How do you treat people approaching you in your Ferrari?

That "contractor in a Ferrari" thread had me thinking that the choices are (a) cater to public ignorance about the marque, or (b) try, in whatever small way, to correct public ignorance about the marque.

 

If people are genuinely nice and courteous they are recognized no matter what they drive and how they answer questions. Sometimes when in a hurry one may brush off an enthusiast at a gas station but that may not be his intention. There are always those moments that happen to all of us. On the other hand, why make someone be what he is not. If one is a snob let him be, who cares what people think of the Ferrari society as a whole. But because Ferrari is synonymous with wealth the jealous factor is always factored in and hence the stereotype.

 

I find it's a bit different with me, because my 328 is an older model. I find people often tend to keep their distance, and I often have to wave them closer, saying, "don't worry, it won't bite." I think I do a good job convincing them I'm just a normal, middle-class guy who bought a neat car that actually didn't cost as much as people think.

I find that many owners of newer Ferraris tend to be more hesitant and paranoid, but considering what they spent for their cars, I think that if I were in their situation, I would probably act similarly.

 

Peter,

Interesting observation. I've driven around in one or the other of my Jaguars for years. The XKE's always draw attention and people give me the "thumbs up" on the road all the time. I've never had anyone say a bad word to me when I'm out in one of the Jags. In fact, most people ask questions, admire the car and tell me how they've always loved them.

Since I've had the Ferrari (all of 2 months), I get a very different experience. While some people say "Oooo, a Ferrari, you must be rich;" others give me dirty looks. A guy in a pickup tried to pick a fight with me up near Lime Rock a couple of weeks ago because I was "parked at the wrong pump... you damn Ferrari owners think you own the world." I said sorry, ignored his continuing diatribe, finished filling up and took off, only to have him follow me. I left him in my dust on those twisty back roads, but who needs that sh*t. Never happened to me in the XKE's.

Regards,
Steve W.
'84 Ferrari Mondial QV
'70 XKE FHC
'72 XKE 2+2 (sold)
'89 XJS Coupe (long gone)

 

I'm still very new to Ferrari ownership, but already dealing with people coming up to chat or admire the car. I make a point (no matter what my mood) to be pleasant and engage them in conversation. For many, it may be their first experience ever seeing a F-car. I want to do my part in making that experience one that really makes their day!

I will answer any questions (except how much I paid for it) and stupid or not, all questions are valid. I know I asked a LOT of things before I made my purchase (including things like "what kind of gasoline does it take?").

If I can change the mind of just ONE guy to make him realize that we are not all snobby and in fact have bills to pay and children to support , I feel I have done a lot.

I hope you guys are doing something similar!

 

A bunch of us f-car owners were talking about this very topic earlier this week at our get together.

I am less concerned what a stranger who is approaching me thinks about me and how friendly I am, etc....I am more concerned about what I think about them and their intentions. There are a lot of weirdo's out there...not everyone who approaches with questions about the car is an enthusiast. Some of the questions people have asked have nothing to do with the car...they also include things like "what do you do for a living" and "do you live in the area".

I am much more open to answer questions when it's the group out together, at a car show/event or a small child with parents. However, I exercise the same amount of caution and willingness to stop and chat with a stranger who approaches me whether I'm in the F-car or in any of my other cars - probably more so being a female, but I know the guys have had problems too. I usually am very brief and let the person know that I'm late to an appt. There are far too many stories of bad things happening in parking lots - ferrari or no ferrari. Some of the people in our group have had problems with people following them home and one even walked out to the parking lot to find someone actually sitting in his 355 spyder.

I'm sure there are many people who think this behavior is "unfriendly" because I'm the "stereotypical" (whatever) ferrari owner...but it really is no different than it is with driving any other car.

 

My 246GT Dino has no exterior Ferrari badges, so I get, maybe, a slightly different reaction.

It always starts with, "What kind of car is that?" or "Is that a Ferrari?" so I don't get the instant Ferrari reaction that newer cars might get.

Then I get all the regular questions, which I try to answer as best I can, because we are ambassadors for the cars, and it's the polite thing to do.

Ask me a question like, "Can I drive it?" and the answer is "Nope" and off I go. Otherwise, ask me, if I know, you'll get an answer. It's only 2 minutes out of my life to be polite, instead of 30 seconds to be rude.

