Retirement, old skool is best, or simply past it?
Discussion
So, I have been thinking about retirement for a little while , as I now have to tick the 60+ box on forms these days. I decided to sell my much loved Huracan, in what now seems a different lifetime ago, in the August of 2019. The plan then was to take the winter to decide what to replace it with and start looking seriously in the spring. Of course things changed quite dramatically as Covid came along and lockdown hit just as we got back from Las Vegas having celebrated the big six zero.
Now I had plenty of time to think about what really matters both in life and a car. As this is PH let’s focus on the car bit. I’ve been a genuine petrolhead all my life, probably since getting my first Dinky and Corgis. These are purely my thoughts and I am not claiming to be right or others wrong, just what is correct for me.
Taking into account impending retirement and the fact that income would be limited I wanted something that would be relatively reliable, could be serviced at a good independent if necessary, and wasn’t too complex in terms of mechanics and electrics. Depreciation is less of an issue as I have no intention of changing it, at least not until the point where I can’t physically get in the car!
I’m a mechanical engineer to trade so certain elements are very important to me. I love the sound of an engine particularly throughout the rev range, I like to hear it develop as the revs rise and change in pitch and timbre. I like a mechanical connection with the car, so a manual would be ideal if possible. As much as the twin clutch in the Huracan is utterly seamless, after a few years it had become a bit anodyne.
I also love the feel of fresh air around me, I’ve already used the ‘wind in what’s left of my hair’ line but it is still true, so a convertible is another requirement. I’m not a track day warrior so any lack of perceived rigidity or weight penalty is of no concern to me.
Design aesthetics are important too, I wanted something that was identifiable and had a distinct character of its own, something that makes you want to turn around to look at after parking up and starting to walk away. Equally, I do a reasonable amount of charity work with my cars during the year so I wanted something that would help draw people in, create some attention, and help raise funds.
I like cars that are relatively hard core too. I had an Evo FQ in the past and the original 3 door Cosworth, and I really admire cars like the Challenge Stradale and 16M, a bit of NVH is not too much of an issue, although I do hate droning exhausts. Buckets seats are great for me, I’m only 5’ 10” and not too podgy so they generally fit well.
As you can see from the above I really like spoilers too, so it would be great to have one, especially in Carbon Fibre, another lifelong fascination. In fact the more CF the better, and definitely the old fashioned diagonal weave, I think the modern day composite fibre is really clever and I can see the advantages in constructing with it, but looks wise it’s not for me.
That’s the wish list and I’ve had to make some minor compromises, but I finally bought the ideal car from Motion8 just a few days before Christmas. I’d like to thank Chris and Matt for their excellent service and some nice touches. The car itself is truly immaculate, the last owner is a professional detailer and it reflects in the car which came with full PPF. The full main dealer service history is detailed and faultless and has all the additional bits in too, like wheel refurbishments and upgrades to PPF. The only issue I had with one of the seats was dealt with swiftly and professionally.
The car was delivered in a covered trailer but was accompanied by Chris in his car, that’s a really good touch, so I could have a proper handover and with all the documents presented in a binder. We like to name our cars so I was highly amused to find a small figurine of Princess Fiona sitting in the car, and I later found Shrek hiding in the console. All follow up emails and calls have been dealt with quickly and satisfactorily, great service thanks, and Motion8 come highly recommended.
So here it is, some Old Skool Lambo, and one I am looking forward to getting to know:
Did I mention carbon fibre?
or spoilers?
Now I had plenty of time to think about what really matters both in life and a car. As this is PH let’s focus on the car bit. I’ve been a genuine petrolhead all my life, probably since getting my first Dinky and Corgis. These are purely my thoughts and I am not claiming to be right or others wrong, just what is correct for me.
Taking into account impending retirement and the fact that income would be limited I wanted something that would be relatively reliable, could be serviced at a good independent if necessary, and wasn’t too complex in terms of mechanics and electrics. Depreciation is less of an issue as I have no intention of changing it, at least not until the point where I can’t physically get in the car!
