For me this is always interesting,lets be honest its a very evocative name, not only for us Ferrari enthusiasts be car enthusiasts as a whole. This moring was a case in point, head off with my friend to the Ferrari dealer for a light breakfast, the reactions from pedestrians ranges from sheer shock at the sound to screams and cheering, thumbs up are common but its the kids who really love the car the most, one case in point was a youngster standing with his father, clearly they saw us coming down the road and we stopped next to them, now this youngester must have been about 10-11 or so and he is shouting "GTO, GTO, look dad its a Ferrari GTO", well you would wouldnt you, neutral a few hearty blips and the smile on that kids face was a mile wide. Drive down one of Cape Towns most crowded streets, bear in mind there are buildings all around the echo of the V12 at 3500, 4000 rpm in 2nd gear is really something, people just stop what they are doing and look. I can see why some would opt for the privacy package! I am sure GTO owners here have a few stories to tell regarding how the general public sees these cars!
It has been my experience that most Americans generally seem to be more knowledgeable about Detroit iron than exotics. I think the GTO on a Ferrari has a lot of them confused. Everyone seems to keep looking for the pontiac symbol somewhere on my car and can't figure out what it is doing on a Ferrari.
Ferrari's are fairly rare in New England. Almost any F-Car gets special attention. I don't think Joe the Plumber knows a GTO from an F430. A red F-car is simply a red f-car.
Definitely a generalization but I'd bet your average American just knows its a red Ferrari passing by. That said its gotta make it even better when someone who knows acknowledges and admires a Ferrari.
Clearly Ford think differently.....as they are concerned that an F1 car might detract from their rubbish pick up truck....
Here in southern California I would say the opposite is true. The 599 has a very large horse on the back, so people out here know what it is. Modern Ferraris are actually out and about in San Diego, especially La Jolla and RSF. As far as distinguishing the 599 GTO from the 599 GTB, that probably is beyond most people.
You might have stumbled onto something..I bet that F150 owner collected a prize for his 458 monster truck wreck [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RNbbDRdvBw[/ame]
Ouch! That's gonna leave a mark...and a someone needing a new insurance company. Poor B-tard has definitely had a 'very bad, no good, terrible day'!
