tommallett

Thursday:

I remember driving a Ferrari 599 for the first time in 2007. My over riding memory is of how monumentally fast it was…that and the blinding LED lights on the steering wheel telling you when to change gear. I liked it, but I was a touch scared of it.

Fast forward a few years and things change, in fact they move forward. For starters 612 bhp seems more manageable now. This is for two reasons, firstly we have got used to that kind of performance, but secondly, and more importantly, the car has got better.

This car had the HGTE handling pack, and having experienced it, this pack is invaluable. The 599 now feels planted and predictable. While the gear box isn’t as smooth as a new double clutch unit it isn’t bad at all.

Lamborghini has focused heavily on character, possibly seeing this as a chink in Ferrari’s armor. I have heard the 599 criticized for its clinical nature, but I found the car had plenty of character. It provides a challenge that experienced drivers will revel in and it sounds fantastic.

But, the best thing about the 599 is that you have in fact made a conscious choice to drive the hairy chested, more expensive, faster depreciating traditional V12 Ferrari. It isn’t the easy option, but it just might be more rewarding. I like that feeling.

Friday

I have finally made the effort to roll my 1966 MG midget out of the garage, and I feel an awful lot better for it.

It has been languishing there for far too long and I have missed it this summer. There are certainly times when you don’t want to fly around at warp speed, and it is then that the little MG comes into its own. Sadly, it needs to go to the garage to get a new MOT, battery and a starter motor, having said that I am now re-enthused about the idea of getting some use out of it.

I have also been re-acquainting myself with the Alpina D3. The D3 is a car which, along with the Porsche Cayman I would be very tempted to put a reasonable amount of my own money into.

I love the way it ride along British country roads and the engine is an absolute peach. It manages to mix economy with pleasure, feeling free revving and smooth to boot.

It will be interesting when its replacement comes in the next couple of years. Will it be a more expensive 6 cylinder contraption? Or will it be another 4 cylinder car? I honestly don’t know what I’d prefer, but it will be interesting to see what turns up.