I’m a mechanical engineer to trade so certain elements are very important to me. I love the sound of an engine particularly throughout the rev range, I like to hear it develop as the revs rise and change in pitch and timbre. I like a mechanical connection with the car, so a manual would be ideal if possible. As much as the twin clutch in the Huracan is utterly seamless, after a few years it had become a bit anodyne.
I also love the feel of fresh air around me, I’ve already used the ‘wind in what’s left of my hair’ line but it is still true, so a convertible is another requirement. I’m not a track day warrior so any lack of perceived rigidity or weight penalty is of no concern to me.
Design aesthetics are important too, I wanted something that was identifiable and had a distinct character of its own, something that makes you want to turn around to look at after parking up and starting to walk away. Equally, I do a reasonable amount of charity work with my cars during the year so I wanted something that would help draw people in, create some attention, and help raise funds.
I like cars that are relatively hard core too. I had an Evo FQ in the past and the original 3 door Cosworth, and I really admire cars like the Challenge Stradale and 16M, a bit of NVH is not too much of an issue, although I do hate droning exhausts. Buckets seats are great for me, I’m only 5’ 10” and not too podgy so they generally fit well.
As you can see from the above I really like spoilers too, so it would be great to have one, especially in Carbon Fibre, another lifelong fascination. In fact the more CF the better, and definitely the old fashioned diagonal weave, I think the modern day composite fibre is really clever and I can see the advantages in constructing with it, but looks wise it’s not for me.
That’s the wish list and I’ve had to make some minor compromises, but I finally bought the ideal car from Motion8 just a few days before Christmas. I’d like to thank Chris and Matt for their excellent service and some nice touches. The car itself is truly immaculate, the last owner is a professional detailer and it reflects in the car which came with full PPF. The full main dealer service history is detailed and faultless and has all the additional bits in too, like wheel refurbishments and upgrades to PPF. The only issue I had with one of the seats was dealt with swiftly and professionally.
The car was delivered in a covered trailer but was accompanied by Chris in his car, that’s a really good touch, so I could have a proper handover and with all the documents presented in a binder. We like to name our cars so I was highly amused to find a small figurine of Princess Fiona sitting in the car, and I later found Shrek hiding in the console. All follow up emails and calls have been dealt with quickly and satisfactorily, great service thanks, and Motion8 come highly recommended.
So here it is, some Old Skool Lambo, and one I am looking forward to getting to know:
Did I mention carbon fibre?
or spoilers?
Great choice for meeting your tick-list ideals. Great to read that from some of the obvious more recent Ferrari and McLaren alternatives for similar money, you've bought something more 'old skool'.
Please post an update when you've managed to get some miles on the clock about how it compares with the memories of your previous Huracan. Meanwhile, enjoy.
Please post an update when you've managed to get some miles on the clock about how it compares with the memories of your previous Huracan. Meanwhile, enjoy.
sardis said:
So, I have been thinking about retirement for a little while , as I now have to tick the 60+ box on forms these days. I decided to sell my much loved Huracan, in what now seems a different lifetime ago, in the August of 2019. The plan then was to take the winter to decide what to replace it with and start looking seriously in the spring. Of course things changed quite dramatically as Covid came along and lockdown hit just as we got back from Las Vegas having celebrated the big six zero.
Now I had plenty of time to think about what really matters both in life and a car. As this is PH let’s focus on the car bit. I’ve been a genuine petrolhead all my life, probably since getting my first Dinky and Corgis. These are purely my thoughts and I am not claiming to be right or others wrong, just what is correct for me.
Taking into account impending retirement and the fact that income would be limited I wanted something that would be relatively reliable, could be serviced at a good independent if necessary, and wasn’t too complex in terms of mechanics and electrics. Depreciation is less of an issue as I have no intention of changing it, at least not until the point where I can’t physically get in the car!
I’m a mechanical engineer to trade so certain elements are very important to me. I love the sound of an engine particularly throughout the rev range, I like to hear it develop as the revs rise and change in pitch and timbre. I like a mechanical connection with the car, so a manual would be ideal if possible. As much as the twin clutch in the Huracan is utterly seamless, after a few years it had become a bit anodyne.
