Modern Garage in Far East

[RickP]

Okay, when I was in Ithaca, I lived on N. Quarry Street, just around the corner from your old apartment. My father also had an apartment near there, although he was there many years before you. I have very good memories of my time there.

Thank you for posting the picture of the cam covers again. Now I understand - the picture of the Ducati had the wall in partial shadow and I didn't recognize the colors from when I first saw the picture of that wall about a week ago. You must miss that bike, although perhaps not as much as we grow older. (and wiser?)

Happy New Year to you too.

 

[twokidsnosleep]

Boy, I go away for a bit and come back to see a new smoking yellow Ferrari in your garage
Wow, what a car, love it. Good for you, nice to see a normal car guy with such a gorgeous car, rather than some famous arrogant puke
Been making a '48 MG TC as my new hobby....unfortunately it is 1/16 scale and plastic
Best of 2015 to you and yours

 

[abstamaria]

Italia

Small world, Rick. I know where Quarry Street is. I aren't been back to the campus since though. I should visit.

Yes, I miss the 748R. Its controls were more precise, clock-like, compared to the Monster I had at the same time. But, yes, it was prudent to let it go.

Thanks, twokidsnosleep. I retired so I thought I should try a new car out. It is a lot of fun, if a bit intimidating with all those electronic controls and mind-boggling performance. I like the shape very much; the first attractive post-Enzo-era model to my eyes.

Best,

Andy

 

[twokidsnosleep]

I had a spin in a F430 Spider a couple of years ago
Amazing acceleration, a bit uncomfortable seating and driven by an old guy who scared the **** out of me....b/c he drove like an old guy in a very fast car.. He almost went the wrong way up a one way street. I am sure if I was in the driver's seat, it would have been amazing
From the interior shots, your car looks to have more comfort and usability, you race so I am sure you drive it like a pro
Have fun!

 

[abstamaria]

Meeting

Many thanks, twokids. I'm afraid the car is much faster than me! But it is a pleasure to drive. The difference between it and the older cars, in terms of driving experience, is so large; they have made a lot of progress in the last 50 years. But I suspect that when I drive one of the older cars it will be like coming home.

I took the car to the monthly spots car club meeting this morning. Felice snapped this photo as I was driving into the garage. It gives a good view of the driveway with the pavers almost completely grassed over.

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Throwback

Going though old albums for a school homecoming, I came across this photo taken in about 1995 in our home previous to this one. It shows my workshop in the midst of a restoration. I had spray cans and supplies in wire baskets on a wall then, which seemed a good idea at a time but added visually to the clutter. The ideas for my present garage were formed over many years and eventually led to the bare, minimalist look I have now. The bench and tool cabinets followed me to the new garage. Note the brick floor.

Andy

 

[Morrisman]

Re: Order

........ I wanted yellow..........

Andy

Wow, I leave the forum for a while and what do I see when I come back, but this baby in Andys garage.

Fighting down the jealousy and envy, and disappointment that I'll never own such an amazing car myself, I have to admit that yellow is one of my favourite colours, probably as I was weened on the 'piss yella deuce coupe' in American Graffiti many many years ago.

Something like this version possibly my all time favourite car.

The first car (more like a soap box cart) I built in the Philippines, way back on 2000, was much the same colour as your Ferrari.

And the bike I had at the same time....

And when I rebuilt it, yet again, last year, more yellow...

Yes, yellow is definitly a good colour.

 

[Morrisman]

Re: Order

And now I think of it, the wife painted our house in December.

 

[Skyline]

Re: Meeting

Many thanks, twokids. I'm afraid the car is much faster than me! But it is a pleasure to drive. The difference between it and the older cars, in terms of driving experience, is so large; they have made a lot of progress in the last 50 years. But I suspect that when I drive one of the older cars it will be like coming home.

I took the car to the monthly spots car club meeting this morning. Felice snapped this photo as I was driving into the garage. It gives a good view of the driveway with the pavers almost completely grassed over.

Andy

The car looks great, and that's a really nice shot. I have one question about the house, that is regarding that wall in the photo. The vegetation is so even it almost looks like it was painted on, that looks really nice. How did you accomplish that look, did you plant climbing plants at the base?

 

[abstamaria]

Yes, it does seem you like yellow, Morrisman. Those are great projects (and fantastic work), and you have a good looking house. Although I would never have said yellow is a favorite color, we seem to have a lot of yellow in our house, too. The front of the house is ringed with trees with yellow flowers - yellowbells, I think - and the hill behind the house and the garage roof planted with peanut, which has yellow flowers.

I hope to see your cars one day.

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Thanks, Skyline. That's ivy on the wall, planted at the base as you suspected and cropped close. It was one way of reducing the number of walls to repaint eventually, but also turned out quite refreshing. The wall encloses an inner garden, which is great for outdoor dinners. We might have an outdoor movie with hot-dog and pop-corn stands in that garden for the local sports car club. We're keeping the inner wall white.

