Ferrari Owner Stereotype

The purpose of this thread is not to create stir, but to really understand and dismiss the reasons owning a Ferrari. Those who have wealth have a vision of themselves. For some people, it's a sort of arrogance. For others, it's a humble nature to them and a self-reflective enjoyment in private ways. My question is who owns a F-car for image, or for ownership, or both. Where does the F-car fall in the spectrum of status vs. enjoyment. Is there even a separation of brands, or is it individual specific, or does status even come into play!? Sorry for the deep thread, but really wonder how much of this sits deep in our unconscious thoughts. I think this could be a great thread.

Mods, I have no idea where to categorize this one. This was the best I could come up with. Please re-categorize if necessary.

 

Different reasons for owning and I think you address them all yourself, but you cannot look at from a box or catagory perspective, but think of it more like a spectrum with quadrants. Some need the prop to pose, some need the trophy for personal reward or for status, some have plenty of money and it's just like buying another pair of nice shoes (shopping on Saturday and said nice looking car, what the heck), some need it for the boulevard to cruise and be seen, others of us just love cars (eg Jay Leno) and are brand agnostic and into cars for purely the art factor (nice to look at) and the fun factor of driving on a back road that wraps the unique experience just like some people enjoy smoking a pipe with exotic Tabacco, hunting with a bow,or playing golf with the best golf clubs - it makes you feel good. Naturally there is a lot of spread on the scale but you get the picture.

 

People own these things (as well as anything else), for a number of different reasons and you can usually tell what category they fall into after speaking with them for 30 seconds.

 

Is it wrong to like nice things? Am I supposed to feel guilty about liking nice things?

 

i think if you wanted introspective thought you needed to present this in a non-biased way. There are some that want the attention, need the attention, enjoy the thrill - whatever. But when you present it with a biased point of view toward your own (as in you can tell where you place yourself in it) and make the other "quadrants" derogatory as in "sort of arrogance" - no one is going to respond and put themself in whatever category you're naming that.. . so I doubt you'll get people saying what they are unless its the one they feel presents themselves in the best light. . perhaps if it wasn't biased, you'd get a better sampling.

 

Well, I think people own sports cars for a lot of reaons, and immage is usually up there.

Ferrari has been at the top of the sports car world since the 50's so its pretty understandable that people want the best - go for Ferrari. ( the perception of the best )

If you like cars - then Ferrari is almost always up there... its like Beluga Caviar, Krug Champagne - its just good!

 

You work for Carol House furniture, right?

"Because you like nice things!". Yeah, I'm a St. Louisan by blood too.

 

There are lots of stereotypes, and I've met them all. The guys (and girls) that are still my friends are the people that love the brand, its not about status.

 

Girls tend to think people with Fcars are compensating for a small penis. Due to the incredible length of my penis, girls are scared of me. Therefore, I need a Ferrari to trick them into thinking its not so massive to get them in bed.



Mark

 

I own a cheap Ferrari and a big Yellow truck. I'm obviously compensating so badly I must be damn near inverted

 

Maybe, but you live at an airport...and DONT have a plane. That's throws the whole analysis WAY out of whack!!!



Mark

 

Every owner is different and so is their thought of ownership. Some like to show off and park it in Valet, others like to drive it and few like to go for a road trip. But again this all depending on what money they are coming from.

 

My reasons for driving a Ferrari have changed with time. It started off as a reward to myself for overcoming the psychological effects of a near fatal accident. I owned a corvette at the time, couldn't drive another sports car for about 7 years. When I finally got back in the saddle, I decided to try something new. Making a statement might have been part of it. But it was more the adventure than anything else. Living in a community of BMW, Mercedes and Landrover owners, on the upper end, I was instantly stereotyped by people who didn't know me or hardly knew me. So owning became a bit of an issue around the neighborhood, probably still is and I don't know it. After a while, being involved in the ferrari community introduces you to such great people and such fun filled events that it becomes more about the camaraderie. But then if you try to go back to something more common, which I did briefly returning to a C6 Grand Sport, you quickly realize that it's the uniqueness of the experience that makes it special. It's not a status thing. I enjoy every time I start my engine and go to the grocery store. In a corvette, that might last for the first month, maybe a year in the first year of a new corvette like a 2014 C7 owner might have experienced last year. Then it just becomes transportation, or more so than a Ferrari anyway. Every trip is special. I guess all my reasons are very personal to me. I care what other people think and love when others appreciate my car, love sharing it, taking friends to shows, giving rides, letting kids sit in her. But at the end of the day, it's simply the smile I get driving and the good time hanging out at shows and coffees that does it.

