Ferrari Owner Stereotype

F430 Spider (a little too open and exposed to the world). F430 coupe now. Of course it's me not the car, I have to work on the former

 

I don't know if it's a global phenomena, but here in the UK somebody with a soft top is seen not as somebody who enjoys open air motoring but as a show off or "poser".

For example I have an SL55 AMG, its dark blue so not a loud colour. Driving around London with the roof up, ie 99% of the time it provokes very little reaction..drop the top and instantly you are visable and open to comment form every cyclist, van driver and pedestrian. Most of it unkind !

So drive say, a red 355/360/458 spyder and joe public has you pigeon holed right away !
Mind you, does that matter? If not, you need what we Brits call "front".

 

Le monde y'est petit.

 

Really enjoy reading this thread. I wish I had something profound or interesting to add--but everything I can come up with has been said. I am in the enthusiast column. I understand all the reasons people own Ferrari cars, and don't think one reason is better than others.

 

I'm a newbie with the Ferrari thing. It is a commitment, both financially and mentally. I think I'm ready, I've had cobras, vettes, misc. sport cars and even a Delorian. I'm done!!! They now look boring to me. So it's Ferrari Time! The bottom line is, most people who don't have the money (usually because of wrong decisions they made in life) have a slight distaste for the fortunate, whether self-made or born into the life of money. I'm self made, we'll thanks to my wife's support for 25 years. I can afford one Ferrari in my life, just like I can only afford one wife in my life! It matters what people think to me, I love the comments, well most of them. I believe Ferrari is the top of the line automobile. and I want one!
So all this being said. I am buying a Ferrari because it's the ultimate statement to the world!

nutzaboutcars

 

That sounds even more expensive than the belt service on a 355. ;>) But money spent even better. Enjoy, life is (supposed to be) a giggle.

 

Thanks

 

I'm not wealthy but I am rich. Rich because of the people and (lets be honest) material things in my life.

I, from a tender age loved cars, its genetic as my late father did as does my older brother too, my sister.. well not quite the same, she must have inherited my Mum's genes more than my Dad's . I wanted a MACH I Mustang from about 12 years old.

As I got older I noticed Alfa Romeo but also the bad stigma attached (rusty and unreliable as all Italian cars are). At about 36/7 I planned that Ford Mustang for my 40th, however it had changed to 65-69 (not too particular on the exact age/model) but it had to really be a Fastback. They were, even in the UK quite affordable (late 90's). Anyway the then missus had other ideas about American muscle.

So I bought a Mondial (my ex still hated it)
I have since replaced it with an F355 and finally bought two Alfas after a divorce.

I have been called a wide manner of things both good and bad for owning a Ferrari, even Alfa's because although cheap they are according to 99% of people (whom have never owned one but know someone who does/did) still rusty and always broke.
I have never taken my F355 to work, I got so much stick for the Mondial where I currently work I decided not to bother. Most of my dept colleagues know I have a Ferrari.

I holiday to Italy [almost) every year (instead of the US I used to do with my Ex, sorry folks ) and both me and my current good lady (girlfriend) love Italy, Italian food and of course Italian cars.
My Mum also owns a Fiat 500, not influenced by me but by my sister. In fact I'm in work today in that car whilst one of my Alfas is being serviced.

I still want that Mustang though and one day...

I'm not sure how stereo typical I am.

 

The more Ferrari owners I meet the more I realize that the stereotypes are BS.

We're not a special class. There are the same percentage of saints, sinners, jerks and angels as in any group.

I own one because it makes me happy.

 

Today I went to F Dealership to try and see which Ferrari I could fit in. I am tall and no stranger to a cheeseburger.

360/430 too small
458 fits, but too much $$

Any suggestions for us larger folks.

How does a Cali compare inside to a Maserati GT or a 911?

I do not believe there is any one reason that people do anything. Why? (in no particular order)

For every girl who ever shot you down
For every kid who made fun of your off-brand sneakers
For every customer who ever gave you crap
For every person who ever told you that you couldn't
For every insufferable bore in a leased BMW
For the prospective in-law who did not think you were good enough for their princess

A Ferrari is like driving a giant middle finger extended to the world, just remember to be humble and gracious when people come up to you.

