Thursday 28th June 2007

150,000 miles in a Ferrari

Ferrari enthusiast racks up the miles with old warhorse

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'My little pony'. Kramer with beloved 308

We like ogling at pristine Ferraris in beautiful settings as much as any other car enthusiast. However, there’s something really appealing about an Italian exotic that just racks up the miles and is no stranger to everyday traffic; a Ferrari that’s seen some action and wears the odd battle scar with pride.

So we love the story of Mark Kramer’s 1981 308 GTSi. He’s owned it from new and during 26 years of ownership has clocked up 153,000 miles. Yes, you read that correctly…

"The best thing about owning a Ferrari is driving it," Kramer said (‘good man’, we say). "If you maintain them, change the oil and keep them tuned, they stay in good shape."

"It's not real fast, but it's fun to drive," he added. "There's a real mystique when you get in behind the wheel and see that stallion."

The 308 is on its second engine after the first was replaced early in its life under warranty. Other than routine maintenance and parts replacement – plus a re-spray – it’s as it was when Kramer bought it from Ferrari of San Diego.

Kramer first saw a Ferrari on a family holiday to Rome when one pulled up outside the café where they were eating: "I've wanted a Ferrari since I was about 13. It made an unbelievable sound" he recalls.

Kramer now owns six Ferraris, including a mighty 1972 Daytona GTB/4; two Porsches and a 1999 Maserati.

"I never set out to be a car collector, but I grow sentimentally attached to them." You’re not wrong there Mark, it’s in the blood…

Thanks to AZCentral

[ukross]

Top man I say.

I guess that for most, a Ferrari is a cherished and highly prized toy - hence dry use only.
But this guy aboviously has a couple of quid - if I had the BIG car funds, what better way to get from A to B on a daily basis?

[MilnerR]

Nice to see someone using their car for its designed use. I new a guy who bought a new Boxster S (I know) and then spent a fortune on hire cars so he didn't put too many miles on it. He owned it for a year, did about 800 miles in it and sold it! Cars are for driving not looking at!

[nicedude1976]

Strange, 150K is so obvious for a BMW but almost shocking for a Ferrari.
Isn't it time most Ferrari owners started driving them, apparently they are supposed to be driver's cars ?

[oggs]

Bebs 360 has 100k miles on it

[irs]

top bloke, and respect must go to him....

but for the love of god..... get a hair cut.!!!

[Dr.Evil]

oggs said:

Bebs 360 has 100k miles on it

Kilometers that is. I believe it stands at 110.000 kilometers now

[Rob_R]

Fair play to the chap.

[Road_Terrorist]

I imagine Ferraris would probably be more reliable if people used them more often rather than left them to waste away.

[oggs]

Dr.Evil said:

oggs said:

Bebs 360 has 100k miles on it

Kilometers that is. I believe it stands at 110.000 kilometers now

I made it great then you butted in!!!!

Jakob trust all is well

[Will Ferrari]

Road_Terrorist said:

I imagine Ferraris would probably be more reliable if people used them more often rather than left them to waste away.

interesting point.

[Hunttheshunt]

So somewhere between 6 and 75 cambelt changes......deep pockets indeed, can't afford the haircut!!!

[Kawasicki]

Will Ferrari said:

Road_Terrorist said:

I imagine Ferraris would probably be more reliable if people used them more often rather than left them to waste away.

interesting point.

I agree,

I now offer a service where I will drive your ferrari, with the sole aim of improving reliability.

shane

[Albert V8]

Only in California, anywhere else and it would have been a pile of rust by now.

Take my hat off to him regardless, obviously a man of great taste

[runnersp]

Albert V8 said:

Only in California, anywhere else and it would have been a pile of rust by now.

Take my hat off to him regardless, obviously a man of great taste

I agree, but I would also ask him to put his (the hat) back on!!!

[Angelis]

Albert V8 said:

Only in California, anywhere else and it would have been a pile of rust by now.

Jos has 105,000 miles plus on his grey 308GTS.

[MitchT]

I salute guys like this. When I get my Ferrari I will become one of them. The smiles are worth more than the residuals. No point living poor to die rich.

[flattotheboards]

i dont see the big deal its 26 years old and done 150,000 miles, thats only 6,000 a year. and its had a new engine fitted.

[ferrarispider]

Its a 26 year old FERRARI with 150,000 miles on it, so how many have you seen.

[LittleBro]

Angelis said:

Albert V8 said:

Only in California, anywhere else and it would have been a pile of rust by now.

Jos has 105,000 miles plus on his grey 308GTS.

There's a chap who kicks about Northampton in a 355 which I believe has c100k on it.

[neilly500]

how refreshing a ferrari that hasn't been clocked.. I thought their clocks went back to zero after 39k !!!