 

I wanted to design cars since I was 12. Made models of the bb512 when I was a kid with the yellow lights.

When I first got my license, I'd drive for hours - just for the pleasure of driving.

I joined the army in highschool and took the job that gave me the biggest bonus even though I could have picked any MOS. I chose to be a heavy truck driver and drove the dragon wagon's with 28 wheels...

I spent the bonus money on buying a BMW 325 - so I could drive a german car.

I wanted to buy a 308 when I hit 30 but in negotiating with my wife at the time, could only budget a 911SC.

I promised myself I would buy a Ferrari before I hit 40.

At 39, I bought a pristine 328. It was gorgeous. Fun to drive. Timeless.

In moving to AZ 3 years ago, I sold it to buy an F355. Gorgeous. More fun to drive. Best sound on the planet. Timeless.

I work hard to keep it complete with all the OEM and optional parts, well serviced, track it's history, and drive it all I can. I root for the home F1 team. I love to visit the factory. I love to drive.

I have never valet'd the car and could care less if I am ever seen in it - although you cannot avoid the circus.

It is the most exciting experience to own one and more so to drive it. Tying in the heritage, history and racing is the icing on the cake. I am trying to learn all that I can including the intricacies of the mechanical systems, engine, and coach work.

Never ending smiles.

Robb

 

Great post man, and thanks for your service.

Mike

 

I absolutely agree. Great post. It's awesome to hear a story like that.

 

Grew up dirt poor, but I knew beauty when I saw it. It was a Testarossa. Plain and simple. For me its the most beautiful thing on 4 wheels.

I could really care less what others think about what I drive.

 

LOL

 

I would like to be your legal advisor with regard to this post. I will amend to the following.

 

I wonder if we can categorise by srteriotype? beside some obvious characters (poseurs-arrivistes-etc) by what I noticed on this chat most members are passionnate like me pure and simple.
Of course Ferrari is selling +- 7000 unit/ year and we cannot be the sole representative of all the owners.
As for me it is the achievement of a 50 years dream, a car is a car and they are all made with the same basic materials pure and simple. I am fortunate to drive also BMWs and an old E type but the Ferrari is different for the cumul of feelings that it procures me.
First to walk to it while looking at its georgeous disign then sitting in it and take time to let the sentiment of uniqueness to set in and to realise that you are part of an outstanding history.
Then you start it and enjoy the simphony, while it is warming up you let the soothing effect set in like appreciating a good Scotch or cigar.
Then you fully enjoy the ride and wish that it will never end, this is Ferrari for me.

 

I like and concur with your amendment. This is why I only have an Italian motorcycle, not an Fcar.




Mark

 

+1

 

I've actually had more attitude from Porsche owners than the Ferrari owners I've met.
Granted, coming to the Ferrari club IN a Ferrari gives you a different reception...

To answer a prior question.. No. You can't own anything nice because other people will get jealous of you. You must live your life by the lowest common denominator and drive a Prius.

 

Most attitude I've ever had was from tuners with their rice rockets assuming I had attitude in my Ferrari. They cause more trouble. They were *****ing they didn't get to park in the front row at a Ferrari of Washington Cars and Coffee last week.

 

I don't often post because I do not have much value to offer in many discussion, but find this forum to be one of the most well run and gentlemanly(not to exclude ladies, either).

I don't pick a car based on what people will think of me driving it. I don't want to be seen so I often have dark tinted windows as well. I try to keep my life private but I do appreciate nice things and love the way certain cars put a smile on my face. Like many of you, I have a stressful job, 2 kids, and I'm also going back to school again as well. So life is hectic. My drive to and from work is my time to decompress. It's not about being in a "fancy" car or compensation, but rather about the visceral experience. I can look at craftsmanship and appreciate it, so I want my 45minute commute to be something I appreciate. The other part that helps(or makes me insane, depending who you ask) is that whatever I own, I will drive year round. I take Napolis' signature to heart, always have, always will. The cars cost enough that I want to enjoy them completely.

If you want to experience an odd club meet, go to a BMW GTG. I did one several years ago and decided never again.