PTS 981s
02-03-2013, 04:08 PM
#61
Eduardo,
I've custom ordered several Ferraris over the last few years (2 Californias, 2 458 coupes and a 458 spider). It's generally easier doing the Ferraris but I've still had some problems getting things exactly as I want them though have resolved it all direct with the factory.
The R8 was an opportunistic purchase back in the summer of 2008 when the new car market stalled badly. I had a friend working within an Audi dealership close by Audi GB's head quarters and they had given him this car which they had spec'ed to show off the Exclusive paint offerings to sell. It was very well optioned and I loved it the minute I saw it. I put in a very low ball bid which they mulled over for two weeks before they caved in and released it. I even got a set of the 5 piece custom factory luggage thrown in for just and extra £1k. I really enjoyed the car and should have kept it but itchy feet and a 430 Scuderia saw me sell it on.
I've custom ordered several Ferraris over the last few years (2 Californias, 2 458 coupes and a 458 spider). It's generally easier doing the Ferraris but I've still had some problems getting things exactly as I want them though have resolved it all direct with the factory.
The R8 was an opportunistic purchase back in the summer of 2008 when the new car market stalled badly. I had a friend working within an Audi dealership close by Audi GB's head quarters and they had given him this car which they had spec'ed to show off the Exclusive paint offerings to sell. It was very well optioned and I loved it the minute I saw it. I put in a very low ball bid which they mulled over for two weeks before they caved in and released it. I even got a set of the 5 piece custom factory luggage thrown in for just and extra £1k. I really enjoyed the car and should have kept it but itchy feet and a 430 Scuderia saw me sell it on.
Saludos,
Eduardo
02-04-2013, 04:01 AM
#62
Instructor
I'm afraid I let the luggage go with the car when I sold it as it was all embossed with the R8 logo. It was a lovely set as well made from black nappa leather with white contrast stitching and carbon fibre detailing. It had two cases that fit the shelf behind the seats (space that isn't there on the spider I believe), one case for the trunk plus a small briefcase that also fit in the trunk space and a suit carrier that lay over the top of both of these. Apologies for the very poor photo's but they appear to be the only ones I have.
02-04-2013, 11:35 AM
#64
Rennlist Member
ISUK, you are the undisputed master of bespoke! My hat off to you! I still think that the UK 987 Boxster you did a while back was brilliant! I am just getting re-acquainted with 'Audi Exclusive' after looking at it briefly in 2010. I will see how well I like this 'Lava Grey' v8 Spyder and decide if it merits a custom order - perhaps a v10 next!
Couple of questions for you:
1) What custom order from any auto maker are you thinking of doing next?
2) How is 'Audi Exclusive' to work with vs 'Porsche Exclusive'? Who did you find more responsive and accommodating?
3)What were your impressions of the R8 (driving characteristics) in comparison to Porsches you have owned in the past?
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel
Couple of questions for you:
1) What custom order from any auto maker are you thinking of doing next?
2) How is 'Audi Exclusive' to work with vs 'Porsche Exclusive'? Who did you find more responsive and accommodating?
3)What were your impressions of the R8 (driving characteristics) in comparison to Porsches you have owned in the past?
Saludos,
Eduardo
Carmel
02-04-2013, 12:15 PM
#65
At Porsche, fitted luggage is most often associated with the era of the smaller 356 & the early 911/912 models in the 50's/60's! I still have some of these in my 356 parts collection. They were quite common back then!
Saludos,
Eduardo
PS You will not find many in the gt3 forum talking positively about or praising the R8...unless they are caught driving at speed in the rain at the track! Then it's a different story. I will let you know and you can decide for yourself when you drive mine!
Last edited by Z356; 02-04-2013 at 12:31 PM.
02-04-2013, 12:56 PM
#66
Rennlist Member
If I were to get one, it would be the spyder, as I like the open cars for touring, and the look better than the R8 coupe. It is tighter though, space wise. Thanks for the offer... can't wait to drive it with you. I love the lava gray, but it would need a red or orange or saddle interior etc. to give it some "Pop" as an exotic. When do you get it? Post pics please.
02-04-2013, 01:40 PM
#67
If I were to get one, it would be the spyder, as I like the open cars for touring, and the look better than the R8 coupe. It is tighter though, space wise. Thanks for the offer... can't wait to drive it with you. I love the lava gray, but it would need a red or orange or saddle interior etc. to give it some "Pop" as an exotic. When do you get it? Post pics please.
Saludos,
Eduardo
02-04-2013, 03:04 PM
#68
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
02-04-2013, 04:26 PM
#69
Burning Brakes
02-04-2013, 05:17 PM
#70
Saludos,
Eduardo
02-04-2013, 06:14 PM
#71
Three Wheelin'
Eduardo,
You posted at 9:40 that the R8 gets there in 30 minutes.
I figured I'd wait until you posted pics, but then you posted at 1:17... but no pics. Since you're not out driving her, and you haven't posted pics yet... did she arrive?
You posted at 9:40 that the R8 gets there in 30 minutes.
I figured I'd wait until you posted pics, but then you posted at 1:17... but no pics. Since you're not out driving her, and you haven't posted pics yet... did she arrive?
02-04-2013, 07:14 PM
#72
Steve:
I was resting after washing the R8 when I last posted and couldn't resist pulling JSF101 Steve's chain.
Here she is as she landed from the Intercity Lines carrier. I am off on a short trip to visit relatives in the Pacific Northwest but will be back on Feb 11th. Should be able to take her out for a long ride when I get back. In the several blocks I drove her from where the truck delivered it and my house, the R8 felt 'substantial' and 'expensive'. The v8 sounded great! The car is low and wide. Ian, forget about you fitting into such a vehicle! You will have splashed bugs all over your forehead every time you drive her with the top down! There aren't too many instances in life where being 5' 7" pays off. But in the R8 Spyder, it works perfectly well for that stature. It seems as thought this cabriolet was specifically made for the 'vertically challenged' in this otherwise tall man's world! Napoleon would have approved!
Saludos,
Eduardo
I was resting after washing the R8 when I last posted and couldn't resist pulling JSF101 Steve's chain.
Here she is as she landed from the Intercity Lines carrier. I am off on a short trip to visit relatives in the Pacific Northwest but will be back on Feb 11th. Should be able to take her out for a long ride when I get back. In the several blocks I drove her from where the truck delivered it and my house, the R8 felt 'substantial' and 'expensive'. The v8 sounded great! The car is low and wide. Ian, forget about you fitting into such a vehicle! You will have splashed bugs all over your forehead every time you drive her with the top down! There aren't too many instances in life where being 5' 7" pays off. But in the R8 Spyder, it works perfectly well for that stature. It seems as thought this cabriolet was specifically made for the 'vertically challenged' in this otherwise tall man's world! Napoleon would have approved!
Saludos,
Eduardo
02-04-2013, 08:08 PM
#74
Saludos,
Eduardo
02-04-2013, 08:17 PM
#75
Three Wheelin'
But this has the engine in the right location and AWD, and Punxsutawney Phil has predicted an early spring.