 

Time permitting, and particularly for the younger set, I answer any and all questions (though I dodge the inevitable "how much" and other personal inquiries), allow pics, open up the engine compartment, etc. I'll let an interested child sit in the car.

I get by far - not even close, really - the most favorable reaction cruising in our '58 Vespa (avatar) or '69 Mini: EVERYONE laughs, smiles, waves, gives the thumbs up, and so on. People seem less hesitant to approach these old, relatively inexpensive and somewhat comical cars. Perhaps it's clear that someone who drives a goofy little car likely is not a very scary type and can't possibly take himself too seriously; everyone understands it's a car you have for fun. People make the wrong assumptions about, or don't understand, why one buys a Ferrari.

 

Thanks for all the positive responses guys (and gals). From all the Lamborghini and Ferrari owners i have met, all ages, have been very polite and passionate enthusiasts as i am. I have nothing but respect and admiration for these select few people, and i appreciate them giving a few minutes of their time with their car and me. I have never really heard of these people that are jealous enough to scold you for driving one, or to key it. This just seems completely outrageous, and if i ever witness it...you have my word i will sabotage the suspect and do whatever i can to save your car!!

-Doug

P.S. And for the record, we do feel extremely weird approaching you in your Ferrari to get a closer look. Its just such a rare opportunity we cant help ourselves, sorry.

 

I gotta think this has a lot more to do with what society's idea of RICH is. There are so many TV shows now that focus on wealth.

Different people have different ideas of what "RICH" is. So many women I meet think that if a guy drives an SL he's rich. Doesn't matter that he lives in an apartment.

In my book if you have a yacht or a jet then yes, you are rich. If you have a nice house and a Ferrari you are "doing well for yourself".

Perception is reality though and you can't fight it without a massive ad campaign. Ferrari (corporate) likes the percieved wealth that an F-car gives it's owner. That's what sells Ferrari's. That's why some people don't like f-car owners.

 

Kick em in the jimmie.....

 

I like this: http://www.ferrariclub.com/faq/etiquette.html

My NSX probably doesn't get as much attention as your Ferrari's, but it's a popular car. I love showing my car off to people, especially younger people. About a week ago two kids, maybe 13 or 14, came to my driveway when I was washing my car. They asked if they could take some pictures, so I let them take all of their pictures, I let them sit in it, opened the hood and the trunk, told them all about the car, started it up and reved it. Then, about two days later I saw them walking down the street with their parents, I slowed down and said Hi, then their parents thanked me for everything and I told them that if it was all right I would love to give each of them a ride, so I did. I loved to see them smile when I floored it.

 

Intresting topic,
When kids and families are involved the show for the kids are great, and very enjoyable for both myself and them.

But, in the last few years I would say that the majority of people look at the TR with evil intention, jealous and rude behaviour. I constantly get people trying to cut me off or blocking me in on purpose, which is funny because it never comes out of 1st in the city.

I stopped driving the car in the city last year during peak hours over my last ordeal over dinner with my wife. I had parked the car in yorkvile and when walking away I noticed I did not close my door complete. WHen I went back, not knowing my wife was behind me, two very attractive ladies were walking on the side walk staring. One blurred out, I gues you have a complex with your penis. My wife shouted back, he has 12 cyl, and 12 inches, both of which you will never get.

Since then 2002 0r 2003 I drive it only on sunday mornings very early, or if I have a decent day early in the morning during the week with the least amount of cars on the road. I have given up on society and want no one near my car period.

 

I was getting in my Gallardo a couple of days ago in a city park when a kid (15 yo?) rode past on his bike. There was no-one else within half a mile. I said hi, and he made what at first I thought was a greeting also. Within a split second I heard him correctly - "Rich F#ck."

Apart from the fact that it isn't true - the rich bit - it made me feel a little sad that this is how someone feels. Sad for them mostly.

 

I too have seen it go from mostly positive to mostly negative as illegals and gangs overun my state.......

If I notice a car with four Milk Duds staring...I'm already reaching beneath the seat..


In Texas Gun Control is hitting what you aim at.......

