Class: Ferrari vs Other exotics

Granted this is more about style than cars, but I've always regarded a car as the last thing you put on when you go out. So here goes:

They're all nice cars, but a red 360/430 Spider would look out of place at a black tie event, IMHO. It's more about a competitive/track image, even with all the power/leather/luxury touches. Formal evening attire is always understated, by design, and pulling up in a giant rosso corsa jellybean is kind of vulgar. (For a recreational weekend drive, obviously none of this applies: loud, bright and flashy are ideal.)

An Aston is more of a tux car - more understated, less boy racer-ish. Also, I could see a 550/575M/599 being a great car to take out for an evening. They look dumb on the track, but dress up nicely.

When you get into the classics - Daytona, for example - Ferraris get more elegant and match the setting better, and a red Daytona Spyder, 246 GTS, etc., would be an extremely cool and appropriate 'night out' car.

My .02.

 

For that kind of money, you can get a nice Maranello and not see five or ten of them that night. Plus you will not lose $20K the second you drive it off the lot. Might cost a bit more to maintain, however.

Taz
Terry Phillips

 

This is excellent

 

Given the post that sticks in my mind from last week--"A Ferrari is a beautiful woman in a black dress with her hair on fire"

Would a beautiful woman in a black dress with her hair on fire look appropriate at a black tie event?

 

Merc SL is a nice tux car but, as anyone on FChat would probably tell you, there are so many of them that it hardly makes a statement. Which is why I would spend my own money on a lightly used AM Vantage V8 or a Ferrari 550/575.

But, other than the grotesque Black Series, with the plastic fender flares, an SL has always been a classically stylish ride in which to arrive.

Regards,
FChat CarStyleGuy

 

A Ferrari is always is style no matter what the color IMVHO. Especially if you own it. renting an Fcar to impress others at a black tie event is definitely gauche.

It's probably a night event so red is hard to see anyway.

Who is going to know besides maybe the valet? If you dare to allow them to touch your care.

If you are that worried about what other people think you just have to drive a Bentley.

You may want to consult your date. If she is wearing high heels or a tight dress she may have trouble getting in and out of an Fcar. If your date is a guy, take the Jaguar.

 

I say "Bentley" but the Maserati Quattoporte is better. It's better looking, better sounding, and certainly more interesting for a tux event.

2 place sports cars are just plain too flashy for a formal occasion. The only thing worse might be a Harley with a side car.

 

Any V12 would be a great black tie car

The Aston DB9 is beautiful but its a GT car whereas most V12 Ferraris are sports cars, slight difference. Although for a night out, either will work

 

I would take the F40.

 

Other than the F50 and Enzo, Ferrari has not made a V12 sports car since the 275. From that point all V12 Ferraris have been GT cars...from the 330 to the 599.

 

Ive never seen any car as projecting class. Class is something someone has or doesnt.

A person with class can arrive in a Diablo and still come across as classy while someone with no class can pull up in a Bentley and still look like a tool.

 

I think a nice Aston Martin, Maserati, Bentley, Jaguar, or 550/575. I think the 599 is a tad too flashy still. Maybe in a few years it will fit in better.

If you want a car that isn't too showy but still makes a statement, pick up a new Jaguar XKR in black. Ridiculously good looking, without a super high-end badge.

Any GT car for the most part should fit in fine.

 

Ferrari was the greatest until Lamborghini showed up. They had problems then with the Muria, Countach and Diablo. However slowly Ferrari is gaining their image back of being the ultimate exotic car on the road with the Enzo and the 458.

I could never put a Ferrari and an Aston Martin in comparson for class they are two different animal.

 

I think you're really talking about "formal" more than "class." V12 Astons, Bentley and MB are Formal; if you're looking for that in a Ferrari then 456, 550/575 or 612 are the way to go.

That said, if you're planning purchases based on showing up to dinner, you might be overthinking things!

 

A good rule is that if your car looks like something from a dorm room poster, it's more about projecting mid-life crisis than class.

(I'm all in favor of a great mid-life crisis, btw.)

 

I find this whole conversation a bit ridiculous. Buy the car that moves you, and then drive it wherever you want! Who cares what other people at a "tux event" think???? I bring my 308 to fancy events sometimes, big deal.

I think the OP is overthinking this. Or else, he's wanting a car based on the impression it gives, rather than any personal passion he may feel for the car....

My .02

Greg

 

I don't really understand-- at all of the formal events I attend, I usually park and walk in. Who even knows what kind of car I arrive in? And who cares?

I care more about how my tie is tied, to be honest. That's something people will see throughout the evening.

 

Cars. Schmars. How you carry yourself says more about you than what you 'arrive' or 'depart' in.
"Class" is something undefineable. I know 'cause I ain't got none (please refer to the thread where I declare my passion for full-quill ostrich cowboy boots!).

 

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Why does it matter what kind of car you drive up in, for anything? I would instead buy a really nice suit/tux properly tailored with everything that goes along with it before having a car project yourself. At least the clothes are attached to you at basically all times for the evening. I really do like the flashy neon Lotus's though. =)

Now I would be impressed if you landed a candy red plane in front of someone's house before dinner.

 

first rule: dont give a **** what anybody else thinks of you or what you drive.

2: drive WHAT YOU WANT. and remember rule #1.

3: make sure the women you date wear very short skirts in the car ..... and ...... nevermind .....

 

I have to go with Jungathart on this.

You can drive up in any car, but when you get out others will know if you have class or not.

Example: Rosie O'Donnell getting out of a Rolls - is that "classy"? Or is she still going to be class-less??

Example: Donald Trump getting out of a Honda SUV? Does this define his class??


This could go on and on for quite a while. But just imagine someone you think of as having class getting out of a beater car and someone you know does NOT have class getting out of a car that does? Which one does it for you?

Just my .02


PDG

 

Not exactly his point. You see, you have already made a judgment on those two based on their television personas over years of exposure (and I'm at a loss to say who is classier of that choice). If you did not know them at all except for what you have seen of them getting out of their vehicle, you would make a judgment upon them within seconds of observing them and that would likely be based on the car.