Jake
I was in your position a couple of years ago.
I was in a position to buy a 4.2 auto and after several years of horrendous disc issues,
I felt like I deserved something to put a smile back on my chops.
I haven't driven a 4.7 yet and tbh, I'm not bothered. I will go to my local cowboy main dealer and take one out. Just for the fun of it.
I'm not well enough to do track days etc., so mine is strictly a weekend toy.
Random thoughts.
1. The speed limit is 70 mph. How much extra on top of that do you really need, to achieve the same fun factor.
2.Unless you're a mechanic, there's no cheap method of ownership.
You'll want to find an expert indy on your doorstep and he'll welcome you with open arms, cause you'll be helping send his kids to college. Budget a couple of thousand a year assuming nothing goes bang. Don't skimp on tyres, brakes etc
3. You're in a buyer's market, so if you do contemplate buying, haggle like a
Moroccan fishwife and until the seller starts to lose it.
As you hear here often, buy the best one you can.
Anything wrapped, greatly modified, or so offends the eyes, that a Glastonbury hippy
would squirm on seeing. Run away from, as fast as you can. Think resale.
6. Read through all the threads here, where guys have asked the same question as you.
That way you pick up every nugget of wisdom you can.
7. Be prepared to spend months hunting down the car that ticks all your boxes.
Or most of them. Don't be too concerned what stereo is fitted. You'll hardly ever
listen to it.
8. No matter what the seller tells or shows you, do your own HPI and other checks and
spend a few hundred on an expert PPI. It could be the best few hundred you ever spend.
9. If it's the Granturismo that flicks your switches, DO NOT BE TALKED INTO A
Quattroporte. We all have different passions. This is only about you.
10. Have a look at Harry Metcalf's review of an MC on YouTube. It's......informative.
If any of the above is redundant, or a 'collection of geriatric shoemakers', sincere
apologies. Like most others here, I would only wish you well, encourage you to
avoid the mistakes we made, so you can go off and make a whole new set of your
own
So long as the cost is only measured in low three figures, then it's all good.