There were Testrossas, 308s, 360 and 430 Spiders, a couple of F430s and a California or two. One owner described the California as a Ferrari “daily driver” because there are so many of them around.
“We did our first Ferrari cruise-in in 2014, and it was so successful, we couldn’t wait to do it again,” said Michael Karaman, president of James Free Jewelers. “Ferrari owners appreciate beauty and precision, and so does James Free Jewelers. Look around: beautiful cars, beautiful weather, everyone is smiling. That’s why we do this, to make people happy. This is our third time, and each time it gets better and better.”
David Wikette of Cincinnati is president of the Ohio Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America.
“Our club is pretty active, with about 250 members across the state, and we are busy doing events about every other weekend for the seven warm months,” he said. “We’re a family-oriented group: You get your kids involved at a young age, and they become Ferrari fans for the rest of their lives, plus we try to help charities. A one-hour ride in a Ferrari will be raffled off, with all proceeds benefiting the Arthritis Foundation.”
When asked about Ferrari mystique, Wikette had a quick explanation.
“I’ve been in love with Ferraris since I was 10 years old. I had a poster of a 308 in my bedroom. I still have the poster, and I also have my own 328,” he explained. “I’ve had it for 14 years and my car is the last one before computers really took over the car and engine.
“It’s a special experience behind the wheel,” Wikette continued. “A Ferrari drives like a go-kart: You feel the road, bumps and all, but it’s very responsive in your hands.”
For Daytonian John Custer, the Ferrari is special among his collection of exotic sports cars.
“I bought it because it’s simply a beautiful car – the lines; I just love to look at it,” he said. “I don’t care that much about the speed. Sure, it’s real fast, but I just love the look and feel of driving it. It’s like a work of art.”
Custer’s is a yellow 2000 360 Spider he bought in 2001.
“Back then, you couldn’t buy a new one at a dealer. You could go in and buy a year-old car and they put you on the waiting list for a new one,” Custer explained. “Today, you can walk right in and get a new Ferrari, but I’m real happy with what I have. It’s a manual transmission, too, and those are no longer even made.”
“I drive mine a lot; it’s got 45,000 miles on it,” he added. “Most Ferraris don’t have more than 10,000 miles on them. I’ve been driving this one for the last month or so. It’s just one-of-a-kind.”
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