 |
 CV
and Cars Cars Cars
Updated
11/01/09"corrected errors"
This
started out as just somewhere to put my CV. Then I decided to
add
one or two other things. I am a Sun Certified Systems Administrator
with over 7 years
experience in server and desktop
build, administration, performance and monitoring. I work for Diodes
(Zetex) UK
Semiconductors in Manchester.
Being
a bit of a petrolhead and Ferrari fan so have included a few links to
relevant sites.
Two car
forums I use are www.clubscuderia.co.uk
(UK) and
for
VW/Audi www.vwaudiforum.co.uk.
Join and look for MalcQV.
I
always wanted a late 60's or early 70's Ford Mustang from being a kid.
My
Sunday paper round money was spent on Custom Car magazine and Street
Machine, yep it was
always gonna be an American Muscle car for me but a few years ago I
read "Born
to be
Riled" by Jeremy Clarkson. He had a page or two on owning a Ferrari. I
was surprised at how easy it is to own one.
My car is
a Ferrari Mondial (Video)
(Audio)
the video link is me in my car and a friend from ClubScud
(550 grey car) on a charity event in North Wales, the 550 owner Mark
now owns a black 360 Challenge Stradale which he recently took me
around Oulton park in, it was truly amazing how quick these cars are. I
also went around in another CS and was completely smitten at the
drivers and cars ability, anyway back to my car a Quattrovalvole
(4 valves/cylinder), the car is a
3.0 litre V8 developing
a modest
240bhp. 0-60 is only around 6.5-7.5 seconds and top speed about 147mph
depending where you obtain data from. This is an entry level Ferrari,
it is probably fair to say
it is not an everyday car and
although in Ferrari terms
the
maintenance is relatively cheap, it does cost more than most modern
cars to service and maintain.
Allow around £1.5k a year for this.
That is not to say you will spend it all. Service
the
car every
3k or at least every 2 years max and cam belts every two years is
recommended.
Biggest problem in my experience is
the fuse box. This is a poor
design and a replacement is not available from Ferrari. All this
considered the car is fantastic
to drive. The noise (the car has a sports exhaust) is phenomenal from
the V8, and it feels
much faster
than it is. Though don't go trying to out do Subaru Imprezza
WRX/STi and the like as
you will be
very embarrassed ;-)
I do not
listen to many songs on the CD player much in the Ferrari as that
symphony of eight sounds glorius, however this is one
that
inspires me - Red
Barchetta
by Rush from the album Moving Pictures..
My car has
been
maintained by R&D
Automotive in Eccles, Manchester. They are a
very friendly bunch of people
and
I recommend a visit if you own a performance car.
My car has recently been superbly serviced by S&S
Preparations
of Bacup owned by Steve Wilcox and Simon Carr. Like the guys
at
R&D these too have been extremely helpful and I highly
recommend a
visit if you own a classic or performance car.
I am looking to buy a 355 in 2009 though we are having some issues at
work which may mean I have to put it on hold. I will see what the
market is like in April. Looking to November for a 355..
I
love the 64-68
Ford Mustang (the fastback in particular), this probably applies to
most American muscle cars of
that era.
A friend of mine owns a 1970 Dodge Charger 500, one of the nicest
American Muscle cars around. You all know the Dodge Charger
it featured in Bullitt with Steve McQueen. The bad guy had the Charger,
the good guy (McQueen) the Mustang. I am reliably informed the Charger
was the faster car. I love em both, Dukes of Hazard another
film/series, the General Lee was a 69 Charger, very similar car.
Simon's car can be viewed through
the link on
the left. If you are considering a Mopar, own one or just interested
visit MoparUK
forum.
My wife (Sue) owns a 98 MX5 which she has had from new. So 10 years on
tells
you just how good this car is. She only lets me fill it up with
petrol!! RWD and loads of fun. There are a few pictures of this
somewhere. She
is looking for an addition
to this,
possibly a Mini Cooper or Fiat 500. One day she may buy this car....
There are a
few photographs of my Ferrari, Sue's MX5, Simon's Charger and daily VW
Passat
on the links to
the left.
I have been fortunate enough to see the Grand Canyon. I can't put into
words how you feel when you look over and into the canyon.
I have added a few pictures though it does not do the Canyon justice. I
was inspired so much with my family I had to phone a friend,
that friend was Simon (Charger) and his wife answered the phone. I
shared one of the most inspiring moments of my life with my best pal's
wife :-D
Did I say I
was a UNIX admin.......
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