Went to have a look at the california today...
Discussion
Having only seen pictures it was interesting seeing the real thing this morning particularly parked next to several 599s and 430s (sorry for lack of pics, came out terribly on my phone and the weather was awful). First impressions were that it was much bigger than I was expecting (although i doubt anything other than a small kid gets in the back) and not a million miles off the 599 in terms of shape. What was strange was that it seemed to make the 430 look more than a little dated next to it.
Obviously something of a GT in terms of its styling and creature comforts inside and they lead me to believe it was aimed at the 'bentley GT' driver as opposed to the 430 driver who they hoped would move to a 450 when it comes out next year. However I have to say I was surprised at how well it looked albeit I wasn't too taken with the back and in particular the twin exhausts mounted on top of each other which look a bit cheap and almost unbalancing of the overall shape. One thing I would say is for me it somehow just doesn't look like a 160k (give or take) car. Whilst the 430 may look a little older with its harsher lines in striking comparison to the curves of the California (and I know they aren't for comparing it) it still gave me more excitement that a Ferrari can just by staring at it. Thanks to the chaps at Stratstone Manc for giving my little lad a nice picture to take home and for giving me a bit of hope about 430 prices...Didn't drive it so will report back in a week or so when I have...
Obviously something of a GT in terms of its styling and creature comforts inside and they lead me to believe it was aimed at the 'bentley GT' driver as opposed to the 430 driver who they hoped would move to a 450 when it comes out next year. However I have to say I was surprised at how well it looked albeit I wasn't too taken with the back and in particular the twin exhausts mounted on top of each other which look a bit cheap and almost unbalancing of the overall shape. One thing I would say is for me it somehow just doesn't look like a 160k (give or take) car. Whilst the 430 may look a little older with its harsher lines in striking comparison to the curves of the California (and I know they aren't for comparing it) it still gave me more excitement that a Ferrari can just by staring at it. Thanks to the chaps at Stratstone Manc for giving my little lad a nice picture to take home and for giving me a bit of hope about 430 prices...Didn't drive it so will report back in a week or so when I have...
Edited by Loz8 on Saturday 6th June 20:16
Luke. said:
Do you mind editing with some para breaks?
It's ten lines long, not like it's a whole page of text is it? 
Anyway, I never have liked the California. Lazy design and not a proper 'rari IMO. Loz's and everyone else's views seem to just compound this.
Edited by Henry Hawthorne on Saturday 6th June 18:09
There you go Luke i split it for you so you can read the 10 lines.
Wasn't supposed to be a ground breaking thread just my observations...
Would like to have seen the yellow 430 Cappsy (or the 355 for that matter although I think i've seen yours around), they told me someone was coming in a yellow 430 actually but I was there fairly early - It was pissing it down so didn't stick around too long. That said was great driving towards Prestbury today, awesome array of Fezzas and I thought the 3 x 430s looked gorgeous on the lawn by the 18th, shame it wasn't last weekend! Did you drive it?
Cheers
Wasn't supposed to be a ground breaking thread just my observations...
Would like to have seen the yellow 430 Cappsy (or the 355 for that matter although I think i've seen yours around), they told me someone was coming in a yellow 430 actually but I was there fairly early - It was pissing it down so didn't stick around too long. That said was great driving towards Prestbury today, awesome array of Fezzas and I thought the 3 x 430s looked gorgeous on the lawn by the 18th, shame it wasn't last weekend! Did you drive it?
Cheers
Edited by Loz8 on Saturday 6th June 20:27
Edited by Loz8 on Saturday 6th June 20:32
no but sposed to be going back tomoz to drive it,my mate in the yellow 430 has bought the grey scuderia that was there,hence why it had sold in the window,we came at the best time as it stopped raining by then,my cars tucked up in stews garage while i fly to portugal tomoz.
i drive my 355 everyday everywhere so im not suprised u seen it!love it,599 or 430 is coming soon!
i drive my 355 everyday everywhere so im not suprised u seen it!love it,599 or 430 is coming soon!ahh u see i duno illsee wat i think wehn i get back,ive been offerd a few cars we shall see eh!my porsche went today finally! so one from 3 cars onthe drive down to one ! depressing site out of my window! in all my driving years(not many) habve to say owning the 355 is a dream! especially at 23,and by 24 i wil have either a 599 or 430.awesome!!!!!!!!,the california looks nice in the metal but it doesnt suit red! sameas the 599,i want to see a black one!
I am sure they said they have a black california with black interior and yellow stitching and breaks...a 355 at 23 is some effort - although i love my 430 the 355 is still the prettier IMHO and even when you get the 599 or 430 i think you may miss the 355 for its looks alone!
I agree about the California it actually looks a bit cheap in red and cream
I agree about the California it actually looks a bit cheap in red and cream
Edited by Loz8 on Saturday 6th June 21:15
cappsy said:
ahh u see i duno illsee wat i think wehn i get back,ive been offerd a few cars we shall see eh!my porsche went today finally! so one from 3 cars onthe drive down to one ! depressing site out of my window! in all my driving years(not many) habve to say owning the 355 is a dream! especially at 23,and by 24 i wil have either a 599 or 430.awesome!!!!!!!!,the california looks nice in the metal but it doesnt suit red! sameas the 599,i want to see a black one!
Can someone translate for me please. English, French or German would be great thanks!cappsy said:
ahh u see i duno illsee wat i think wehn i get back,ive been offerd a few cars we shall see eh!my porsche went today finally! so one from 3 cars onthe drive down to one ! depressing site out of my window! in all my driving years(not many) habve to say owning the 355 is a dream! especially at 23,and by 24 i wil have either a 599 or 430.awesome!!!!!!!!,the california looks nice in the metal but it doesnt suit red! sameas the 599,i want to see a black one!
lol.(sorry couldn't resist!)
tbops said:
my white one is sitting at dealers now. looks stunning in that color,
Saw this white one the other day. It will be interesting to hear your ownership thoughts. I had a testdrive in one a few weeks back and thought it was a really good drive for this type of car. 
Edited by isuk on Sunday 7th June 12:02
isuk said:
tbops said:
my white one is sitting at dealers now. looks stunning in that color,
Saw this white one the other day. It will be interesting to hear your ownership thoughts. I had a testdrive in one a few weeks back and thought it was a really good drive for this type of car. Edited by isuk on Sunday 7th June 12:02
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