Mir's Garage - Supercars, old cars, and wagons
Discussion
Hi all,
Have multiple threads on the goings and comings in the garage, but with the most recent potential addition, I've come to the conclusion updating several threads is an excercise in futility, and I constantly lose track of stuff/struggle to keep each thread updated. Not the biggest garage in the world, but for the sake of time condensing the cars into one garage thread is probably for the best.
So, currently in the garage are the following -
1) Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo - daily, dog hauling, stuff hauling, so on. Really pleased with this thing, more can be found in it's old thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2) SLS AMG - fun, unruly, boisterous - a very entertaining drive. Doors have incredible drama and otherwise it's also a fabulous cruiser. Old thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
3) 1985 '911 Hotrod. Has a 964 RS Cup engine, Tuthill suspension - the purest drive I've ever experienced, but limited to "nice days" as generally is a point A to point A car. Enjoying it quite a lot the rare times I do get in it, though. But it does make me wonder how long I'll keep it around. Old thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Now, inbound is a car I've wanted for many, many years. I've always had a deep fascination with the mid-engined, Ferrari V8 specials. Something about these cars have occupied more brain space than I care to admit. Finally, I find myself in the position to acquire one after many, many years. So, I've made an offer on a car that has subsequently been accepted. I'm going to head down tomorrow to check it out, as the color/spec is really uncommon and the local dealer didn't have a paint sample to hand. I've chosen to go for the 488 Pista, given the prices have started to come downward and I personally find it the most appealing of the lot. (I know, I know, Speciale but... I guess I'll do another small post talking about why.)
If the car looks as good as I think in the metal, then I'll close the deal and look to pick the car up in the new year.
Anyway, I will use this as a central repository for stuff going and coming. I expect I will see the SLS leave sometime this year and I'm looking to replace it with an 812 sometime after the middle of the year. For right now, the ethos I have is to have as many "different" experiences as possible in the garage. In that light, once the Pista is in place, I will have front engined, mid engined, and rear engined cars - along with N/A and Turbo representation. A good variety and all very different affairs.
Have multiple threads on the goings and comings in the garage, but with the most recent potential addition, I've come to the conclusion updating several threads is an excercise in futility, and I constantly lose track of stuff/struggle to keep each thread updated. Not the biggest garage in the world, but for the sake of time condensing the cars into one garage thread is probably for the best.
So, currently in the garage are the following -
1) Panamera Sport Turismo Turbo - daily, dog hauling, stuff hauling, so on. Really pleased with this thing, more can be found in it's old thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2) SLS AMG - fun, unruly, boisterous - a very entertaining drive. Doors have incredible drama and otherwise it's also a fabulous cruiser. Old thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
3) 1985 '911 Hotrod. Has a 964 RS Cup engine, Tuthill suspension - the purest drive I've ever experienced, but limited to "nice days" as generally is a point A to point A car. Enjoying it quite a lot the rare times I do get in it, though. But it does make me wonder how long I'll keep it around. Old thread: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Now, inbound is a car I've wanted for many, many years. I've always had a deep fascination with the mid-engined, Ferrari V8 specials. Something about these cars have occupied more brain space than I care to admit. Finally, I find myself in the position to acquire one after many, many years. So, I've made an offer on a car that has subsequently been accepted. I'm going to head down tomorrow to check it out, as the color/spec is really uncommon and the local dealer didn't have a paint sample to hand. I've chosen to go for the 488 Pista, given the prices have started to come downward and I personally find it the most appealing of the lot. (I know, I know, Speciale but... I guess I'll do another small post talking about why.)
If the car looks as good as I think in the metal, then I'll close the deal and look to pick the car up in the new year.
Anyway, I will use this as a central repository for stuff going and coming. I expect I will see the SLS leave sometime this year and I'm looking to replace it with an 812 sometime after the middle of the year. For right now, the ethos I have is to have as many "different" experiences as possible in the garage. In that light, once the Pista is in place, I will have front engined, mid engined, and rear engined cars - along with N/A and Turbo representation. A good variety and all very different affairs.
Edited by mirsgarage on Thursday 21st December 21:20
So, the question - why Pista and not one of the other fabled V8 specials?
There are a few to choose from. 360CS, Scud, Speciale, or Pista. All were up for consideration with the various pros and cons, but ultimately, it comes down to what tugs at your nut strings the hardest.