Best regards,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

South Garden

Let me show you the garden that ivy-covered wall encloses. The photo was taken at a small dinner for a friend from abroad.

When building the house, we considered whether to open the area to the garage, but the idea of a private garden was just too appealing. The garden level is about five feet higher than the driveway, and one accesses it either from the house or through steps from the garage area. It is quite pleasant, especially in the evenings.

I am sorry for this non-garage note, but thought it might place the garage in context.

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

The Other Garage

We have a separate two-car garage and a parking area for the cars we use everyday. This keeps the other garage clean and allows storage for holiday decorations, spare tires and wheels, etc., and a temporary holding area for things pending storage or disposal. Since it is out of sight, it gets very disorganized.

I decided last weekend to try to put some order in it. I still have to decide whether and how to screen the open shelves from sight.

 

[alberto]

How about vertical blinds (metal)?

 

[BeachBoy]

Or sliding doors on track.

 

[ConCretin]

Andy, viewing your thread is like walking through an art museum. The photos and subject matter are simply beautiful. I am always amazed.

 

[abstamaria]

Storage

Many thanks, Alberto, BeachBoy. Those are good suggestions (I didn't know metal vertical binds existed), and I am checking to see what is available here. I have not yet decided whether to cover the shelves, as I am afraid that will encourage a mess within!

Thanks, too, LLWillysfan. You garage and place are quite remarkable! I am envious.

This second garage tends to get neglected, as guests don’t see it and even I don’t go there often. Since I retired, it has had to accommodate 40 years of diaries, papers, memorabilia, and so forth so I added an extra column of shelves. I know the real answer is to go through all those things and keep only very little. My old office was a traditional one and had paintings and valuable old prints that would not blend well with our home. We gave them on permanent loan to the national museum.

The shelf system, as I mentioned before, is an Italian one and attached easily to the wall. The epoxy floor has held up well; I only wish I had painted it white, too.

 

[abstamaria]

Floors

The advantage of a plain floor is that it sets off things on it quite well. I still haven't gotten used to the yellow Italia, as it attracts more attention to itself that the white Porsche that it replaced. the difference between Italian and German, I suppose.

 

[Malczewski]

Re: Floors

The advantage of a plain floor is that it sets off things on it quite well. I still haven't gotten used to the yellow Italia, as it attracts more attention to itself that the white Porsche that it replaced. the difference between Italian and German, I suppose.

If it rains, wear a helmet before walking in there.

 

[abstamaria]

Indeed, MaIczewski. I try not to take the cars, especially the old ones, out in the rain, but yes epoxy can be slippery. The tiles are better.

 

[dubber]

As always, truly impeccable. Great night shot with your garden dinner.

 

[madoc1]

does Ferrari make a convertible model of your new car? if so, I saw one in the Austin texas area yesterday that was the same yellow. it was a Ferrari.

jim

 

[abstamaria]

Many thanks, Dubber. The garden is as plain as the garage, but it is pretty sometimes. I love your thread.

Yes, Jim. There is a convertible called the "Spider." With the top up, it looks like a coupe. Spectacular car.

Andy

 

[Denwood]

Re: South Garden

Wow, this pic took me right back to a stay at Ladera resort in St. Lucia. It's particularly ironic considering I saw this after snow blowing about 30cm of snow that fell last night. I'd take your garden in a heartbeat over the snow drifts

I read through your entire thread Andy before starting my shop renovation. I have no chance of creating a work space quite so clean in a 16x24, however I've kept this an underlying goal in all the work that has been done so far...so thanks for the inspiration

Let me show you the garden that ivy-covered wall encloses. The photo was taken at a small dinner for a friend from abroad.

When building the house, we considered whether to open the area to the garage, but the idea of a private garden was just too appealing. The garden level is about five feet higher than the driveway, and one accesses it either from the house or through steps from the garage area. It is quite pleasant, especially in the evenings.

I am sorry for this non-garage note, but thought it might place the garage in context.

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Thanks very much, Dennis. l am glad my garage has given you some ideas. I've picked up a great deal from your build. You've done a remarkable job. I love the ceiling and lighting.

Enjoy your garage. Best,

Andy

 

[ODIS]

Now there is a great use for all the thousands of Christmas light that are in storage and never have been used! Always great to see what you are up to. Thanks for all that you share.

Best,

Ody.

 

[abstamaria]

Haha, OD, yes. Christmas lights. They give good light, not harsh, and are quite pleasing outdoors. Fantastic for your lovely place.

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Very Early Morning

Up at 5:00 AM and had the MG TC on the driveway, ready to go at first light. But it rained! I'm
pretty waterproof, but need to think of my 66-year-old MG! I don't like to get it wet, rust being a constant threat here in the tropics.

I took the opportunity to take a photo before I placed the MG back inside. When planning the garage, I wanted the impression of English mews - small garages similar to that in which Lotus started. A friend of mine also had stables then, and I thought it would be neat to have a stall for each car.

