Ten Commandments for Ferrari Owners

Not really the Ten Commandments, but maybe this is what you were thinking of?


Exotic Car Owner's Code of Conduct

Originally written by Joe Martz ([email protected]) in 1998 who has owned 2 NSX's plus several Italian exotics, the Code of Conduct has become a personal motto for many of us. Originally posted to the Ferrari list, it is worth repeating and living by.

1.My cars will always be clean and well presentable. I will ensure that my cars are in the highest state of mechanical condition and maintenance. Exotics are indeed rare, and to see one is a special experience. I have an obligation to present these cars to others at a high standard.

2.I will always be polite, courteous, and friendly. I will not talk down to or ignore anyone, and I will cheerfully answer all questions. Exotic owners wrongly suffer from a "snob" label. By actively and always countering this, I will strive to change this perception among all whom I meet.

3.Where feasible, I will encourage inspection and observation of my cars. If someone is clean and courteous, I will encourage them to sit in my cars. I will actively encourage photographs. In particular, I will encourage this among younger children. On occasion, I will offer rides to admirers under the appropriate circumstances.

4.With one exception (see 5, below), I will obey all traffic laws or local traffic customs. Especially, I will pass other cars only in marked, safe passing zones, and I will always respect traffic speeds and noise ordinances within city limits. I will always drive in a defensive manner to protect myself and my vehicle. I will not initiate nor will I respond to challenges to race my cars on open public roads.

5.Operating my cars as God, Enzo, and Ferruccio (or Colin) intended will occur only on open, rural routes free of heavy traffic or on appropriately designated race courses. On public highways, I will use my highest powers of observation and diligence to ensure that I place myself, my vehicles, and the public in no additional danger. I will be aware of the environment and road conditions, and I will not drive at excessive speeds on unknown or suspect roads. When approaching blind corners or hills, I will assume that an obstacle exists and will take appropriate defensive measures.

6.I will share my passion and excitement for exotic cars with others through community service and charitable events. I will actively seek out community organizations such as local police departments and schools and offer my cars for use in events such as DARE programs, homecoming parades, pep rallies, etc. Many communities have "Make a Wish" foundations for sick children. If given the opportunity, I will offer a day with myself and my cars to such organizations in an effort to brighten an otherwise trying life for someone less fortunate than I.

7.I will be honest and open with other enthusiasts, and I will accurately represent my cars to prospective owners and buyers. I will keep complete records, and I will always follow up with purchasers of my cars to ensure that they continue to gain maximum satisfaction and appreciation for cars that I have owned and serviced.

8.I will always have a smile on my face when inspecting, driving, or showing my cars to others. I will never forget how fortunate I've been to own such automobiles and I will constantly remind myself that the future is uncertain, and that today may be as good as it gets

(© Copyright 1998, Joe Martz)

 

Shouldn't that be the TWELVE commandments?

 

or 8! lol

 

2 days ago I was thinking about these 10 commandments exactly. I remember reading it and posting it on Fchat in 2002...but couldnt remember where I found it.
Thanks for posting... still holds true today.

 

9. I will not allow my F-Chat subscription to lapse.
10. I will not neglect the belt service.

 

Those are good ones! Lets keep it going! Everybody gets one turn per post......

11. I will look snobbish at oncoming Corvette's or Mustang's or Viper's....... and so on

 

12. If I come across a photograph of a Ferrari that appears to be made of wood, I will do a search before posting it.

 

lol........... That's a good one!

 

13. I will not ask for any more help in regards to my Testarossa shifting problems, such as hard shifting into 2nd when cold. And I will learn to live with it!

 

13. I will never let a woman lay on the hood of my car no matter how hot she looks!!!

 

Weird......... two 13's........

 

I don't believe it.....

 

The most important ones were left off.

Thou shalt not finance a exotic car.

Thou shalt not pay for exotic car with credit cards

 

Isn't that under FChat commandments?

 

Rules are: 1 rule or "turn" per post.
Posts must be numbered.

 

Let's make ownership more within reach of most enthusiasts by limiting the number of credit cards to ...say, ..less than ...8?

 

14. Thou shalt not shift gears below 5000 rpm, unless the engine is not yet warm.

 

Hmmm.......not very sure about this one.

 

15. Thou shalt not listen to soundtrack or in any way reference Miami Vice when owning a Testarossa.

 

16. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's car, unless it is a Ferrari.

 

HEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY

 

Amen for #8. I count my blessing each time i get into the garage...
And I always have this stupid smile when i'm driving my 328.
Am I ok?

 

Yeah, I guess you're OK.......I've got the same stupid smile .