I never really "got" the CS or Scud. They do sound a damn sight nicer than the Speciale or Pista, the Scud especially - but I just can't wrap my head around the way they look. A bit shallow of me, perhaps, but if I'm spending the money - I'd like to look at the car and to be blown away. Drive wise, well, I hear the CS and Scud are much more agricultural drive, which is a good thing in several respects - but having the SLS, I think I'm covered for that, and I'm looking for a lot of competence in the drive, in addition to "emotion".
Speciale or Pista then.
I think the majority would sit there screaming: "Speciale!", and bizarrely, when I was initially obsessed with the idea of a V8 special, it started with the Speciale. I was besotted by the looks, the sound, and the idea of the drive (I've never driven any of these fwiw, not even for 5 minutes). It also came out in that magic period of time we all individually have, when you're at a certain point or age and cars etch themselves into your head. That's the Speciale for me. A few years ago, when the Pista first came out, I recall having a conversation with George, a friend of mine, in which I said: "You'd have to be mad to buy a Pista over a Speciale", and here I am. Doesn't help the praise that's been heaped on the car, and on top of that, the whole "last of the NA V8s" helps my nostalgia factor (and the values)! But, here enters the first problem - I like to put miles on the car, and the value loss from a primo speciale with good spec is atrocious when you start piling on usage.
Now, the Pista suffers the same problem, albeit with the prices being depressed, I am hoping to mitigate as much of this as possible by buying now and selling it whenever the economy is doing a litlte better (whenever that may be - if I ever sell my first Ferrari at all!) - now I'm not expecting to get away with free mileage, or with a profit. I'm just looking to mitigate loss, a fact of life.
But that isn't the primary reason I went Pista - Doing a lot of reading and perusing through various forums, reviews, videos etc - I found the general consensus was that the Pista was a more competent car - and the Speciale a more playful car. The one thing I had struggled with recognising (just down to peer pressure or the desire to not be a contrarian), was that I didn't actually like the way the Speciale sounds. Having heard it a few times in person, it's nice, don't get me wrong. But it's not soulful, or anything like the Scud. So, from that perspective there was a major factor removed. Each their own and all that, I appreciate I will quite possibly be completely on my own in this POV. I also have heard from several who owned both that the Pista upped the game in quality and refinement. Do you even look at refinement in a car like this? Probably, because I do intend on doing some long haul driving. Finding a balance was what I was after. Again, point, Pista.
Then, finally, the superficial part - but to my eyes after a few years, looking at both cars side to side.. It's no competition. The Pista is achingly beautiful. It looks like this utterly wonderful amalgamation of engineering and pure artistry. The Speciale, although pretty, isn't nearly as good looking in my opinion. Lots to look at in both cars, but the sculpture on the Pista just draws my eyes in. It's a bit more sinuous.
So, ultimately in terms of the use-case, the Pista fit the bill much better. I'd use the car for european trips, alps driving, so on so forth. Already booked on two tours next year tackling Spain and Portugal. And then, the odd track day (potentially - depending on insurance). Nothing insane, but maybe one or two a year, depending on how much time I have. I do intend on using the car as it was meant to be used.
All that's left to do, really, is go get the car..
There are a few to choose from. 360CS, Scud, Speciale, or Pista. All were up for consideration with the various pros and cons, but ultimately, it comes down to what tugs at your nut strings the hardest.
I never really "got" the CS or Scud. They do sound a damn sight nicer than the Speciale or Pista, the Scud especially - but I just can't wrap my head around the way they look. A bit shallow of me, perhaps, but if I'm spending the money - I'd like to look at the car and to be blown away. Drive wise, well, I hear the CS and Scud are much more agricultural drive, which is a good thing in several respects - but having the SLS, I think I'm covered for that, and I'm looking for a lot of competence in the drive, in addition to "emotion".
Speciale or Pista then.
I think the majority would sit there screaming: "Speciale!", and bizarrely, when I was initially obsessed with the idea of a V8 special, it started with the Speciale. I was besotted by the looks, the sound, and the idea of the drive (I've never driven any of these fwiw, not even for 5 minutes). It also came out in that magic period of time we all individually have, when you're at a certain point or age and cars etch themselves into your head. That's the Speciale for me. A few years ago, when the Pista first came out, I recall having a conversation with George, a friend of mine, in which I said: "You'd have to be mad to buy a Pista over a Speciale", and here I am. Doesn't help the praise that's been heaped on the car, and on top of that, the whole "last of the NA V8s" helps my nostalgia factor (and the values)! But, here enters the first problem - I like to put miles on the car, and the value loss from a primo speciale with good spec is atrocious when you start piling on usage.
