When the public asks: Do you own a Ferrari? | FerrariChat

When the public asks: Do you own a Ferrari?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by ur84wr, Jan 31, 2016.

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  1. ur84wr

    ur84wr Karting

    Jan 6, 2015
    101
    Australia
    Full Name:
    Max
    Hi all,

    I expect this question to open a can of worms but here goes:

    When a stranger or someone who doesn't know you very well or learns you own a Ferrari OR sees your car key OR sees a Ferrari cap or item of merchandise and asks the question: "Do you own a Ferrari?"

    How do you respond with the most modesty and not set off the inevitable Ferrari judgement?

    There is a very obvious distinction between being a car guy and a lover and appreciator of fine cars (the majority who waste time on a forum!) and poseurs who simply want to be seen driving a Ferrari.

    Unfortunately the general assumption made by the public is that Ferrari drivers and owners are w*nkers.

    Iam sure Iam not the only one who faces a critical and judgemental attitude and I wondered how others try to play down the situation.

    Look forward to hearing your comments.
     
  2. Gizzi

    Gizzi F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Dec 3, 2011
    5,217
    Brisbane, Australia
    Full Name:
    Gezim
    I never play it up or down. If I'm asked 'Is that your car?' or 'Have you got a Ferrari?', my answer is alway Yes. I don't expand on it, but inevitably the questions of, how does it go, how much, what's it like, are all asked. I answer them honestly. I didn't steal the money, I didn't inherit my money, I didn't make my money illegally, so why be embarrassed about it? If you've worked hard AND smart, and you're buying these cars because you genuinely love them, and not to show off, it will come through in your attitude and enthusiasm for the Marque. Just enjoy your success and rewards, because in the end, it's for YOU and no one else.
     
  3. LARRYH

    LARRYH F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 3, 2011
    9,692
    virginia usa
    It depends if someone out and out asks if i own aferrari of course I have to tell them yes but for me people are more likely to ask something like I hear you collect cars what do you have in thAt case I down play the Ferraris by nMing other cars first then falling off with the ferraris ..
    If you understand that but I am a real car guy and have been all my life anyone that knows me knows that..I feel I have owned the right to buy ferraris and the other cars. I am always humble abou the cars ...
     
  4. vrsurgeon

    vrsurgeon F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 13, 2009
    16,571
    Charleston, SC
    Full Name:
    Curt
    I tell them "Yup"

    They think you're a w****nker if you act like an arrogant *** no matter what car you drive or.. they themselves have issues with people who are successful and have nice things.

    It's not the car. :)
     
  5. ross

    ross Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Mar 25, 2002
    38,071
    houston/geneva
    Full Name:
    Ross
    i just answer yes. i own A ferrari. i dont elaborate. jealousy is a dangerous thing.
     
  6. NeuroBeaker

    NeuroBeaker Advising Moderator
    Moderator

    Oct 1, 2008
    40,080
    Huntsville, AL., USA
    Full Name:
    Andrew
    I say yes. They've no idea it's not yet true. ;)

    I kid, I kid... :D

    But when I do eventually manage to buy a 348, I won't be secretive about it or ostentatious with it. If people have a problem with my choice of car, that's really their problem rather than mine.

    All the best,
    Andrew.
     
  7. tikitiki

    tikitiki Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 31, 2014
    1,160
    Windermere, Fl
    Full Name:
    Tom
    It's pretty easy to tell if someone is being an ass when they ask their question. If they are I just reply yes. If they sound interested in cars I'll answer all their questions and let them look around it. I don't have anything with a Ferrari logo other than my car and key so if they ask its because the car is there. I always answer politely. I think its important to drive these cars and for people to see them driven. I'm a car guy that worked very hard for my dream car. I want people that see my car to understand that. Not because I want to appear successful but rather that if I can do it so can they.
     
  8. rmani

    rmani F1 Veteran
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Nov 1, 2003
    7,334
    NJ
    Full Name:
    RMani
    If it's someone i work with, I avoid the question.

