As you know from yesterdays quick update, I finally joined the brotherhood. Woo hoo!! On Friday, I purchased a 1993 348TS Serie Speciale #55 from fellow F-chatter davey_jones. Yesterday, I road-tripped it home from Indianapolis to Maryland. Since I started searching for a 348, Id mainly been looking at spiders. But after my failed purchase of a local 348 spider, I had a change of heart. For a similar purchase price, I figured I could have an OK spider, or I could have a really exceptional TB or TS. I realized that what I really wanted was an exceptional car, not an OK one, and since I still wanted open-air motoring, I started looking in earnest for a TS. A great looking TS came up on eBay, and it was in OH, easy driving distance for me. Unfortunately, I didnt see the ad when it was first listed, and by the time I called, it was already sold. It was at that point that I crossed over from looking to truly ready to buy. I realized that the exceptional cars were going to go quickly, and if I found one that I liked, Id better jump on it. So the next call I made was to Dave. After discussing the car on the phone, I offered to buy it, and after a brief negotiation, we agreed on the price. We signed a bill of sale by fax, and I sent him a deposit check that evening. The car has been well-cared-for. After meeting Dave, I came to understand how enthusiastic he was about the car, and how he looked after every detail. It was a real pleasure buying a car from another F-chatter if at all possible, I highly recommend that route you will know that you are getting a car that has been looked after in the same way that you intend to take care of it. Now some specifics. I really like the Serie Speciale because I wanted something that would stand out a little bit from the crowd. This car also has a number of upgrades that I really like 360 wheels, Hyperflow cats, Tubi exhaust, Hill pedals and shift knob, Momo racing wheel, Challenge tow hook, carbon fiber sills, and a carbon fiber front spoiler lip with skid plates. It also has a complete tool kit and the Ferrari indoor cover. A word about the exhaust Dave had been driving the car with a Challenge race exhaust (the one that is essentially a straight pipe with no expansion chamber). I didnt hear this exhaust in person, but I knew it would be too loud for me. Dave had a Tubi that he hadnt used, so he put it on the car for me. I know that some of the members here are partial to the X-Ost or the Capristo, but all I can say is that the 348 with Hyperflows and the Tubi sounds like heaven to me. I have heard the stock exhaust setup, and in comparison it really is night-and-day. As many have pointed out, the modified exhaust transforms the car. I am now a true believer. These photos were all taken at Daves place in Indy. After I got the car home, I took it to Competizione and Sports Cars, my local independent. Richard and Fernando at Competizione both used to be at Ferrari of Washington, and they have a beautiful shop in Gaithersburg, MD. (Its the same shop where Eric B. is having his major service done and getting his valves reworked.) They are going to get the Maryland Safety Inspection done (needed before I can register the car), and theyre also going to fit the exhaust heat shields for me. (Dave had left them off, but after feeling the temperature of the taillights during the road trip, Id rather be safe than sorry). The car should be ready to pick up again later this week I cant wait. - Eric Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
More pics... Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
That's just gorgeous! Can you post more pics of the fire extinquisher mount? I have got to get one of those challenge tow hooks somewhere....
These pics document the change of stewardship of this car. The first one is Dave, the second one is me. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Here are some pics from the road trip. I did 600 miles in exactly 8 hours, with just two brief stops. I mostly went with the flow of traffic, but I will confess to letting her breathe a couple of times phenomenal. Just think, Ive already put more miles on this car than some owners do in a year! Ill have to get used to the reactions of other drivers to the Ferrari. I mostly got waves and thumbs-ups. The only negative reaction I got was one car with four college-age guys in it they came up behind me they all gave me the finger simultaneously, LOL. Another time, a plain white Crown Vic came up behind me at high-speed I thought for sure I was getting pulled over. Turned out to be two high-school age guys in the car, and they just wanted to catch up to get a better look. One young couple in a Mitsu Evo kept pace with me for quite a while, with the GF taking photos out the passenger window. I slowed down a little, then dropped a gear so that I could give them a little Italian symphony. They definitely appreciated that. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I'll take some pics of the extinguisher mount once I pick up the car from Richard and Fernando. Of course, I'm sure you'll be seeing it in person sometime soon. I believe Daniel at Ricambi can hook you up with the tow hook. (No pun intended) - Eric
The TS is a great chioce. The best of both worlds. Your going to love the car. Welcome to our addiction.
Eric, The car looks great!!! I hope you keep the tow hook on...I really like the look it gives to the car.
Congrats on the purchase, looks like Darron has some competition with the 360 wheels! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Congrats! I bought #17 on Sept 1, 2007 and have been learning a ton on this site. NoDoubt has everything you need to know about the 348 if you're like me and don't know much about the model. Have fun........shiny side up!
Congrats! Although I must say I am a bit saddened, as I have been seeing that car quite regularly over the last few months driving around the Fishers/Geist area, and it always brings a smile to my face. Sad to see it go, glad it is in an enthusiasts hands. Enjoy it, and keep driving that puppy! How many miles are on it now anyway?
Dave, I searched the Fchat member list and it looks like there are about 20 or so Serie Speciale owners on the board. Is there a registry that already exists somewhere? Maybe it's time to start one. I know there's one for the Challenge cars. - Eric
Thanks for the "welcomes" -- it feels good to be in the 'Hood. Now isn't somebody supposed to post the "Band of Brothers" pic on this thread to make it official? (That's a hint...) - Eric
Congrats on your new SS purchase. I've been studying the history on this site for a while -- you are right, tons of great info here.
I'm sure when Dave, the previous owner, had the Challenge race exhaust on there, you could hear it long before you could see it. But yes, rest assured, it is in good hands. It's now got just under 43,000 miles, and I plan to put on many more. - Eric
