Explain 'Ferrari'

Well, for everyone it is different. I usually sum it up in three words. Heritage, Passion, Sound.

My girlfriend does not fully understand. Whenever we pass a Ferrari in the street, or should I say, a Ferrari passes us, I roll down the windows, turn of the music, listen for the shriek as it goes by, and say "THATS why". She is beginning to understand.

 

The passion is hard to explain, but people understand when they see a Ferrari.

 

The racing heritage and the fact they that are the best sounding and some of the fastest automobiles on the face of the earth. It also helps that they look sexy

 

Tell them if they don't understand than it's there loss. And then tell them you love Ferrari so much because it's Ferrari.

 

Well my answer has to do with the driver experience, the sensory overload, the sensations that are not matched by other marques.

However, if you don't have one, then I need to revert to other arguments, such as...

What is so special about a Renoir or Monet painting? Part of it is the artistic beauty; part of it is that it is a creation of the legendary and ground-breaking artist; and part of it is simply how it makes you feel.

Same answer... a Ferrari is a rolling art work, but not only visual appeal, but also auditory appeal, and motion appeal. All of that appeals to your senses; combine that with the legendary artists that design and build it; and the racing heritage that has fed its design; and you have something quite special.

How's that?

 

U know...for some and perhap for many people, the reasons you gave are good enough...

 

Ferrari represents nothing more then a mental state of desire

People are born with drive...

So, when I was 16 I wanted a Camaro
Then when that didn't ring my bell anymore... I wanted a Corvette
Once the Vette was just a daily driver, I wanted a Porsche
Ferrari gives you something to lust after so you can keep working your way up

The funny part ( have you ever seen how many low-mile Ferraris are for sale 2-3 years after a guy buys it? )

Why is it almost more fun to want a car, than to actually own it?

 

i once read (or heard) somewhere, something that someone said; it went along the lines that a thing will lose its certain something if full understanding of that thing is gained. Now, no one's asked me yet, why i like Ferraris so much, so i haven't had to fumble with that quote in a conversation, but i think that would pretty much be my answer. Of course, if i had one, a ride or drive would be all it takes to help someone understand the passion.

 

I don't have a Ferrari. I have an 04 Vette, after my Viper, Porsche 911s, and so on. The Ferrari seems just a bit more unobtainable, and with running costs, quite a luxury. I liken it to my former Ducati motorcycles.
It was a combination of the looks and the sound.

I'm looking forward to my first Ferrari. Perhaps next year.

 

Welcome to the forum! good luck with your search.

 

Its the machine...a car is just a car with a chunk of machinery in it. A Ferrari is a machine of the highest order, you have to be a mechanical kind of guy to appreaciate the machinery. And it does not hurt to appreciate the beauty of exquisite artwork.

In my truck I like it nice and quiet, in my imitation Ferrari I need to hear that machinery make its incredible music. That twin-cam V6 with its 3 webers makes such incredible music that I actually pulled out the radio when it broke and have not put one back in.

Some people get that and some don't and its no use trying to explain it to the ones that don't

 

I think of this in a broader sense. It's not just Ferraris, but pretty much any Italian car. Fiat, Alfas, Maseratis, Iso etc.. They all have something that no other culture can put into a car. Passion! As soon as you get in a Italian vehicle you know there is something different, They sound different, the handle different, and they make you drive differently. I don't kown anyone who drive an Italian that can drive it with out taking it 3/4 of the way to redline every time they drive.

I've also notice that many of these are run much better after an "Italian tune up" This just goes to show that they were meant to be driven hard. In fact the harder you push them the better they run.

 

Doing 90 in the 308 feels like doing 125 in the Boxster. Pushing the Ferrari even 60% feels like pushing the Porsche 90%. Blasting up the 405 with the top off at 10 o clock at night while hearing that engine wail at 5000 RPM is like, well, nothing in most people's ordinary experience. Shifting smoothly and taking the onramps with a nice little bit of slip and then mashing the loud pedal and feeling the kick in the pants as the scenery flys by gives me a little sense of accomplishment and adrenaline on what would otherwise be a boring commute.

I guess that driving the F-car makes the commute itself an event every bit as enjoyable if not more so than what I'd be doing at the destination. It turns what is pure drudgery for everyone else into my little thrill for the day.

 

It's all about the emotion a Ferrari evokes.

I really like and respect Porsches, but I LOVE Ferraris!

 

One picture...

 

1. Work of art.
2. A sound like no other.
3. Racing history.

1. - there are no bad angles when viewing these cars. When the cover is off and I step out into the garage - it makes me catch my breath, EVERY time.
2. - the radio in my car is some high $ job with removable face and remote, etc., etc.... It still has the PO's stations programmed into it (from another city) and I still do not know how to operate it - nor do I care. Disclaimer: my wife figured out how to use the CD player. So at least I get to bring some good music when I bring her along (besides the junk she brings!). Remember - got to keep the wife happy, especially when you obsess over a car more than her.....sometimes ;0)
3. - the "stuff" that went into the design and build of my car has been tested on some of the most historic of tracks around the world by one of the most passionate brands in the history of motorsport....'nuff said!
Jim

 

I think the person who purchased the car can just about afford it (the cost in total or the monthly payments). Then they are hit with a massive repair job (i.e. flywheel, clutch, catalytic converter, etc.) and they simply cannot afford it.

They didn't do their math homework and now they are in a hole they can't get out of. Therefore...sell.

I've had mine for 2 years now and it only gets better. I really can't believe it's been two years. It went so fast.

It is such a thrill to drive.

 

Its the combination of being rare, fast, looking great, and reputation.

 

Dem's da know, ain't talking.

Dem's talking, don't know.

Seriously, Ferraris are all about "smiles per mile." Just drive one. That's all it takes. You can't rationalize it. You can't justify it. The money is insane. But... smiles per mile is the answer.

Dale

 

I love Ferrari before I own one. Now since I own one, I eat, drink, sleep, read, listen, dress, watch, sh*t, dream all Ferrari's....That's what it does to you. No Other cars come close and own many of others..

 

It's not at all about getting laid either.. I would let any cheap chic get near my Ferrari..

 

So true! Ferraris have taken over my life!

In my opinion, the passion of Ferrari is ingrained in many of us before we even realize that passion. For example, many of us grew up playing with Ferrari toy cars. As children, we saw a Ferrari once in a blue moon; we'd point and yell: "Ferrari!"

Somehow, the legend of Ferrari was hammered into our heads early on.

However, many people do not have this ingrained passion for Ferraris. They were not fortunate enough to have been socialized to believe that Ferraris are magical. These people, I'm afraid, can't easily be taught the legend. You can't make someone a believer who doesn't have it in him/her to begin with!

"The Philosophy of Ferrari Obsession"

-- I hope to see this become a major academic field!

 

My interest in Ferrari was kindled by the movie "Grand Prix" in early 1967. The sound of Sarti's (actually, Surtees') car accelerating into the tunnel at Monaco sent shivers up my spine!

 

I agree it is about looks, sound, performance, heritage, exclusivity, attaining a certain level of success, but for me its about a kid looking at the car with a sense of awe. Walking around it taking in every detail and wondering what it takes to own one.

I was that kid.