Now, the Pista suffers the same problem, albeit with the prices being depressed, I am hoping to mitigate as much of this as possible by buying now and selling it whenever the economy is doing a litlte better (whenever that may be - if I ever sell my first Ferrari at all!) - now I'm not expecting to get away with free mileage, or with a profit. I'm just looking to mitigate loss, a fact of life.
But that isn't the primary reason I went Pista - Doing a lot of reading and perusing through various forums, reviews, videos etc - I found the general consensus was that the Pista was a more competent car - and the Speciale a more playful car. The one thing I had struggled with recognising (just down to peer pressure or the desire to not be a contrarian), was that I didn't actually like the way the Speciale sounds. Having heard it a few times in person, it's nice, don't get me wrong. But it's not soulful, or anything like the Scud. So, from that perspective there was a major factor removed. Each their own and all that, I appreciate I will quite possibly be completely on my own in this POV. I also have heard from several who owned both that the Pista upped the game in quality and refinement. Do you even look at refinement in a car like this? Probably, because I do intend on doing some long haul driving. Finding a balance was what I was after. Again, point, Pista.
Then, finally, the superficial part - but to my eyes after a few years, looking at both cars side to side.. It's no competition. The Pista is achingly beautiful. It looks like this utterly wonderful amalgamation of engineering and pure artistry. The Speciale, although pretty, isn't nearly as good looking in my opinion. Lots to look at in both cars, but the sculpture on the Pista just draws my eyes in. It's a bit more sinuous.
So, ultimately in terms of the use-case, the Pista fit the bill much better. I'd use the car for european trips, alps driving, so on so forth. Already booked on two tours next year tackling Spain and Portugal. And then, the odd track day (potentially - depending on insurance). Nothing insane, but maybe one or two a year, depending on how much time I have. I do intend on using the car as it was meant to be used.
All that's left to do, really, is go get the car..
Nice cars! Great choices!
How do you get on with changing the cars if you still like them? You noted you want to try as many car experiences as possible.
Reason I ask, I had the same plan, but I’ve found the two garage cars I have i really really like! Consequently I don’t really want to sell… but still want to try new experiences! But I can’t do both!
Regardless, I’m looking forward to your updates on the collection, and thanks for sharing!
How do you get on with changing the cars if you still like them? You noted you want to try as many car experiences as possible.
Reason I ask, I had the same plan, but I’ve found the two garage cars I have i really really like! Consequently I don’t really want to sell… but still want to try new experiences! But I can’t do both!
Regardless, I’m looking forward to your updates on the collection, and thanks for sharing!
TheDoggingFather said:
A lovely collection you've got there, I shall follow with interest.
Mr Tidy said:
That's a great collection - looking forward to the updates. 
Many thanks fellas!Cloudy147 said:
Nice cars! Great choices!
How do you get on with changing the cars if you still like them? You noted you want to try as many car experiences as possible.
Reason I ask, I had the same plan, but I’ve found the two garage cars I have i really really like! Consequently I don’t really want to sell… but still want to try new experiences! But I can’t do both!
Regardless, I’m looking forward to your updates on the collection, and thanks for sharing!
Ah, this happens naturally. I have been diagnosed with pretty strong ADHD, I invariably want to try something different.How do you get on with changing the cars if you still like them? You noted you want to try as many car experiences as possible.
Reason I ask, I had the same plan, but I’ve found the two garage cars I have i really really like! Consequently I don’t really want to sell… but still want to try new experiences! But I can’t do both!
Regardless, I’m looking forward to your updates on the collection, and thanks for sharing!
But, it also happens for me - the pull of trying something new is stronger than the pull of sticking with something. I will say though that it was difficult, the first few. I am also quite emotional about my stuff, so chopping and changing stuff, at the beginning, was usually quite a sentimental affair. I found it's become less so over time!
mirsgarage said:
I invariably want to try something different.
But, it also happens for me - the pull of trying something new is stronger than the pull of sticking with something.
Maybe consider joining Auto Vivendi or similar?But, it also happens for me - the pull of trying something new is stronger than the pull of sticking with something.
A whole fleet of desirable cars at your disposal, refreshed regularly.