 

This was the 10 reasons I bought a Ferrari Mondial - it sort of fits the OP's question

1) it is a Ferrari – let’s face it – the mystique, exclusivity, heritage, and the backing of an active marque – there is a lot of history and emotional equity with the nameplate. I’ve considered myself very individualistic, I wanted my car to reflect that. There is a plethora of Porsche’s, Bimmers, Mercs, and Audis where I live – I wanted something that was unique – Ferrari accomplishes that, and in spades. Yes, there is other exotic nameplates – but do they have the F1 heritage as well? Can I root for Lamborghinni in F1?

2) I wanted a “sporty” vehicle that was fun to drive – no dispute here – Yes, the Mondial is not a “fast” car relatively (I do not want any flames here) – However, it is fast/capable enough for a family man driving his wife and two children in the back. If I want a 'fast' car, I would buy a new Corvette/GTR, modify it with the money I would save from buying a 458... and be done with it.

3) I wanted a full convertible – I’ve always felt true convertibles distilled the touring car experience.

4) I wanted 4 seats to share the experience with my whole family or 3 friends. (good thing I have kids and not big adults for the back seat)

5) I’ve always liked the notion of a “mid-engine” – I like having the roar of the engine behind – it has been auditory exciting to have the mechanical orchestra behind me.

6) I wanted a car that was already at the “dip” of its value – A car that is what it is – no further depreciation or loss of relevance. I feel the Mondial is at the base camp toward the mountain of future appreciation.

7) Manual Transmission – Modern automatics are marvels. Able to shift faster than humans – I acknowledge this -, but if people do not understand why the tactile pleasure of shifting gears is so important – they probably also do not understand why somebody would go fishing instead of going to the fish market.

8) Ascetically pleasing – I’ve always like the look of Mondials (especially the t) – I think it is a highly beautiful car – I acknowledge this is completely subjective and in the eye of the beholder – these eyes have judged, and judged positively.

9) Rear wheel drive – I respect sport cars with all-wheel drive. However, I’ve felt that in the right conditions – rear wheel drive is a lot funner.

10) Community – A family of people that allow me to do what I’m doing now. Sharing my passion for the marque with like minded good folks such as one reading this now. I really have come to appreciate the “Ferrari” family.

If somebody can find me something that meets all 10 of these requirements at *ANY PRICE* – send me note! I have yet to find another car that meets these requirements.
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That's pretty much on the nail

 

What is the difference?

 

Rich is liquid. Wealth is sustainable.

 

I own Ferrari because I'm just too sexy for any other brand of car...And because I like to try understand why that #%|?€^* light under the door won't go on when I open it.

 

I owned two because I didn't know any better.

 

There are worse reasons.

 

In English, nothing if you look at the definition of each as they tend to refer to one another.

However:-
Rich:- Having an abundance of something
Wealthy - Having an abundance of money

I have a rich life abundant of great people and good times

 

+1. A car is like a fine suit. You put it on and it looks good on you, you look good in it.

 

Put the fork down.
Eat less, run more.
Calories out > calories in.

 

At all cars and coffee meetings to which I have gone and all organized events (Mondialpolooza), the Ferrari owners have been funny and gracious and pleasant. Similarly, everyone in public has been happy to see the car and thankful for opportunities to sit in it for photos.

 

Meet The Ferrari Owner Everyone Loves To Hate


Meet The Ferrari Owner Everyone Loves To Hate

 

Watched it the other day. Brilliant, just brilliant.

 

I usually only drive my Testarossa on short jaunts to places I know to have good parking etc. Being the DYI type of guy that I am, this means almost daily trips to Home Depot. Most of the time Im dressed like I belong at Home Depot with the other plumbers, construction workers etc. A month ago, I was in HD to get the correct drain pipe for a bathroom sink (third time is the charm right?). Im dressed in my finest plumbers attire, flip flops ratty shorts and paint stained Tshirt. The lady behind me at the check out counter pulls her kid away from the nasty looking 'plumber'.

While loading my parts into the trunk, I hear the kid belt out, "MOOOOOOOOOOM! look at that car!" I smiled and said in my best white trash accent, "Listen to your ma and do good'n school, that way you wont have to fix sinks for a livin." I started cracking up about half way through. She got the joke.

 

I might be the only 430 owner that is in his 50s and still plays competitive baseball. I know I'm the only one that will drive his 430 to games and park it in the lot with everybody else. I'll get filthy dirty during the game, have a beer with the guys after, change into clean shorts and drive home completely happy.