    Anyone else, I tell them yes and it's a wonderful experience and if given the chance everyone should try ownership.
     
  9. DrJan

    DrJan Formula Junior

    Feb 28, 2015
    553
    Grand Cayman
    Full Name:
    Dr Jan P
    What inevitable judgement?

    I answer yes. I am not in the habit of lying, for whatever reason.
     
  10. Graz

    Graz Formula 3

    Oct 15, 2012
    2,330
    New Jersey and Florida
    Full Name:
    Graziano
    Perfect explanation. Nothing more to say.
     
  11. PhilNotHill

    PhilNotHill Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner

    Jul 3, 2006
    27,855
    Aspen CO 81611
    Full Name:
    FelipeNotMassa
    I just say yes.

    If they ask how much it costs l say: l don't remember. ;)
     
  12. Alpintourer

    Alpintourer F1 Rookie
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Jul 20, 2013
    3,876
    The Low Country
    Full Name:
    Dave Steven
    One of my neighbors heard about my Ferrari and later approached me and asked. "Hey, I hear you have a Lamborghini!" "Nope, not me" I replied shaking my head. "Oh" he said. The discussion never when any further.
     
  13. tatcat

    tatcat F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 3, 2001
    11,013
    panama city beach FL
    Full Name:
    rick c
    I always reply "certainly"
     
  14. TheMayor

    TheMayor Ten Time F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Feb 11, 2008
    106,557
    Vegas baby
    When I had them I would say "sure" and usually they want to know all about the car.
     
  15. Jamie H

    Jamie H Formula 3
    Owner

    Aug 28, 2009
    2,425
    Puslinch,ON
    Full Name:
    Jamie
    I always say ya and leave it at that. If someone is genuinley interested they will ask more questions, if they are fishing for information it gets dropped.

    The most common things I have heard when I have been out is "bet that cost a lot" or "I'll bet its go fast" I give the same response "less that you might think"
     
  16. ago car nut

    ago car nut F1 Veteran
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 29, 2008
    5,511
    Madison Ohio
    Full Name:
    David A.
    When I was still working in a research facility, with 2200 people. 75% were professionals. I was in the 1/3 of of bottom of salary. Brought the TR to work one nice day and there was a lot of lips moving.
     
  17. roma1280

    roma1280 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 2, 2010
    4,835
    Palm Beach, Roma
    Just reply "No, I have several ..."
     
  18. AceMaster

    AceMaster Three Time F1 World Champ

    Feb 6, 2009
    34,778
    Ontario, Canada
    Full Name:
    Mike
    Perfect
     
  19. ttforcefed

    ttforcefed F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Aug 22, 2002
    19,264
    dozen
     
  20. roma1280

    roma1280 F1 Rookie
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 2, 2010
    4,835
    Palm Beach, Roma
    Haha exactly
     
  21. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 2, 2014
    3,651
    Central FL/NW WI
    I often wear an Aston Martin jacket, which occasionally prompts the question: "do you have one?" "No" i reply "I have two". More often than not, this leads into a discussion of my collection and how it came together. I have to say, the Astons generate the most genuine interest. The Ferrari often generates a blank stare, or no response at all. I think that some just don't know what a 550 Maranello is unless they Google it...
     
  22. JSP

    JSP Karting

    Oct 5, 2013
    161
    Texas
    Full Name:
    Steve
    I am driving my fourth Ferrari and for me it is personal. Very few people ever knew that I owned one much less four.

    It is none of their business. Just sayin'.
     
  23. F12KID

    F12KID F1 Rookie
    Owner

    Nov 27, 2013
    2,578
    I refer to them as my sports cars :)
    Too many jealous/envious people out there - I drive f-cars for me, not others to see me
     
  24. JohnnyRay

    JohnnyRay F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 2, 2014
    3,651
    Central FL/NW WI
    Good call. Its easier that way...
     
  25. ///Mike

    ///Mike F1 Veteran

    Dec 11, 2003
    6,097
    Bugtussle
    Same here. I wish mine had a cloaking device that made it look Ike a Camry to everyone but me. :)
     

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