SL55 AMG, SL63 AMG, SL65 AMG (R230) 2002 - 2011 (2003 US for SL55 and 2004 for the SL65)

SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65

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Old 07-04-2005, 01:37 AM
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SL65, 05' & Ford GT, 06'
F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65

On Saturday morning I took delivery of a new F430 (no need to ask the color). I haven't wanted to extract myself from the car for a nanosecond. If the Daytona seats had a porta-potty feature I'd consider living in this damn machine. What a trip. It's unreal!!

The SL65 is a very fast car, no doubt about it, but the F430 is it's equal. The sound is magical. You just want to keep downshifting so you can wind it up to 8500 rpm again and again. It's vault-like solid. The seats are more comfortable than the Merc's and more adjustable. The detailing of the interior and the quality of the leather is superb. Yes- it is more roomy inside and unbelievably...just as comfortable when driving on the freeway. The steering is perfect and balanced. You feel in total control and confident. It grips and never gets edgy when you pour it on around a curve. It just overshadows the SL65 in every way. I never thought I'd be saying but......

Bottom line....I have a Designo Graphite loaded SL65 which had an original MSRP that was north of $200K on the block. A deal of a lifetime if you want a 65. Private message me for details if you are serious and capable.
Old 07-04-2005, 03:09 AM
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ARE YOU SERIOUS??? FERRARI MORE COMFORTABLE THEN MERCEDES BENZ? I have driven the 360 over and over again I don't think its comfortable at all...
Old 07-04-2005, 03:30 AM
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Impressed you are already taking the car up to 8500 when it's less than two days old... I'm not at the 430/65 level but my 10 year old 355 is a much more involving drive than the SL55 and those two have comparable performance as well.

Ferrari have certainly moved the game on with the F430 on both performance and value grounds. Here in the UK, it's $50k less than an SL65 and $90k less than a Murcielago/Vanquish. It's no wonder the waiting time for one is as long as it is.
Old 07-04-2005, 11:05 AM
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Thumbs up

Thanks for the write up Ron!!!Enjoy the car and keep telling us your impressions.I really wanted a F430, but the wait was too long,so my second choice, the DB9 comes in late Sept.I will keep posted on how that goes.
Old 07-04-2005, 11:28 AM
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Originally Posted by RonG
On Saturday morning I took delivery of a new F430 (no need to ask the color). I haven't wanted to extract myself from the car for a nanosecond. If the Daytona seats had a porta-potty feature I'd consider living in this damn machine. What a trip. It's unreal!!

The SL65 is a very fast car, no doubt about it, but the F430 is it's equal. The sound is magical. You just want to keep downshifting so you can wind it up to 8500 rpm again and again. It's vault-like solid. The seats are more comfortable than the Merc's and more adjustable. The detailing of the interior and the quality of the leather is superb. Yes- it is more roomy inside and unbelievably...just as comfortable when driving on the freeway. The steering is perfect and balanced. You feel in total control and confident. It grips and never gets edgy when you pour it on around a curve. It just overshadows the SL65 in every way. I never thought I'd be saying but......

Bottom line....I have a Designo Graphite loaded SL65 which had an original MSRP that was north of $200K on the block. A deal of a lifetime if you want a 65. Private message me for details if you are serious and capable.
430 Spider or Barchetta? Got pictures yet?
Old 07-04-2005, 12:08 PM
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The car is a Barchetta. It is not the same car as a 360 (I traded in my 04 Spider). I will take photos today but I will need help loading them. Gotta go. It is great to be an American...Happy 4th to you all!
Old 07-04-2005, 03:59 PM
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I have some great F430 photos. Can anyone help me post em?
Old 07-04-2005, 04:55 PM
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355 F1 Spider & ......V12 w220.176
Wow, I'm surprised your dumping the SL65 for the 430. No doubt the 430 is great...... they just seem like diff. cars.

I've got a '99 355 F1 spider and I'm looking for a 560sl or 190sl for a little change.

I'll post your picts for you. I sent you a pm.

