Just bought an F355 GTS - new to Ferrari

Horrible idea. These cars are finicky and rarely driven long distances, if at all. Get it shipped home and drive it ever increasing distances from home until it’s earned your trust. You don’t want to sour on the brand and the car in the first two days of ownership because it left you stranded somewhere in Ohio.

 

As much as I love a good road trip with a fun car, I have a hard time trusting a 20+ year old Ferrari that I know nothing about. There is certainly the possibility of something breaking, and while that is true for any car, it is much more likely on an older Ferrari.

On the flipside, if you are OK with that possibility, and have someone lined up to rescue you just in case, it would be a trip you'll never forget.

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1. Have Tom Bakowsky give it an oil change and service check up

2. drive it from Toronto to Tennessee

 

I’ve done it twice and they were trips to remember:
700 miles from Oakland to LV:
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Atlanta to LV:
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also several 1,500 mile loops to Northern Utah in my 355:
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Oil was mentioned in this thread, which reminds me to mention; Check the oil level within five minutes after shutdown when the engine is hot, so as not to overfill. The level should be set between minimum and maximum. (Dry sump). Congratulations, beautiful car!

 

OP, checking oil level on a 355 is exactly the same as checking on your 993....engine up to temp, idling on level ground.

 

And a glove for that hot oil cap!


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Back when I didn't know what I didn't know, I bought a 355 Spider sight unseen, flew out to Florida, went to the owner's house, slapped a plate on it, dropped the top, and drove it back to Texas over two days.

Purred like a kitten the entire time.

I didn't know to ask about timing belt services, and didn't even think to ask about the last oil change. Turns out they were done 10+ years before.

These cars are tough. Bring your AMEX card, an adventurous attitude, and drive it home.

 

I bought my 355 in Miami and drove it home to Richmond, about a thousand miles over two days. Flew to Miami with my dad and drove home, one of the most memorable trips of my life. He passed away 3 months later unexpectedly...

I did have Enzo motorsports in Miami give it a once over before taking off, they found bad motor mounts but no other issues. Car ran perfectly.

 

Sorry for your loss like that, but the memories of that journey are worth the price of adventure! Well done.


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Great idea as long as service is in date. what these cars are for. if its not get it done before your trip and enjoy !

Just did 1700 miles in france snd switzerland, 5th trip of circa 2000 miles in the padt three years. odd day of 400-500 miles. Didnt miss a beat on any of them. Off on another 2000 mile trip including rally in september.

Check the oil each day (make sure you know how with a dry sump) and coolant level. as above take a rag/glove for the oil level as it gets hot. take some spare oil and water just in case. (any 5w40 synthetic will do)

check tire pressures as handling can be a bit sensitive to pressure.

take your father-in-law, its what memories are made from. I do a road trip each year with my dad; monaco historique f1, swiss alps and circuit de rampart this year! he is 84 this year, so making memories whilst we can.

enjoy in good health!

 

Just curious why a $125-$350k Ferrari can’t do the trip like an Accord. Race engine, sure….. but not poorly built. Just funny how we look at these.


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Jason congrats on the purchase of 355GTS. I know the car like the back of my hand as I owned it for the past 20 years. I think shipping it is a wise idea. That is not to say that it was a garage queen as I drove it to Ottawa (420km) last year & Mont Tremblant (572km) plus all the drives there.
It had a major service March 2023. Do not know what was done after I sold it but it was put back to OEM specs.
I see the car now and wonder if I should have kept it. I hope you can enjoy the car for the next 20 years!!

My new ride is 2017 California T HS.

This was me on my 1st day home & it had a few mods along the way.
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it seems to be 14-1 against you.

 

Congratulations on your F355 GTS, Justin! It's a nice one. Drive and enjoy it in good health.

Barry

 

Welcome to the Family...great car...Carpe Viam!

 

The twins. Justin your car with 19" wheels. Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

But yet, he captured the victory…..

I personally wouldn’t do it without a spotter vehicle (his Dad could have rented one). Just this week, a you tuber was long distancing a 22 year old Boxster and broke down

I did drive a newly purchased 996TT from Philly to Houston but the car was only 5 years old. Fun trip

 

Congratulations and enjoy- I've had mine since 2010- love every minute-
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Thought you might enjoy this- it was on my wall for 20+ years- perhaps you as well-
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But that's what youtubers do...