Just had the scariest moment of my life. Unbelieveable adrenelin.

[outrun]

I drove for 2 or 3 miles but the smoke coming off the wheel was crazy. Was looking for a break in the stupid metal barriers to get the car off the carriageway. Crazy dangerous and given our usual over zealous health and safety officers, very surprising.

 

[Contigo]

Pirellis have a rep do they?

Do you watch F1?

 

[Parisien]

I would still keep it, if a newish tyre and send it back to them......they can still examine and tell what caused blow out

P

 

[dunnah01]

I drove for 2 or 3 miles but the smoke coming off the wheel was crazy

Good call to try but sometimes it just isn't meant to be..

 

[outrun]

Home safe and sound. The 3200 is now tucked up next to the GS. The drive was fine, tyre issue aside, but I was taking it quite easy and haven't really tried Sport mode etc yet. My first impressions are good, it's very comfortable and makes a great sound. I'm trying hard not to compare it to the GS as really, they are different animals but I suspect that comparisons will be inevitable.

Gavin was really nice and certainly has Maserati blood in his veins! He was kind enough to give me a pile of spares bits and pieces as well as some nice branded items as well as his stock of Petronas fluids. I couldn't have asked for more. Buying the car was very much a whim and i'm not sure what the plans are for it yet. Luckily it's been very well looked after indeed so anything I can do will be small only. I do need to refurb the wheels after the blowout which causes a bit of scratching etc.

Here's few photos of the drama unfolding...

 

[MAF260]

Glad you're back safe and sound. The cars look great together - I saw a very similar sight on Friday at Robert's (hodroyd) place - His GS parked next to Glenis' 3200 AC. I was never a great fan of the dark green on these cars, but think yours is absolutely stunning with the green interior - a really unique car that oozes quality. Enjoy her!

 

[BennyD]

Nice colour. That's the car, not the recovery truck.

 

[outrun]

I like the green although agree that it wouldn't necessarily be a first choice colour. I went for it based on the history of the owner and the assurances that gave me. The price was reasonable and I figure that i'm unlikely to lose much on it when it comes to sell one day. The alcantara extensions to the dash and doors are really nice and Gavin reckons that these were as much as £8k on the car when new. It was Lancaster's demo so the options list was extensively ticked !!

I have a triple garage so now I need to find another.....

 

[BennyD]

If you do, make it another 3200. That way, the chance of 1 working at any given time is effectively doubled!

 

[dem maser]

Not a an either until i saw it at Ace....looks classy

Was about to say that it reminds me of Roberts garage aswel MAF....

 

[dem maser]

I have a triple garage so now I need to find another.....

You need an AC!!

 

[outrun]

I have been looking at a 1982 ex-Italy Biturbo which is not a lot of money. Think i'll have to wait a wee while before the wife entertains such thoughts!!!

Watch this space.

 

[outrun]

If you do, make it another 3200. That way, the chance of 1 working at any given time is effectively doubled!

Good job I have the GS for when the 3200 is feeling poorly!

I hear you fly Airbus Benny, my neighbour and close friend has recently been A380 certified which if you've seen him drive, is utterly terrifying! What class are you flying?

 

[bigbob]

I nearly bought a green one back in 01. Love the colour.

I've got 4 cars and 3 garages so understand the problem.

 

[BennyD]

Good job I have the GS for when the 3200 is feeling poorly!

I hear you fly Airbus Benny, my neighbour and close friend has recently been A380 certified which if you've seen him drive, is utterly terrifying! What class are you flying?

Only the A318/319/320/321 and 330. IMO, the 380 is too big; most problems are caused by the self loading freight and the more you carry, the bigger the problems!

 

[outrun]

We have four cars now too but now that the 3200 is in the garage my Volvo v40 will have to stay outside! I'll need to clear the lawnmower, BBQ and the like from the other space before I try to fit another in. Sounds like a job that can wait until the spring!

 

[mjheathcote]

Only the A318/319/320/321 and 330. IMO, the 380 is too big; most problems are caused by the self loading freight and the more you carry, the bigger the problems!

We flew on the 380 to South Africa over Xmas with Lufthansa, it was massive! Didn't realise how big it was, 500 passengers on board!
I must say though, even in economy class there was plenty of room (6'4"), comfortable, and very quiet.

 

[BennyD]

I've done Emirates business class to Dubai a couple of times and it really was a pleasant experience. It was beautifully furnished, very quiet and the service was very good. I'm just glad I wasn't paying for it.

 

[LDM 3200]

If you do, make it another 3200. That way, the chance of 1 working at any given time is effectively doubled!

Good point two chances before you have to resort to the back-up (plan B) option!

In reality I would probably be happy in either.

On a serious note is there a problem with these tyres? I have had one side wall go although the tyre went down while the car was on the drive. I have read a few stories and it does worry me. I have been thinking about getting some alternative tyres and maybe even wheels as I was shocked at how heavy the wheel/tyre is.

 

[outrun]

There seems to be a bad vibe around Pirellis as the sidewall is (reputedly) not strong enough. I've also heard the same of Verdestein Sessantas although I have these on the GS and have had them several times before with no issue. No idea whether the Pirellis are actually flawed (like their Formula 1 versions!!!) or whether it's just internet chatter that grows arms and legs for unexplainable reasons.

I can tell you that my experience made me think that all Pirelli products are awful but I may not have had a clear head when I formed that opinion!!!