Harry Metcalf takes a Ferrari 296 out for a spin. And once he has it started (see around the 7-minute mark), he loves it. But… hybrid, battery, hassle, tiny gas tank, blah blah blah.
So he wouldn’t want to buy one. And at close to a half-million dollars, one is entitled to be fussy about all the inconveniences.
No thanks. Call me old-fashioned (and some people have), but when I get into a car, I want to start the damn thing (preferably with a key), and get on the road.
It’s kinda sad when a Ferrari is no longer a lottery dream car.
I’m finding that the lottery dream car is typically a pre1970 offering with few if any electronics other than an analog radio.
Ditto.
My Lexus SUV is a Hybrid with all the computer-controlled wiz-bang gadgets. Once you set up all the settings ( less than in the 296 ) it remembers them based on the key fob you are using. For example, my wife’s Key makes drastic changes to the seat and steering wheel positions. So you just get in and drive. The lane assist (warning) has helped on more than one occasion on a long drive as I continue to get older.
I have, however, found on occasion that I failed to shut it all the way off. Fortunately, it won’t let you lock it until it fully off.
So as a gadget loving Computer guy I would have no reservations as lottery car – and in that bright yellow please instead of arrest me red.
As an owner and driver of a ’67 330GTC for 42-years, the start-up routine was just so painful:
Insert key, turn to ON, engage electric fuel pump to ensure float-bowls are filled, give throttle a stab or two, engage starter……..and Vroooooooooom, 12 firing and turning.
Just reading what you wrote here made my head ache.
I know, I can’t imagine I did that every week for all those years.
….Damn, I wish I had that car back.
A very attractive POS!
I have had a 88 Porsche 944T, which was difficult to get out of but a dream of a ride. A BMW M3 which had OK performance and excellent handling. Then there was the Jag XK. I barely fit in but I could get out of it. It would do 165 which was limited but it got 10 mpg and was at the mechanics every other month. I now have a 400hp small block 1974 Stingray convertible, it has a larger cockpit that is stupid quick and get 18 mpg unless I have my foot into it. It requires a lot of concentration driving it, then a lot less at 75+ mph where it settles and becomes easy to drive.