[colonel1961]

A quick report about my road trip to Virginia and back. No photos are anything yet, but wanted to give the highlights:

- The 430 operated without a single flaw. 1,500 miles and the gauges never moved from their proper settings.

- Incredibly comfortable for the ~11 hour drive, each way. Daytona seats are wonderful.

- My co-pilot (although he drove the most) is a Muscle Car guy, owning a 'priceless' 700hp nitrous, hand-built, 0-60 in 2.2 sec Chevelle SS with mods I can't even describe. He had never driven a Ferrari or any exotic. He was blown away. He said he never dreamed a car could be so perfect.

- We briefly hit a top speed of ~162mph (obviously when there was no traffic, good roads and lots of visibility). When we 'slowed' to 120mph, it felt like standing still. The car never waivered.

- At our meeting, I let a half-dozen business cohorts drive or ride in the car. They were stunned. And everywhere we stopped for gas, etc., people went nuts. Only weird time was when we stopped somewhere in Virginia for gas and pulled up at the same time as two guys in gorgeous Hot Rods - right next to them at the pumps. We tried to engage them in a brief car conversation ('Nice car!', 'Where have you been?') and they were total jerks. Too bad...

Anyway, I'll try and update tomorrow, but might be too busy. Hope to get a few pics up...

[Boxer]

Originally Posted by colonel1961

A quick report about my road trip to Virginia and back. No photos are anything yet, but wanted to give the highlights:

- The 430 operated without a single flaw. 1,500 miles and the gauges never moved from their proper settings.

- Incredibly comfortable for the ~11 hour drive, each way. Daytona seats are wonderful.

- My co-pilot (although he drove the most) is a Muscle Car guy, owning a 'priceless' 700hp nitrous, hand-built, 0-60 in 2.2 sec Chevelle SS with mods I can't even describe. He had never driven a Ferrari or any exotic. He was blown away. He said he never dreamed a car could be so perfect.

- We briefly hit a top speed of ~162mph (obviously when there was no traffic, good roads and lots of visibility). When we 'slowed' to 120mph, it felt like standing still. The car never waivered.

- At our meeting, I let a half-dozen business cohorts drive or ride in the car. They were stunned. And everywhere we stopped for gas, etc., people went nuts. Only weird time was when we stopped somewhere in Virginia for gas and pulled up at the same time as two guys in gorgeous Hot Rods - right next to them at the pumps. We tried to engage them in a brief car conversation ('Nice car!', 'Where have you been?') and they were total jerks. Too bad...

Anyway, I'll try and update tomorrow, but might be too busy. Hope to get a few pics up...

Outstanding. Which roads did you take?

On the Hot Rod Jerks.....can't fix stupid.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Outstanding. Which roads did you take?

On the Hot Rod Jerks.....can't fix stupid.

Unfortunately, the trip was a lot longer than we thought, hours-wise, so we didn't get to the Tail of the Dragon, but the driving on I-40 and I-75 was wonderful and scenic in their own right...

Up until we met the rodders, I thought car people were car people, as did my Muscle Car buddy. I was as excited to see their cars as people were to see the 430. All we could think is that we stole some of their spotlight, which is beyond silly. I would love to have taken pictures of the cars together!

[Neonzapper]

Good story Colonel!

You and your friend are real "car guys."

The other guys are "Hot Rods only" car guys. Kinda like the typical Ford vs. Chevy rivalry where their cars eat the other cars for breakfast, so they miss out on the true appreciation of the other guys car.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by Neonzapper

Good story Colonel!

You and your friend are real "car guys."

The other guys are "Hot Rods only" car guys. Kinda like the typical Ford vs. Chevy rivalry where their cars eat the other cars for breakfast, so they miss out on the true appreciation of the other guys car.

Thanks, Neon - I thought it was their loss, as well. And, while I am biased - being born in Virginia - I must say that it is God's country around that area. Hope to post a few photos this afternoon.

[JazzyO]

Nice one, Colonel! Glad to hear your colleagues and friend were so impressed.

I must say you're a brave man to try those speeds in the US, not because of the car (my experience is the same: I got to 185mph in my 550 in Germany and the car was not fazed at all), but because of possible repercussions.

It's funny how you really feel like you're standing still doing 120mph after doing over 160 - speed is a weird thing.


Onno

[IPF]

Originally Posted by colonel1961

...
- We briefly hit a top speed of ~162mph (obviously when there was no traffic, good roads and lots of visibility). When we 'slowed' to 120mph, it felt like standing still. The car never waivered.
...

Cool story!

And immediately recognisable. 162 is about top speed for my 328, but it will still do that speed easily and without giving the slightest feeling of unease or reduced control. As to going back to 120 mph: imagine what it feels like doing 162 in Germany on the A3, then crossing the border a few miles on and all of a sudden being restricted to 120 kph (75 mph!) in The Netherlands. Almost feels like driving backward
.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by JazzyO

'...because of possible repercussions.

Onno

Well, he was driving at those speeds, not me!!

Not sure I ever had it much more than 110 or so while I was behind the wheel. But your point is well taken - there are severe issues at those speeds: tickets being the least of one's worries. I believe some states can take possession of your vehicle. But, we had discussed any ramifications - including who pays for what - and were both willing and able to underwrite our adventure.

Thankfully, it went off without a hitch.

[colonel1961]

Originally Posted by IPF

'...imagine what it feels like doing 162 in Germany on the A3, then crossing the border a few miles on and all of a sudden being restricted to 120 kph (75 mph!) in The Netherlands. Almost feels like driving backward .

Agreed. I was driving back from Nashville about a month ago and got a ticket at ~115mph, which he kindly wrote at 90mph. Continuing the drive at 70 mph (and getting passed by folks in Priuses and pick-ups!) was torture...