Are you on ferrarichat.com? You might want to check it out.......

email your picts to mbworld@**letsjet.com** remove all *

I'll post them for you
Old 07-04-2005, 07:41 PM
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355 F1 Spider & ......V12 w220.176
Here you go..........
Attached Thumbnails F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-004-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-008-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-010-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-012-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-014-medium-.jpg  

Old 07-04-2005, 07:42 PM
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355 F1 Spider & ......V12 w220.176
more
Attached Thumbnails F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-019-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-020-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-023-medium-.jpg   F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65-f430-016-medium-.jpg  
Old 07-04-2005, 09:03 PM
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Thanks for the help LetsJet!

I think my better half wants a 4-seater or I'd keep em both

Limited garage space too.

We'll see.
Old 07-04-2005, 10:22 PM
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355 F1 Spider & ......V12 w220.176
No prob Ron,

Good luck

The car looks great...........check out ferrarichat.com
Old 07-04-2005, 10:57 PM
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Originally Posted by RonG
The car is a Barchetta.
Don't you mean berlinetta? Barchetta means "small boat" and the last time Ferrari used this was for the limited edition 550 Barchetta, which was a 550 Maranello cabriolet with a chopped roof line and a temp convt. top.
Old 07-05-2005, 12:26 AM
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I stand corrected. Thanks.
Old 07-05-2005, 03:32 AM
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Wow sweet car man, congrats. If you dont mind me asking, what do you do for living? I think its always interesting to see what type of career people with such extravagant cars have.
Old 07-05-2005, 11:44 AM
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Thumbs up la jolla

Originally Posted by bilabong356
Wow sweet car man, congrats. If you dont mind me asking, what do you do for living? I think its always interesting to see what type of career people with such extravagant cars have.
i could b wrong, but it appears our friend ron lays his head down overlooking la jolla. which means his cars are pocet change compared to the cost of his digs. have a good life ron.
Old 07-05-2005, 01:07 PM
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Originally Posted by RonG
I stand corrected. Thanks.
My fault, I referred to it as a Barchetta in my original post. I also stand corrected!
Old 07-05-2005, 01:26 PM
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That car looks beautiful and you have FAR TOO MUCH MONEY :P Or is it that I wish I could afford a car like that.

Want to swap? slighty used CLK 280 for a Ferrari ? hey - well thought I'd ask.

M
Old 07-05-2005, 03:36 PM
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Nice car I can't wait for mine to come in.... it has already begun to seem like an eternity But I think I'm going to give up the Spider spot later this month. I never thought I'd hear myself say it but I just don't need another car like it. Anyways its a beast have fun

PS: Did you get the hi-fi stereo option or the sat navigator... If so could you give me a review of its audio system... even all you really need it the sound of the V8 at 8500RPMS
Old 07-05-2005, 04:14 PM
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F430 May Cause Divorce From Sl65

Why? Didn't you get a pre-nup? :p And that F430 looks like it's going 150mph even when it's not moving...
Ron how much did you pay for the F430 and how long did you wait if you don't mind me asking?
Old 07-05-2005, 05:16 PM
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Is it me or do those seats in the F-Car really do look more comfortable then the SL's?
Old 07-05-2005, 09:05 PM
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1) The sound system is standard. I had the "hi-fi" sound in the Spider I traded and I didn't go for it this time. It's all about the motor. Total involvement with the car when you drive this machine.

2) I paid MSRP. Never pay more... but get to know people in high places.

3) No pre-nup. Can't photo my wife her because then you guys would really be envious. She's a McClaren.

4) I am a doc and I work every day..and I love it. I make people want to smile.

5) I am blessed to have my health, my family and my life and I never forget to thank the Lord on a daily basis.
Old 07-05-2005, 09:29 PM
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very good

Originally Posted by RonG
1) The sound system is standard. I had the "hi-fi" sound in the Spider I traded and I didn't go for it this time. It's all about the motor. Total involvement with the car when you drive this machine.

2) I paid MSRP. Never pay more... but get to know people in high places.

3) No pre-nup. Can't photo my wife her because then you guys would really be envious. She's a McClaren.

4) I am a doc and I work every day..and I love it. I make people want to smile.

5) I am blessed to have my health, my family and my life and I never forget to thank the Lord on a daily basis.
i like your priorities my man, especially #5
Old 07-05-2005, 09:38 PM
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Beautiful cars, beautiful house, and wise words. You are a man of class Ron, enjoy yourself no matter what decision you make, you can't go wrong with either car IMO.

-m
Old 07-05-2005, 11:27 PM
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So uh, if I got in a wreck or something, could you save me? :p


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