Now I'll have to look for reasons to get down your way!
It's true about car-loving PuristS -- for instance, on a Ferrari-related forum, asg is corresponding with me and others about his near-term purchase of a Scaglietti.
For me, the 612 was meant as a necessary stop-over on the way to getting a new 599 from the dealer -- but in the past couple of months I've really come to love the car! Going up to Sears Point/Infineon with it in a couple of weeks with the BMW club -- we'll see how it does (let's just say that by a couple of years ago, my 1991 M5 was no longer the fastest car on the track).
I was quite sad to let the 512TR go, especially having bought it brand new in 1993 -- "The Beast" was a great car, carried me to the Coppa GT at the 2004 FCA Annual Meet, holds many memories of Linda (I have a great picture of her at Turn 11 at Laguna, about 10 feet off the apex, with all four tires locked up -- she was never timid!). At the same time, I'm obsessed with getting the 599 and letting go of the 512 was part of that. And, the 512 was on the edge of becoming a "vintage" car in terms of electrical gremlins, etc. I do have to say that I won't miss those engine-out services!
With the 612 in hand, however, I am starting to wonder a bit whether I should re-aim my passion a bit -- a garage with a 612 as daily driver and 430 Scuderia as fun/track car would be not so bad, eh? (Although 612/599 wouldn't make me cry, either, except when looking at bank balances).
Best wishes to you in all things, Thomas, and particularly on landing that 430 (if that is truly your wish!).