Auto Vivendi website said:
Current Collection:
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
Aston Martin DBX707
Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner
Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak
Ferrari 296 GTB
Ferrari 296 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari SF90 Spider
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Lamborghini Aventador SV
Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Urus Performante
Lamborghini Urus S
Maserati MC20 Cielo
McLaren Artura
McLaren 765LT Spider
McLaren 720S Spider
Mercedes G63 Magno Edition
Morgan Super 3
Porsche 911 (992) Targa 4 GTS
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S Cabriolet
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Range Rover Vogue P400 Autobiography
Superformance Shelby MKIII Cobra
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
Aston Martin DBX707
Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner
Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak
Ferrari 296 GTB
Ferrari 296 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari SF90 Spider
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Lamborghini Aventador SV
Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Urus Performante
Lamborghini Urus S
Maserati MC20 Cielo
McLaren Artura
McLaren 765LT Spider
McLaren 720S Spider
Mercedes G63 Magno Edition
Morgan Super 3
Porsche 911 (992) Targa 4 GTS
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S Cabriolet
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Range Rover Vogue P400 Autobiography
Superformance Shelby MKIII Cobra
BrettMRC said:
Nice collection OP
Are you the same Mir that used to have the 20B FD?
Thank you Are you the same Mir that used to have the 20B FD?
And unfortunately, I am not!
Dr G said:
I enjoyed reading your musings on the 488.
Any hints on the colour combo? The many variants of red/cream have never done anything for me on an F car.
I'm gonna go with a wait and see - but funnily it's not too far off what you're talking about, just different shades - but the combination of it coming together is.. delicious. Any hints on the colour combo? The many variants of red/cream have never done anything for me on an F car.
jeremyc said:
mirsgarage said:
I invariably want to try something different.
But, it also happens for me - the pull of trying something new is stronger than the pull of sticking with something.
Maybe consider joining Auto Vivendi or similar?But, it also happens for me - the pull of trying something new is stronger than the pull of sticking with something.
A whole fleet of desirable cars at your disposal, refreshed regularly.
Auto Vivendi website said:
Current Collection:
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
Aston Martin DBX707
Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner
Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak
Ferrari 296 GTB
Ferrari 296 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari SF90 Spider
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Lamborghini Aventador SV
Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Urus Performante
Lamborghini Urus S
Maserati MC20 Cielo
McLaren Artura
McLaren 765LT Spider
McLaren 720S Spider
Mercedes G63 Magno Edition
Morgan Super 3
Porsche 911 (992) Targa 4 GTS
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S Cabriolet
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Range Rover Vogue P400 Autobiography
Superformance Shelby MKIII Cobra
Aston Martin DBS Superleggera Volante
Aston Martin DBX707
Bentley Continental GTC Mulliner
Dodge Challenger SRT Jailbreak
Ferrari 296 GTB
Ferrari 296 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari 812 GTS
Ferrari Roma
Ferrari SF90 Spider
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
Lamborghini Aventador SV
Lamborghini Huracán Sterrato
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Huracán STO
Lamborghini Urus Performante
Lamborghini Urus S
Maserati MC20 Cielo
McLaren Artura
McLaren 765LT Spider
McLaren 720S Spider
Mercedes G63 Magno Edition
Morgan Super 3
Porsche 911 (992) Targa 4 GTS
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S
Porsche 911 (992) Turbo S Cabriolet
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Range Rover Vogue P400 Autobiography
Superformance Shelby MKIII Cobra
Righto - so update time.
Looooved the spec of the car in person, so the deal will go on. Collection will be first or second week of January I think. I'm so pleased with the find, and the process. Dealers have been lovely to deal with. Carrs Exeter, my local, are simply excellent, as is the supplying dealer.
Uno problemo, though. The car comes with carbon wheels. Those are absolutely coming off, and being put on the wall as a bit of art. Very cool and I completely understand the intent - but I don't feel they'll be super suitable given I do want to put some miles on this thing, replacing them at £8k a single wheel is a bit much, so I intent on putting them back on should I ever take the car to track.
For now, I've set the fellas at Carrs the task of getting me some OEM rims - I'm thinking I will paint them bright silver. I'm a bit over black/greys, but I'm also not sure what will suit the car better.
Looooved the spec of the car in person, so the deal will go on. Collection will be first or second week of January I think. I'm so pleased with the find, and the process. Dealers have been lovely to deal with. Carrs Exeter, my local, are simply excellent, as is the supplying dealer.
Uno problemo, though. The car comes with carbon wheels. Those are absolutely coming off, and being put on the wall as a bit of art. Very cool and I completely understand the intent - but I don't feel they'll be super suitable given I do want to put some miles on this thing, replacing them at £8k a single wheel is a bit much, so I intent on putting them back on should I ever take the car to track.
For now, I've set the fellas at Carrs the task of getting me some OEM rims - I'm thinking I will paint them bright silver. I'm a bit over black/greys, but I'm also not sure what will suit the car better.