 

people like him give young people a bad name, i am 16 and wouldn't dream of speaking like that to someone. If someone says hi to me no matter if they are in a car or not i always smile and say hi back. I wish i could see more F and L car owners by me. I saw one in a 355, he was realy nice he spoke to me and my mates for about 10 minutes, telling us about the car and such. Hopefuly one day i will own a F or L car and make myself and other people happy. You should see my face if i see a Ferrari just for a breif second, i am smiling all day

 

It is very interesting the way people react to these cars. I've always been very friendly and love to talk about the cars with anyone who's interested. I'm active locally and nationally with the Jaguar club, and have just starting getting into the Ferrari club activities as well. When I've been out with my red Mondial, I'm glad to talk to people about it.

But there is definitely an element on the road that see a sports car and want to challenge to a race. It always seems to be some guy (and sometimes a gal) in a Jeep or Explorer that wants to outrun me, outweave me, run me off the road. It happens in the Jags and its started happening in the Mondial. Mostly, I ignore them, unless they are getting too aggressive with tailgating or cutting off. They seem to get some joy from passing a hot sports car, like they really could if we ever got on the gas. But for that moment, I guess they feel like the King of the Road.

I've adopted a "kung-fu master" attitude about these jerks. I've got nothing to prove. I know what my cars can do. And I don't care what other people think. It's irrelevant to me. As long as they don't threaten me with physical harm. When they do, I trounce them.

The rest of the time, I'm just normal, peaceful, friendly me.

 

does anyone know of any ferrari owners near San Luis Obispo....i live near there and i have seen alot of them driving around but i never get a chance to talk to the owners (maybe cause i don't have the heart to go up to them and disturb them by asking them quesions about their cars!) if any owners chat here i would like to know if thats cool. u can PM me at [email protected]

thanx everyone,

P.s. i luv reading everything on this site...i am 16 and very interested in ferrari's and would luv to own one in the future.

 

I ask them if they want a quick ride. Most say yes and we are off. I especially like it when kids take me up on it. Three weeks ago, I gave a 19 year old, no job, pot head a ride. Last week I met him at OSH at his new job He remembered me and thanked me again for the ride. Two days after the ride, he got his job and told me that he wants to start saving his money for a home and a nice car....That made me feel really good, for I knew this kid was going nowhere in life at the time.

 

[I get by far - not even close, really - the most favorable reaction cruising in our '58 Vespa (avatar) or '69 Mini: EVERYONE laughs, smiles, waves, gives the thumbs up, and so on. People seem less hesitant to approach these old, relatively inexpensive and somewhat comical cars.

As well as my Ferrari, I drive around in an old Triumph Vitesse convertable, and my experience is pretty much the same, people come over and say that there Mum, Dad or whoever had one and remembered good things. It quite amazing the interest it attacts.
The Ferrari is totally different, people occassionally come over and speak, and I am always keen to share my experience. One thing I have noticed, I took my Ferrari over to France for the first time this year, and people over there are far more laid back, they wave, come over and admire, chat or just smile, and they always appreciated ( and I think expected ) the sounds as you took off up the road.

People are People, traet them as you want to be treated yourself !

 

Good thread here...

I am aswell a non owner, just an obsessed enthusiast. Recently I waited 20 min on a bench next to a blue 360 downtown here (killin time before I went out for the night). After looking it over, I noticed it had aftermarket exhaust. When the owner came back I said the usual "gorgeous 360" etc and asked if the exhaust was Capristo. He seemed impressed and asked if I would like to hear it, of course, I hadnt waited there almost a half hour for nothin Damn that car sounded freakin hot. Nice guy, told him about this site too. Hope he checks it out.

 

Since i'm on this F-Chat, i've changed my opinion about the F-car's owners. I always thought that, if you have a Ferrari, you've to be rich, but here i understand that that's not always true. Of course that if you've a F50, a F40 or an Enzo, you've to be rich, but you don't have to if you have a 308, a 328, a Mondial, or something like that.
I've never seen a Ferrari with his owner, and if i saw one, it was on the road, and i think that he wouldn't stop to answer my questions about the car...
If i found one in a park, or in a meet (if i go to one), i'm sure that i'll try to ask him/her about the car, and i'll tell you how did the owner treat me.
I would like to tell you one thing, i'm 25 y.o., and i'm not a Ferrari owner, but, if someone could give me a ride in his Ferrari, i'll enjoy like a kid. And i'll thanks him/her forever.
I'm dreaming of being a Ferrari owner someday...