I also love the feel of fresh air around me, I’ve already used the ‘wind in what’s left of my hair’ line but it is still true, so a convertible is another requirement. I’m not a track day warrior so any lack of perceived rigidity or weight penalty is of no concern to me.
Design aesthetics are important too, I wanted something that was identifiable and had a distinct character of its own, something that makes you want to turn around to look at after parking up and starting to walk away. Equally, I do a reasonable amount of charity work with my cars during the year so I wanted something that would help draw people in, create some attention, and help raise funds.
I like cars that are relatively hard core too. I had an Evo FQ in the past and the original 3 door Cosworth, and I really admire cars like the Challenge Stradale and 16M, a bit of NVH is not too much of an issue, although I do hate droning exhausts. Buckets seats are great for me, I’m only 5’ 10” and not too podgy so they generally fit well.
As you can see from the above I really like spoilers too, so it would be great to have one, especially in Carbon Fibre, another lifelong fascination. In fact the more CF the better, and definitely the old fashioned diagonal weave, I think the modern day composite fibre is really clever and I can see the advantages in constructing with it, but looks wise it’s not for me.
That’s the wish list and I’ve had to make some minor compromises, but I finally bought the ideal car from Motion8 just a few days before Christmas. I’d like to thank Chris and Matt for their excellent service and some nice touches. The car itself is truly immaculate, the last owner is a professional detailer and it reflects in the car which came with full PPF. The full main dealer service history is detailed and faultless and has all the additional bits in too, like wheel refurbishments and upgrades to PPF. The only issue I had with one of the seats was dealt with swiftly and professionally.
The car was delivered in a covered trailer but was accompanied by Chris in his car, that’s a really good touch, so I could have a proper handover and with all the documents presented in a binder. We like to name our cars so I was highly amused to find a small figurine of Princess Fiona sitting in the car, and I later found Shrek hiding in the console. All follow up emails and calls have been dealt with quickly and satisfactorily, great service thanks, and Motion8 come highly recommended.
So here it is, some Old Skool Lambo, and one I am looking forward to getting to know:
Did I mention carbon fibre?
or spoilers?
Hope you have lots of fun in it. What are the differences that you are finding compared to the Hurican?Now I had plenty of time to think about what really matters both in life and a car. As this is PH let’s focus on the car bit. I’ve been a genuine petrolhead all my life, probably since getting my first Dinky and Corgis. These are purely my thoughts and I am not claiming to be right or others wrong, just what is correct for me.
Taking into account impending retirement and the fact that income would be limited I wanted something that would be relatively reliable, could be serviced at a good independent if necessary, and wasn’t too complex in terms of mechanics and electrics. Depreciation is less of an issue as I have no intention of changing it, at least not until the point where I can’t physically get in the car!
I’m a mechanical engineer to trade so certain elements are very important to me. I love the sound of an engine particularly throughout the rev range, I like to hear it develop as the revs rise and change in pitch and timbre. I like a mechanical connection with the car, so a manual would be ideal if possible. As much as the twin clutch in the Huracan is utterly seamless, after a few years it had become a bit anodyne.
I also love the feel of fresh air around me, I’ve already used the ‘wind in what’s left of my hair’ line but it is still true, so a convertible is another requirement. I’m not a track day warrior so any lack of perceived rigidity or weight penalty is of no concern to me.
Design aesthetics are important too, I wanted something that was identifiable and had a distinct character of its own, something that makes you want to turn around to look at after parking up and starting to walk away. Equally, I do a reasonable amount of charity work with my cars during the year so I wanted something that would help draw people in, create some attention, and help raise funds.
I like cars that are relatively hard core too. I had an Evo FQ in the past and the original 3 door Cosworth, and I really admire cars like the Challenge Stradale and 16M, a bit of NVH is not too much of an issue, although I do hate droning exhausts. Buckets seats are great for me, I’m only 5’ 10” and not too podgy so they generally fit well.