So, some musings on the SLS then - a quiet afternoon here, OH in bed with a hangover and all dogs asleep.
I've had the car 1.5yrs now, or thereabouts. I think it's an extremely personable, likeable car. I also think, in the future, these cars are going to be worth more than they are today - how far in the future, no idea, but perhaps in 20 years I'll come back to this post and go: "Called it!"
It also helps I still find it beautiful. It's a simple form. Lovely shape, good proportions. This is, of course, true to the later cars (AMG GTS, etc) also - but the gullwing doors then add a final dash of spice to the entire construct. I think it's aged rather gracefully. The lack of over-complication on the design has helped with that quite significantly - but it definitely does feel it's age in the drive (not a bad thing) and the interior. You can retrofit carplay, which helps a little, but doesn't quite fix the entire problem. However, I do think the interior has aged well enough it's not a noticable problem.
So, like I said a few posts above - I like to jump in and out of cars. The SLS then? Brilliant, but not long term if you have a smaller garage. Let me expand. I think everyone at or around this sort of vehicle value should experience owning the car for a little while. It's a very different experience to the typical Lamborghini, Ferrari, or McLaren. Of all the cars in this sort of ~ £180k range, the SLS stands relatively unique. The cruiser/brutal switch you can incite is quite something, and I've never driven a car like this with all the qualites the SLS puts together.
Now, if I had a garage of 10+ Supercars, the SLS would certainly feature. But with enough space for 2 supercars, in that context, it's not a lifer. But it is a very convincing vehicle and I'm very glad I got to enjoy it! It will probably leave at some point in 2024, I do have an interested friend looking to purchase the car, so we'll see how that goes.
What to replace it with? Well, based on the "rules" of the garage, since the Pista is inbound, I have a spot for something front engined. Pista is turbocharged, so I want something naturally aspirated. Currently, I'm leaning toward the 812. But we'll see as the year goes on!
I've had the car 1.5yrs now, or thereabouts. I think it's an extremely personable, likeable car. I also think, in the future, these cars are going to be worth more than they are today - how far in the future, no idea, but perhaps in 20 years I'll come back to this post and go: "Called it!"
It also helps I still find it beautiful. It's a simple form. Lovely shape, good proportions. This is, of course, true to the later cars (AMG GTS, etc) also - but the gullwing doors then add a final dash of spice to the entire construct. I think it's aged rather gracefully. The lack of over-complication on the design has helped with that quite significantly - but it definitely does feel it's age in the drive (not a bad thing) and the interior. You can retrofit carplay, which helps a little, but doesn't quite fix the entire problem. However, I do think the interior has aged well enough it's not a noticable problem.
So, like I said a few posts above - I like to jump in and out of cars. The SLS then? Brilliant, but not long term if you have a smaller garage. Let me expand. I think everyone at or around this sort of vehicle value should experience owning the car for a little while. It's a very different experience to the typical Lamborghini, Ferrari, or McLaren. Of all the cars in this sort of ~ £180k range, the SLS stands relatively unique. The cruiser/brutal switch you can incite is quite something, and I've never driven a car like this with all the qualites the SLS puts together.
Now, if I had a garage of 10+ Supercars, the SLS would certainly feature. But with enough space for 2 supercars, in that context, it's not a lifer. But it is a very convincing vehicle and I'm very glad I got to enjoy it! It will probably leave at some point in 2024, I do have an interested friend looking to purchase the car, so we'll see how that goes.
What to replace it with? Well, based on the "rules" of the garage, since the Pista is inbound, I have a spot for something front engined. Pista is turbocharged, so I want something naturally aspirated. Currently, I'm leaning toward the 812. But we'll see as the year goes on!
Great thread, I’m a big fan of your 911. That thing looks pretty much perfect!
Great choice with the pista, a client of mine has one. I have only ever driven it about 10mph around a car park a couple of times, but I have never experienced a car that shows its intent so much even just trundling around a car park! It feels like you are directly bolted to the floor when you are sat in it and the steering feels almost unassisted but completely direct. I can only imagine how good the car feels at speed! I look forward to seeing some photos once you have picked it up!
Great choice with the pista, a client of mine has one. I have only ever driven it about 10mph around a car park a couple of times, but I have never experienced a car that shows its intent so much even just trundling around a car park! It feels like you are directly bolted to the floor when you are sat in it and the steering feels almost unassisted but completely direct. I can only imagine how good the car feels at speed! I look forward to seeing some photos once you have picked it up!
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