Testarossa to the Sahara Octane feature and vid | FerrariChat

Testarossa to the Sahara Octane feature and vid

Discussion in 'Boxers/TR/M' started by Maser, Apr 22, 2015.

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  1. Maser

    Maser Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2011
    254
    UK
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    Harry Metcalfe
    #1 Maser, Apr 22, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Back in February, I took my '87 Testarossa on a little adventure to Africa, the Sahara Desert to be precise. It was a round trip of approx 3000 miles from the UK and it's also Octane Magazine's cover story this month.

    I also did a video of the trip, which I'll post on YouTube in the next week or so. I think it's the nuttiest drive I've ever done but don't regret it for one minute. Car stood up pretty well too, the one issue I had was with the TDC sensor connection, which didn't like all the dust and stopped the car from cold starting on a couple of occasions but that was it really. I hope you enjoy the story!

    HM
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  2. yellowtr

    yellowtr Formula Junior

    Feb 23, 2004
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    Peter
    Not read it yet Harry, bet the locals loved it? How are your Tyres after the trip?
     
  3. Jakuzzi

    Jakuzzi Formula 3

    Mar 26, 2005
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    Jaime
    Congrats on the adventure. It's great to see such a beautiful car being used. :)
     
  4. ozziindaus

    ozziindaus F1 Veteran
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    WOW, talk about an endurance test. Can't wait to read the article.
     
  5. lear60man

    lear60man Formula 3

    May 29, 2004
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    What a trip!!! Did you take any spare parts etc?
     
  6. Maser

    Maser Formula Junior

    Jun 2, 2011
    254
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    Harry Metcalfe
    #6 Maser, Apr 22, 2015
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Just the standard stuff like bulbs, fuses and stuff. My biggest fear was a puncture as replacement tyres would be impossible to get in Morocco but we were lucky. Here's the feature opener..
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  7. chabch

    chabch Formula 3

    Aug 15, 2010
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    Wow, very cool Harry! It must have been quite a trip, can't wait for the article and your video!

    Did you have the body protected with a clear bra maybe? How harsh were the roads on the paint?
     
  8. johnrlyon

    johnrlyon Karting
    Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 23, 2007
    155
    Rockville, MD
    Wow - what an epic trip! I can't wait to read about it and see your video!
    Great to hear the TR didn't have any real issues, and thanks for your "Harry's Garage" videos - they're really well done and lots of fun!
     
  9. Jezter70

    Jezter70 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2013
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    Surry (from UK)
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    Jez
    #9 Jezter70, Apr 23, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2015
    Thats pretty incredible, Harry ..... i can't wait to watch the Youtube video of the journey!
    One question .... of all the cars in your stable , why the did you choose the TR in particular , for this adventure?
    BR,
    Jez
    Edit: Never mind ..... just read the small text on the image above and saw about the Car magazine article with the 512m!!
     
  10. Maser

    Maser Formula Junior

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    Harry Metcalfe
  11. turbo-joe

    turbo-joe F1 Veteran

    Apr 6, 2008
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    romano schwabel
    absoluetly F A N T A S T I C ! ! !
    and great matching music :) :) :)
    I wanted to post a comment there but this was not possible.

    waiting for the complete video ! ! ! :) :) :)
     
  12. Jezter70

    Jezter70 Formula Junior

    Nov 1, 2013
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    Jez
    God, i drive on the other side of the road, if there is so much as a puddle in front of me!
    I have a feeling this may well replace the Chris Harris TR512 video, in my Youtube favourites list!
    BR,
    Jez
     
  13. Simon

    Simon Moderator
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    Aug 29, 2003
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    Fantastic Harry.

    How far down in Morocco did you go? I know those roads well :)
     
  14. bonjoh

    bonjoh Rookie

    Jun 27, 2007
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    Johan
    Genius, absolutely genius

    The original article is probably the defining reason why I have a 512M today. The almost surreal impression of that car navigating a dried out river bed has stuck with me all my grown life and I often reflect on how reading the article as a teenager shaped my urge to own an 512M "some day". Some day happened last year. And even though I waited many years just for one in Giallo to turn up on the market, there is some part of me that secretly feels it should have been red. Because of THAT article..

    Funnily enough I didn't remember that same issue had a review on the new Alfa Spider until just now looking up an old copy on ebay (had to have it). Thinking back, the Alfa was probably the reason for my purchase of the magazine, it was more in reach and as things turned out became my first car just a year after reading the article.

    Many thanks for a massive nostalgia moment
     
  15. Jaguar 15

    Jaguar 15 Formula 3
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    Now THAT is off the charts. Congrats!
     
  16. Total Recall

    Total Recall Formula Junior

    Aug 21, 2014
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    Dominic Bradley
    That was great to read - and a good length too!

    So the Testarossa isn't just the most iconic Ferrari ever made, it's the most reliable too :D

    Can't wait for the full length vid.

    Hope you had as much fun driving as it was to read - but I'm sure you did!

    Dom.
     
  17. dgt

    dgt Formula 3
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    Lovely!
    You should get a job on a motoring program, I hear there's an opening :)
     
  18. RAE

    RAE Rookie

    Mar 25, 2015
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    Gaurav
    Cant wait - for the print or the video !
     
  19. enzosteve

    enzosteve Karting

    Nov 14, 2006
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    Steve
    this is going to be fun

    what is the ETA on the full video?
     
  20. ozziindaus

    ozziindaus F1 Veteran
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    I thought he already is
     
  21. George Vosburgh

    George Vosburgh F1 Rookie
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    This is very, very cool!
     
  22. msdesignltd

    msdesignltd F1 World Champ
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    #22 msdesignltd, Apr 23, 2015
    Last edited: Apr 23, 2015
    Well done Harry!
    Now thats a cover shot!!!
    So nice to see the tr without US rear bumper apron.
    And well done to Jim G. For getting on the cover of so many publications at one time.
    Nostalgia and what will be nostalgia some day!
    These are car crazy days for all!

    I think you should sign 50 covers and sell them to f chat subscribers and donate proceeds to your fav charity
    Count me in for 1st one!
     
  23. F360-1386

    F360-1386 Formula 3

    Oct 8, 2006
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    51216M
    Kool .... Amazing ....
     
  24. alexwagner

    alexwagner Formula Junior

    Aug 31, 2013
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    Alex Wagner
    Count me in too. :)
     
  25. alexwagner

    alexwagner Formula Junior

    Aug 31, 2013
    343
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    Alex Wagner
    Fantastic story ; can't wait to read and watch it.
    (I still have the F512M Car Magazine Sahara adventure in my office...) ;-)

    I wish you could take over Top Gear and replace the over-the-top arsing around with honest low-key motoring passion. That would certainly get me watching again...
     

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