Dawn is just breaking here, and you can just see Sundance waiting for me to come in, out of the drizzle.

 

[Denwood]

Andy, that clean white floor really got me thinking. It's surprising how much light a white floor reflects vs dark. This is tonight after some grinding. Forgive the pic intrusion into your thread..but the inspiration came from you. It was -25C when I took this pic

 

[abstamaria]

Dennis, that's fantastic. Go with white, Dennis, and don't even think of adding a bit of grey. The light grey floor in my other garage, seen a few posts earlier, makes that garage noticeably darker. Your garage looks great. If I may suggest, make all the tool cabinets one colour - the black set looks sharp (I recall the cabinet on the right is red? I can't tell if it still is from the photo.) That will expand the place visually and tie down the look. Great job.

-25C! That's 50C lower than this morning's temperature.

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

Cars

And so this is where the Italia fits in. It is somewhat intimidating with all the new controls, digital screens, and so forth, but quite exciting in that it is so different and so competent (and quick!). I have had the two older cars a very long time now, and both are still so satisfying and a joy to drive and own. I am optimistic the Italia will be that, too. Just seeing it in the garage, so beautiful, is quite a pleasure for me, so that bodes well.

Best to all,

Andy

 

[michel]

Hey Mr Andy, I saw this little film about a Stratos owner and and for some reason, I tought about you.

http://www.petrolicious.com/five-1970s-supercars-we-love

 

[abstamaria]

Stratos

Many thanks, Michel. That is really nice video, and it captures what driving a Stratos is like. You have a very interesting thread by the way and are quite the craftsman.

I've been trying to see what I can do with my small pocket camera and came op with this photo of the Stratos after a morning run, the sun streaming in behind it.

Andy

 

[michel]

Re: Stratos

Many thanks, Michel. That is really nice video, and it captures what driving a Stratos is like. You have a very interesting thread by the way and are quite the craftsman.

I've been trying to see what I can do with my small pocket camera and came op with this photo of the Stratos after a morning run, the sun streaming in behind it.

Andy

Thank you very much.
sir.

I do like those Petricious videos and always looking forward to see the new ones, they are always very well made.
I appreciate the way they capture the essence of those classic cars and the passion of the people that owns them.

I think that you are one of them who should be in one of those videos.

 

[BeachBoy]

+1 petrolicious should go to the Philippines!

 

[Skyline]

Re: Cars

And so this is where the Italia fits in. It is somewhat intimidating with all the new controls, digital screens, and so forth, but quite exciting in that it is so different and so competent (and quick!). I have had the two older cars a very long time now, and both are still so satisfying and a joy to drive and own. I am optimistic the Italia will be that, too. Just seeing it in the garage, so beautiful, is quite a pleasure for me, so that bodes well.

It's a legendary collection you've got there for sure. But I'm in doubt about the Italia taking such a long term place in your hall of fame there. As a modern Ferrari, your car is totally electronic. It lacks the 100% mechanical simplicity of any of your other cars. MUCH to go wrong. And from what I've heard Ferrari does not do a good job of continued parts support for cars more than about 15 years. I'm hearing stories about 355 F1 owners who can't get a transmission ECU to replace their failed unit. And have had their car dead for more than a year.

With the older cars, there's always a way to make an unavailable part. Many components were hand made on these cars to begin with. But imagine trying to re-engineer, manufacture and program an electronic component like an ECU. I presume there are people on the planet who could do this, but given the proprietory nature of the electronics in modern cars, combined with the machine language coding, this is a daunting task.

With high volume cars, even when there is no manufacturer support, there's usually a good chance of adequate spares in wrecking yards, or aftermarket manufacturers who step up to make most parts. (Think about servicing a Saab right now for example). It's not the same for a Ferrari. Enjoy it while you can.

 

[BeachBoy]

Not many modern cars are future legends IMO

The P1, LaFerrari and 918 will likely be because they are the first electric.

Not the 650s, 458 or other.

That's my opinion, I would love to have any of them hehe

 

[abstamaria]

Thanks, Michel! But I don't think Petrolicious would be interested! I enjoy their videos and articles also.

Best,

Andy

 

[abstamaria]

I agree, Skyline, Beachboy. The Italia is intimidating enough to drive, what with all the new electronic controls, screens, and electric motors. How will it be possible to restore one in 30 years?

It also will not hold its value. There are too many of them, and the models come quickly. Already, the crowd has moved to the next show, the 488. The depreciation alone is mind boggling. The two minutes when the car was driven off the showroom floor have so far been the most expensive two minutes in my life.

But it was timely for me to get the Italia. I wanted to see how the new cars are, so the Italia is perfect for that. What a spaceship it is compared to the Dino or even the GT3. And as a friend said, if I don’t sell it, I won’t lose money on it. I hope to enjoy it for a long time. I am wondering now if it can go up on the lift; it is so wide!

 

[Boosted1]

I like the interior choice for the 458. Looks very nice.
And the stratos is beautiful