After Grand Canyon, consider going north to Utah and hitting a couple of additonal National Parks. Bryce Canyon, Zion, Arches, Canyonlands are each spectacular and are wonderful to drive through
My Wife and I drove her 57 Chevy from Chicago to NY without issue. A 430 should be no problem. Join the AAA. Best nationwide towing should you have a problem. You only Live once. Enjoy!
If she can do it, you can do it. Just make sure and keep the dog away from the picnic basket. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C1Zp7vfyew8&feature=related
South is filled with car lovers- in fact I would bet the south would be more cheers & thumbs up then cali... Drive her. Clear bra if put on by a pro is not an eye sore.. Enjoy the journey! Chris
Would not give it a second thought this time of year. Back in the day drove my newly purchased 365 GTB/Daytona Spyder from Chicago down to Miami without hesitation....and the cars were nowhere near as reliable as today. Enjoy your trip..you will remember it always