What, they sold about 800? There are several in my neighborhood. I figured we have the largest concentration in the world (at least 2 black and 2 silver) Black brand new Rolls Convertible, on Skokie blvd Northbrook.
You can find the sales numbers for the US on wiki. It is about something like 2,500 in total. That's a big deal less than 308s. I never saw a Phaeton in life and was stunned to actually see one. I couldn't believe somebody would be a sucker enough to actually pay for these.
Yup of course, after seeing the repair / maintenance bills on a Ferrari, one could think the same thing about Italian cars. But then again, can't see the Phaeton giving me the chubby a Ferrari does!
There ya go. I'm sure the Phaeton is technically vastly superior to a 308 but if it is an icon of its time then only as a grandiose failure in marketing and product branding.
Red 360 Spyder in Best Buys parking lot in Northbrook yesterday....a little chilly out for sure, didn't notice snow tires, but hey....daily driver maybe?
I'm stunned! My local Audi R8 driver drove to work today with all of this snow we have forecasted!! That's dedication! Image Unavailable, Please Login
Repairs on Italian exotics will kill ya! Ed just did a clutch job on a Maserati Quattroporte with F1 tranny. After removing the trans tube, he found massive amounts of metal shavings and rubber in the tube....and it's can't be rebuilt. The trans tube cost $6000 just for the part! That's fine Italian engineering for ya! Now, ya want to hear anything about the cost of parts and repairs on a Rolls Royce; I shudder everytime something breaks.....
Why? It's a proper AWD and with winter tires readily available from Tirerack that car manages snow with ease. I use a Speed as daily and it is unstoppable in Chicago snow.
Agreed, a suprising amount of people up here drive them around in the snow. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Agreed, honestly it handles better than my RWD Infiniti.. Even that though handles pretty well with my Blizzaks.
I just like to keep the unusual stuff unusual; not meant to be driven in inclement weather. A toy is a toy, if you play with it everyday it's no longer a toy. And I like toys!
As I said before I'm sure it is technically far superior to my Ferrari. Not gonna argue that point. However the fact is, that the car was a massive loss and disappointment for VW. Their attempt of entering the high end segment of sedans was a total failure. Not because of the technology of the car, but simply because of its badge. If it is any consolation to you: There was a super rich guy in Florida who bought a Veyron. As he drove up to meet his friends one of them said something like "nice VW you got there". He sold the car the next day. True story.
The Phaeton is still a very successful flagship model in Europe. It also shares the same basic chassis and construction as the Bentley Continental.
Here's a great thread on the Phaeton if anyone is interested: http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1837641
