Ferrari myths and misunderstanding

Fantastic write up .
It's easy to forget how something so dear to us, something we've spent countless hours researching, lusting after, working our butts off for, taking Evel Kneivel-like leaps of logic to justify said lust...means nothing to most people.
However, after you've told the umpteenth guy that "no, it don't got a Hemi" and "no, your old lady can't lay on the hood," rest assured the only answer they'll ever need is when you drop the top on that monster and peel out of there at 9k in race mode, as they tremble in your wake (and some become new disciples to the Cavallino!)

 

You seem to be dealing with the typical American. Don't get too offended. Just be glad you are not one of them.

 

True, anything other than a Camry-Accord frightens most people when it comes to maintenance.

 

I get much of that discussion on my lowly 328 pretty often. Ferrari really is a mystery to most folks,
including other car guys.

Jedi

 

Had my 308 out today (passed an NFL player with a 458 FWIW); been about a month since I took my car out....forgot what it's like to see people's jaws hit the ground....was fun....even though we all have problems/stress, any Ferrari owner is truly blessed....
Kevin

 

You are so right. Last weekend at the Italian Car Fest, I was letting as many people get in and look at the FF as possible ( A few in the 599 too )

Along with the questions you noted above, everyone wanted to know what all the buttons and/or switches did on the steering wheel.

I love sharing it with them... oh and giving the little kids Hot Wheel Ferrari's to take home with them too! ( I try to take Ferrari Hot Wheels to give away at the various events I have the Ferrari at )

S

 

REALLY?!....people at a "Car Show", DON'T KNOW what country a Ferrari comes from?!....what planet was this car show on?!....Mars?!.....In unrelated news....people don't know where cow's milk comes from.....Mark

 

That Hot Wheels idea is great!! Thanks

 

I would imagine the majority of the population is too busy with their careers, families, future, etc then worrying about the history of these shiny red cars...

 

what kind of a car show was it? i find it odd that there are a lot of folks that have interest and go through the effort to got o a car show and know very little about them.

 

Also according to the mayor, Ferrari buyers have paid for Ferraris then..."waited YEARS" for delivery....who has paid for then waited YEARS for their Ferrari to be delivered?!....Mark

 

I see that quite a bit at the general-interest car shows around here. Lots of spectators who could tell you anything about a Chevelle, but can't tell a Lotus from a Ferrari from a Fiat nor identify their country of origin.

 

There seems to be a reading comprehension problem here somewhere. Mr. Mayor, can you please type slower in the future?

Just trying to help. Thanks

 

I was at the same car show SAFE4NOW was at. There were so many little kids who looked like they had no idea what they were looking at. They were probably dragged their by their dad after the soccer game.
At some car shows, they go to look at old american cars and just stoll by the Ferraris Lambos and such. Older people can go to a car show and see a normal old car and get all reminiscent about it.
Its fun to watch guys walk by the Ferrari section and talk about them like they know everything in fron of their girlfriend and/or friends.

 

One of the best parts of any meet is listening to the "experts".

I've heard some of the worst from owners.

Never Ferrari owners of course.

 

Me too. Just the other day I was talking with a guy at Road America (had my 328 there) and he just would not believe me that it didn't cost $100k. Would not believe me that it could be bought for less than a nice Ford F-150 pickup truck.

And the lady that lives across the street from me... Thought it was brand new, would not believe that it is 24 years old.

 

well, that just says how any Ferrari is a timeless gem!

 

People ask me how much my 355 cost and they seem disappointed it didn't cost more. I spent less on it than I have on a car in years. I was made fun off for taking about Ferraris all the time once and I finally shut up about it. Now the car is just for me. I don't care what anyone thinks, the general public are idiots. If you can find one friend who doesn't judge you and knows the difference between F1 and double clutch you are lucky. The people who will make the sacrifices and work hard enough to have a Ferrari are rare and misunderstood. If you buy one of these cars and expect people to understand why you will be disappointed.

 

I have taken my 348 to several small car shows in my area. They have mainly been for charities or something of this type. I do get a kick out of hearing what most people think about this mysterious mythical automobile known as Ferrari. I have had many many people look at my little 348 and think that I paid over $200K for it. They think that is goes over 200 mph. It has over 600 hp. It runs the quarter mile in 10 seconds. It runs 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. Any part on it costs at least $1K. You have to special order the tires for it and they cost $2K. The list goes on and on. And has been stated earlier, some people act disappointed when you tell them the truth about these "facts" that they think they know. Now while some of their "facts" may be true for the newest of Ferrari models, it appears that most think it is true across the board for anything with the word Ferrari on it.

 

I'm amazed how little the general public know about Ferrari, but they are interested enough to come over and talk about it. Not just at shows, but almost everywhere I go.

I'm always happy to talk about my Ferrari to those who show an interest. Even the Police (who fined me 90 euros on the spot for speeding in France) showed a genuine interest in my car, but not enough to drop the fine.

We ended up taking photos of each others cars, he having a 300hp Renault Police car. I would like to add a photo of my 458 and the Police car, but as a Rookie I'm not sure how to do it?

If anyone could explain how to do it, I be very grateful.

 

Something must be wrong with your 348 Todd...thats pretty close to the performance of mine


Well....in my dreams anyway

 

I don't do more than 1-2 car events in a year..... yet am always surprised by questions from spectators about my 1972 C/4.
Question - "What is it like to own a million dollar car?"
Answer - "it's your lucky day. You can buy it today for 75% off."
It's been called a special edition Corvette.
It's been referred to as "some type of kit car".
So called hot rod experts - "does it really go 200 MPH?"
Porsche club member - "twice the cylinders and doesn't sound as good as a flat 6." ????????

But most comments are genuinely positive and complimentary. I always try to answer questions, let young people sit in the car for photos, etc.