As you can see from the above I really like spoilers too, so it would be great to have one, especially in Carbon Fibre, another lifelong fascination. In fact the more CF the better, and definitely the old fashioned diagonal weave, I think the modern day composite fibre is really clever and I can see the advantages in constructing with it, but looks wise it’s not for me.
That’s the wish list and I’ve had to make some minor compromises, but I finally bought the ideal car from Motion8 just a few days before Christmas. I’d like to thank Chris and Matt for their excellent service and some nice touches. The car itself is truly immaculate, the last owner is a professional detailer and it reflects in the car which came with full PPF. The full main dealer service history is detailed and faultless and has all the additional bits in too, like wheel refurbishments and upgrades to PPF. The only issue I had with one of the seats was dealt with swiftly and professionally.
The car was delivered in a covered trailer but was accompanied by Chris in his car, that’s a really good touch, so I could have a proper handover and with all the documents presented in a binder. We like to name our cars so I was highly amused to find a small figurine of Princess Fiona sitting in the car, and I later found Shrek hiding in the console. All follow up emails and calls have been dealt with quickly and satisfactorily, great service thanks, and Motion8 come highly recommended.
So here it is, some Old Skool Lambo, and one I am looking forward to getting to know:
Did I mention carbon fibre?
or spoilers?
To the younger ones on here they will think you have gone backwards but sometimes you have to just to go forwards.
Stunning colour and with the roof down 90 will feel fast and more chance of keeping your license longer.
Like you i love open and hard core cars with my modified 308 GTB only getting into it's stride at 6,000 revs to it's red line just under 9,000,
My F430 and manual Gallardo although not so raw as the GTB still gives me that old skool feeling which although more dynamic are lost
in the latest and greatest new models. After saying that i occasionally i have a funny five minutes and think about doing the opposite to you
and chop two of them in for a Performante .
The Rat Rod's , Caterham and MX5 take care of my open air needs .
Will be interesting to hear what the different's you find between the Gallardo and the Hurricane.
Springs not far away ,
enjoy.
Stunning colour and with the roof down 90 will feel fast and more chance of keeping your license longer.
Like you i love open and hard core cars with my modified 308 GTB only getting into it's stride at 6,000 revs to it's red line just under 9,000,
My F430 and manual Gallardo although not so raw as the GTB still gives me that old skool feeling which although more dynamic are lost
in the latest and greatest new models. After saying that i occasionally i have a funny five minutes and think about doing the opposite to you
and chop two of them in for a Performante .
The Rat Rod's , Caterham and MX5 take care of my open air needs .
Will be interesting to hear what the different's you find between the Gallardo and the Hurricane.
Springs not far away ,
enjoy.Edited by rat rod on Monday 1st February 00:17
TP321 said:
I find that the new DSG gearboxes are just too seamless, to the point where it feels like an automatic. No sense of changing gear or the shove in your back when it engages. That’s when I miss old school...
When on track days i'd noticed that while standing on the straight when a 458,488,PDK and McLarens would pass it was difficult to detect any gear change at all, more sliding into the next gear with hardly a change in exhaust note giving the impression of being a fully automatic.
Must give a Performante a drive to see if i'm missing out on anything,If enough theatre might not notice the too smooth gear change. .
Seems to be a lot of interest in a Gallardo vs Huracan comparison.
Excellent choice young man, congrats on your choices and car
I helped the detailer choose that car, she's a beauty indeed, and guys at motion8 are good lads
Totally agree that V10 and gallardo make it the perfect car for your needs, I haven't driven a perf yet but I'd keep mine over a huracan too
I helped the detailer choose that car, she's a beauty indeed, and guys at motion8 are good lads
Totally agree that V10 and gallardo make it the perfect car for your needs, I haven't driven a perf yet but I'd keep mine over a huracan too
Morning all and thanks for the positive response to my post. I definitely owe you a full comparison once I’ve had the chance to actually drive her properly. The lockdown has obviously had a big impact and N Yorks police are looking for non essential journeys, so it may be a little while just yet. Plus it has the Pirelli Corsa tyres on at the moment, I do have a set of new Sottozeros at my local tyre centre waiting on an essential journey to get them fitted.
