Absolutely being humble does help. Being an ambassador for the brand is the most Important thing. Recently I went to a store and four young man almost attacked my 360. I showed them every aspect of the car. I invited them all to sit inside of it but they all declined. I told them what someone already wrote previously. Yes it’s a Ferrari but that it is a car and it is attainable just depends what your goals are.
When someone asks if I own a Ferrari, I smile and say, “oh god no, I own a few”. The look on their face is priceless!
I've had 6 late model showroom-new Ferraris since 2001 - 360, 575, 575, 612, 599 and an F12. I drive them weekly, to work, to lunch, to dinner, to happy hour, so everyone in town knows I have a Ferrari. People let me self park up front at restaurants, hotels and bars and people always want to talk about my Ferrari. If i had an Audi R8 nobody would give a crap. People love Ferraris. They always want to know how fast I've driven it. It's funny though, people have no concept of the cost or value, they'll ask, "how much, like $100,000?" Image Unavailable, Please Login
I recently bought a 70' hot rod Porsche on Ebay. My girlfriend and I were walking in a busy area waiting for the light to change. I was telling her that I was excited about getting this car. I was saying, I won't have a red car in my collection. And she said what about the red Ferrari in the garage. I said... oh ya, forgot about that one. It made me feel like an idiot. These people around me thinking ....what an *******.
I am self conscious telling people I own a Ferrari. I even find that I don’t wear my Ferrari hats. I usually wear my Porsche hat and people don’t get weirded out. I use terms other than “Ferrari” to discuss things I’ve been doing or where I’ve taken it. I use “360” or “F-Car” in place of “Ferrari”.
One of the tenants in my building parks a new Porsche in the car park - all my patients think it's mine. I say "Hell, no, I can't afford a Porsche! I drive that Toyota Yaris" (which I do). You gotta lance an awful lot of boils to afford a Porsche.
Love that sticker. I want something like that for my GT3... perhaps; Today I brought my slow car Or My other car is... much quicker (with a Ferrari logo underneath) Any other suggestions? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
So nice to find out many people share the same humble feelings as mine. I can certainly recognize some of the reactions when I used to lightly tell colleagues or not so close friends I own "some type of cars".. I skip conversation now at the exception of car enthusiasts where we can talk about our adventures and how we like to get our hands dirty. I appreciate people who share a passion for cars, for that particular silhouette, engine note, driveability or all together which makes our emotions spark every time we look or touch our beloved.
I don't tell anyone, but if I'm asked, I'm honest. I'm a car guy and I explain that my Ferrari is a blast to drive, and that everyone allocates their resources in accordance with what makes them happy, and my car makes me happy!
I thought I was the only one that felt this way, until I found this thread. Thank you so much for sharing this!
I actually see way more thumbs up and "nice car" votes than ANYTHING negative. My view is the U.S.A. is the land of opportunity. I think a good percentage of the folks in my area think (or hope) they will get to Ferrari ownership too. When I bought my first exotic, my boss actually used me as an example in a company meeting, "you can get there too" was his message. My wife is actually more on the 'embarrassed' side, ostentatious display of wealth, she might characterize it. I try to be humble about it, I like the earlier thought from @killer58 about brand ambassador, that's more where I fall when talking about my car. It also goes a very long way to let your trusted friends/family drive your car. Hey, you bought this car because you enjoy it on many many levels -- What could be better than sharing that very unique experience with someone else? Let them feel first hand what forced induction 660HP feels like kicking you in the pants. Obviously character judgement is a big part of making that call, but wow, that fills the goodwill bank and gives them an experience they will talk about for the rest of their lives.