Had fun by Marietta Square.....

I enjoyed "showing" my 328GTS near Marietta Square during yesterday's "Taste of Marietta" food festival.

There was no room in the "official" car show, so I found a place to park on the street just off the northwest corner of the Square. In a way, it was better, since I could leave when I wanted, whereas the cars in the show had to stay put for the duration.

I had the top off, of course, and kept the engine cover open while I was around the car. I just stood against the wall of the adjacent building, wearing a Ferrari T-shirt that made it fairly obvious that I came with the car! While people on the Square probably didn't see me, the street was a prime pedestrian access route to the festival, so a lot of people did see the car.

The reactions were interesting. Quite a few seemed not to see the car, but most at least looked at it as they went by, even those across the street. A fair number slowed down or stopped, and a smaller number asked questions, which I was glad to answer.

I had washed the car the evening before, so it did not look like an 18-year-old machine! Consequently a fair number of people who were not versed in Ferraris thought it was new; when I asked people what they thought I had paid for the car, the estimates ranged from $53,000 to $150,000! (There's that Ferrari mystique.) Since I want people to realize I'm not a rich snob, I told them the truth, that it was "only" $35,000 and that people in my income range can afford a nice pre-owned car if they really want to. (I doubt if anyone I spoke with will rush right out and buy one, though.)

Everyone who said anything was happy to see the car and thanked me for bringing it. A few took photos of loved ones standing next to the car; I allowed some to photograph their children sitting in it. The most enthusiastic group were (not surprisingly) male teens and pre-teens, though the most enthusiastic individual was a college student who said he works on cars himself. I took his name and number and promised him a ride.

And about the food? I had the guts to lock the car and leave it (even with the top off) for up to 15 minutes at a time to get food or see the cars in the car show. I trusted my Hill Engineering shift-gate lock to ensure that the car was still there when I got back. I also trusted the populace not to do anything to the car, and nobody did. I'd get something to eat and bring it back and sit on the curb near the car.

(I feel that too many Ferraris don't get seen enough because the owners are paranoid. I believe in being careful, but not paranoid; after all, Enzo wanted the cars to be driven and seen. Of course, if my car was a newer model, I might be more paranoid myself!)

So that was #62319's "public debut" in Georgia. I'm missing the Mitty this weekend since I'll be away, so next is the May 8th show at Kurt's in Duluth. See you there?