Two early impressions, the interior with extensive CF and very dark alcantara feels more special, the Huracan definitely feels a bit quicker, as indeed it is, but the Performante is more engaging as you can feel the gear changes with egear, 3rd/4th gear in particular feels brilliant, much more on all that once I’ve been through the three modes properly.
Thanks again and I shall update, I will try to be as objective as possible and avoid the traps of confirmation bias.
Two early impressions, the interior with extensive CF and very dark alcantara feels more special, the Huracan definitely feels a bit quicker, as indeed it is, but the Performante is more engaging as you can feel the gear changes with egear, 3rd/4th gear in particular feels brilliant, much more on all that once I’ve been through the three modes properly.
Thanks again and I shall update, I will try to be as objective as possible and avoid the traps of confirmation bias.
Looking back at previously saved photos of Performante Spyders, I've found a Verde Ithaca at Motion8 saved at December 2017. As these are fairly rare it's probably the same car prior to the purchase by the previous owner to you.
You say 'the more CF the better', that one has the fullest level of CF, so to door pull handles, handbrake handle, lower part of steering wheel, the surround to dashboard dials, the surround panel around the outside of the circular Sport/Corsa panel. Not all the Performantes had that option ticked. It also had the rear camera and Carbon Ceramic brakes. If it had front lift as well I'm guessing that's virtually all the possible options ticked. Now also with full PPF after a professional detail too. With full main dealer service history and one of the best colours of the time, that's got to be one the best Performante Spyders to have in your garage.
You say 'the more CF the better', that one has the fullest level of CF, so to door pull handles, handbrake handle, lower part of steering wheel, the surround to dashboard dials, the surround panel around the outside of the circular Sport/Corsa panel. Not all the Performantes had that option ticked. It also had the rear camera and Carbon Ceramic brakes. If it had front lift as well I'm guessing that's virtually all the possible options ticked. Now also with full PPF after a professional detail too. With full main dealer service history and one of the best colours of the time, that's got to be one the best Performante Spyders to have in your garage.
Hi David, you are spot on, in fact the car has always been bought and sold through Motion8 including the original specification. Yes it is fully loaded including the lift so I had no hesitation in buying it. The only problem is that the previous owners have set a very high bar for me to follow!
It is one of those cars that when I went to see it there was no way I was going to walk away without buying it, thanks for the kind comments.
It is one of those cars that when I went to see it there was no way I was going to walk away without buying it, thanks for the kind comments.
sardis said:
So, I have been thinking about retirement for a little while
Congrats - great choice and I have to say I had a good guess at what you had bought the more I read your post!( I think the only thing that would be better for you would be a manual version.. but they are basically unicorns...)
Edited by zedmtrappe on Tuesday 2nd February 08:44
Great post, thanks for sharing and congratulations.
As a younger one(?) (Hanging onto my thirties) I see exactly where you are comming from. In the summer I treated myself to a H Performante, but kept my 2003 manual 996 Turbo for that raw/older skool itch.
Let us know how you get on with her, im genuinely interested - many moons ago I was looking at chopping the 911 in for a G, took one for a spin and was left hugely underwhelmed but didnt know the Perf and SL was a thing/instantly dismissed them, it wasnt until the H Perf came along and taking the time to snoop round a G SL, Perf and ST that I feel i missed out.
As a younger one(?) (Hanging onto my thirties) I see exactly where you are comming from. In the summer I treated myself to a H Performante, but kept my 2003 manual 996 Turbo for that raw/older skool itch.
Let us know how you get on with her, im genuinely interested - many moons ago I was looking at chopping the 911 in for a G, took one for a spin and was left hugely underwhelmed but didnt know the Perf and SL was a thing/instantly dismissed them, it wasnt until the H Perf came along and taking the time to snoop round a G SL, Perf and ST that I feel i missed out.
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