My FH5 Log: Ferrari de Mayo (Part 1)

The Series 7 update in Forza Horizon 5 celebrates Ferrari taking over the entire series playlists in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrations. The first one in the Ferrari de Mayo takeover in FH5 is the super-ancient Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, which is yours to drive after getting enough points in the Series 7 Wet Playlist.

Although the Lusso is not the most extreme version of the 250 GT range, it lives up to its name as a luxury grand tourer in its own right. Lusso is "luxury" in Italian, referring to the luxury version of the 250 GT and it was launched simultaneously with the 250 GTO racing machine in 1962. With 351 units of this model sold from 1962 to 1964, it was one of the most profitable cars until then. It comes with the same 3.0L V12 engine from the other 250GT models but the power output is a measly 250HP. It does 0-60mph in the seven-second mark and flat-out in an estimated 145mph, which is still quick even by modern standards.

With the quick intro done, it's time to give the Berlinetta Lusso a leisurely drive with other classic luxury sports cars...in the dirt. I know driving a vintage Ferrari in the dirt is not just an act of disrespect for Ferrari but also a big disrespect for Italian heritage and culture, but hey, this is Forza Horizon so it never hurts to give it a try. Anyway, roll the VTR.

Driving a vintage Ferrari on dirt was the hardest thing to do but it's done anyway.

Enjoy your new ride!

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #08: Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage

Upon my arrival to the next Horizon Hub at Saint-Martin, I've received a barn find rumor regarding an abandoned Maserati lurking somewhere in the posh town of Nice.

The barn find is located over two miles from the Nice Horizon Hub or over 600 yards from the West Nice Speed Trap. I quickly grasp to that location by myself and visually. Because of the offroad path of West Nice is heavily exposed, with a few trees in sight, searching for the legendary Maserati is like threading a needle.

After moments of waiting, here it is!

The legendary Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage is now ready for action! Sorry but my eyes are tearing up looking at a restored beauty but this is the eighth barn find I found and drove. There are two more out there.

Maserati was heavily involved in the world of motorsports since the dawn of time but as the famed Italian carmaker is struggling with their finances, their involvement in motorsport reached their climax and they made this. The Tipo 61 is their final attempt as it struggled to balance the expense of racing with profitability. It comes with the same 2.0L 4-cylinder engine from the 200S and it was positioned at 45 degrees to lower ride height and its center of gravity. For strengthening and weight loss purposes, one of the engineers designed the car's latticed space frame composed of small diamter tubing which shaped like the birdcage.

Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney were one of the aces that drove the Birdcage to victory at the 1960 Nurburgring 1000 in extreme weather conditions.

Anyway, that's enough history lesson but since I found the Birdcage Masis, it became my most valuable car in the game, eclipsing my McLaren P1 that I'm saving it for later. Amazing for a legendary machine to become one of the most valuable cars in the game right?

Speaking of which, I got myself another barn find. It's the ninth one! The second to the last! Will I find it? Nah, let's save the finding for later but for now, I got a race to attend to. See you later!

Forza Horizon 2 - Barn Find #07: Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso

Moments after claiming my Ford Capri from the previous barn find, me and my Capri are venturing through the forests of North Castelletto where the seventh barn find, a Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso, is hidden somewhere. By my calculations, this barn find is 2.7 miles from the Castelletto Horizon Hub or 3.5 miles from the Horizon Festival.



Darn, I didn't realized I got overslept and I missed the notification saying that the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso is ready for pickup but whatever. I claimed it anyway and see what's like to drive a legendary Ferrari.



Although the Lusso is not the most extreme version of the 250 GT range, it lives up to its name as a luxury grand tourer in its own right. Lusso is "luxury" in Italian, referring to the luxury version of the 250 GT and it was launched simultaneously with the 250 GTO racing machine in 1962. With 351 units of this model sold from 1962 to 1964, it was one of the most profitable cars until then. It comes with the same 3.0L V12 engine from the other 250GT models but the power output is a measly 250HP. It does 0-60mph in the seven second mark and flatout in an estimated 145mph, which is still quick even by modern standards.

Even though this isn't one of the quickest Ferraris I've ever drive, it's still one of the most beautiful cars to behold.

With the championship where me and my Clio won ended, it's time to move on to Saint-Martin and I decided to drive my newly acquired barn find for a road trip it will never forget and sorry about taking shortcuts because it's facing some "Nina Needs To Go" scenarios and this car doesn't wait to go.

 

With the Berlinetta made it to Saint-Martin for the next leg on the road to the Horizon Finale, our journey continues...

Hot Wheels Ferrari 250GT California Spyder 1:18 scale

I bought something at the Northwest Historics events as a souvenir from my trip...

It's a HOT WHEELS 1:18-scale model of the legendary Ferrari 250GT California Spyder.

Pretty, isn't it? I didn't realize that Chris Evans has a 250GT California. Really? I saw it in one episode of Top Gear when James May take a visit to Chris Evans' car collection and James May even have a chance to drive his childhood favorite, which is the 250GT California Spyder!

From every angle, this diecast model of the 250GT California Spyder really looks good. The doors opened very well with my fingers and such beauty really makes it a collector's item! Yum!

I once have a 1:18-scale SLS AMG in my closet and when I compare these two...ooh!!! It was like nostalgia meets modernization! Even that they're not from the same league, both the 250GT and the SLS AMG really looked nice in my mind. For now, I have two diecast cars in my collection. Wonder what I'll get next?