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Ferrarinut
USA
1489 Posts |
 Posted - 11/07/2010 : 19:58:40
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This is somewhat 1/43 related as it has to do with a very "speciale" model from Rainer Goetzke, CAR10. The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso Speciale s/n 04383 GT. This special Lusso started life as a gold metallic "standard" Lusso but was rebodied by Fantuzzi later in life and appears just as the model looks now. The second photo shows the real car as it looked on Friday when I took this photo. Not only did I have an opportunity to take this photo, I was fortunate enough to get behind the wheel and cruise up Highway 1 in Monterey along the Pacific Ocean on a sunny day with windows down. It doesn't get much better than that. Mark Robinson, the owner of the car was incredibly gracious and called last Sunday evening to inform me he was flying to California from his home in Hawaii to check on his Dino 246 GTS and his Lusso and would I like to join him? Needless to say I accepted. I met Mark at a repair shop where his Dino was ready. We drove the Dino from the shop to Monterey where we picked up the Lusso from storage and drove back to the same repair shop. I also had the opportunity to drive the Dino. Both cars are a delight to drive and completely different experiences but equally enjoyable. The Dino was small, light, responsive, very comfortable and very easy to drive. The Lusso was all Ferrari, my first time driving a front engine V12 Ferrari, my first time holding a perfectly restored Nardi wheel. The Lusso is much bigger but did not feel big, it was very easy to drive, easier off the start, very smooth, linear acceleration, the Dino took a little more attention. The Lusso is only 4 speeds and you wanted a 5th gear when cruising on the highway. You are quickly up to 70-80 mph and it just wants to keep going, pulling strong and solid as a rock. Mark commented that the Fantuzzi designed low nose helps create downforce and I can attest that even over 80 there was no sign of lifting, it just felt firm and stable, we could have cruised all day. We had the windows down, and could talk the entire time. I will never forget it, I am still smiling. Thank you Mark! Mike
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Ferrarinut
USA
1489 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2010 : 19:59:44
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And this is Mark's Dino.
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the.x.man
New Zealand
877 Posts |
Posted - 11/07/2010 : 22:09:11
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/too envious to comment...
:o)
________________________________________________________
The only substitute for cubic inches is more cubic inches!
~ Max Balchowsky |
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cpete
USA
53 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 05:42:51
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I had to use a sick day today, because I am so green
with envy!
Chad |
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moriaan
Netherlands
510 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 05:47:27
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thats a nice way to spend a sunday!
and the weather is looking good!(dark rainy cold autumn-day overhere) |
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Ferrarinut
USA
1489 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 06:25:23
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The owner of the home where the Lusso is stored had another garage where he works on his own British cars, he had this recently restored early 50s Jaguar XK120 under a cover. I pulled it back and it was love at first sight. I would have loved to have taken this one for a spin as well!
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ferrari4evr1
USA
297 Posts |
Posted - 11/08/2010 : 09:40:08
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That is simply amazing Mike! I'm glad you got to drive your first front engine 12... Those cars are amazing.. The sound, the feel... It really takes you back in time.... My first drive in a 12, was a 412.... Very lucky man to drive a Speciale... You dont see those everyday, much less, drive them..... Congrats Mike...
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aball
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - 11/10/2010 : 08:39:34
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What an experience! The Dino may "only" be a Dino in this company but it's my favorite. I just love the Dino's shape and all the design details. Although I'm sure that being in the presence of the Fantuzzi must be quite a thrill, much less getting to drive it! Thanks for sharing.
Arthur |
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My "Speciale" Ferrari Friday
