Interesting Jeremy Clarkson article.

part of his problem is that he's not a very good driver. Tiff, for example, is much better.
Thanks for the article

 

I agree, but Clarkson writes well - I can never read one of his articles or watch him on TV without feeling I can identify with at least some of what he's saying.

In answer to his question about what supercars are for, I used to ponder this too. Then I made my first pilgrimage to Le Mans last month ... and it all made sense! I was in my Ultima GTR, we had a Murcielago, a Testarossa, Bentley GT etc. in our convoy and it was fantastic. I spent 5 days surrounded by, driving, and talking about supercars. I'd never seen an F40 on the road before, but they were almost 10 a penny out there! The atmosphere was hugely different, everyone appreciated fine cars, there was none of the petty jealousy generally experienced over here in the UK. One of the guys there keeps his Ferrari garaged all year and just uses it for the Le Mans trip every year. While I can't condone that, I can understand it.

 

Clarkson is the antichrist of clutches.

 

It's senseless to expect sense from a supercar.

 

JC's daily column is often hilarious, but he needs to get out more. Trying to "burn rubber" in an AWD with fat tires is why there is a booming trade in replacement EVO clutches (and STi gearboxes).

I guess the boy racer in him sometimes overrides memory and common sense. (Been there, done that.)

 

There may also be an element of the different societies here. For example, one of his big hang-ups seems to be how he perceives the jealousy of people towards his car impinging on his enjoyment.

Now, I know that some people have run into this in the States but I think there's a lot less of it. I drive my car thru poor neighborhoods often on the way to work and have never run into anything other than a "thumbs-up' or "Can I borrow that this weekend?" I've NEVER been spit on, given the finger or called any names. No, I wouldn't leave it parked there but i wouldn't leave any car parked there: my Volvo once got keyed on the street.

I've traveled a lot and there is this certain lack of jealousy for the very rich in the States that's present in many other countries. In the States people look at the very rich and while there may be a twinge, most say, "Go for it" or are even motivated to work for it.

In Europe and particularly Eastern Europe or Russia, on the other hand, there's this element of 'The bastard, who did he steal it from?" Now, there may be many desirable things about European vs American society-I'm not going to get into that but......

This difference may color the guy's perception of the angst of owning a super car.

Not to highjack the thread or anything…….Oh well, flame away

 

It is a factor over here in the UK, but some marques are perceived differently to others. Interesting thread here on UK Porsche owners' experiences:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=113710&f=48&h=0

 

I'm afraid JC's become a caricature of himself. He has an opinion on EVERYTHING and he's never wrong. He's one of 28 UK Ford GT owners ; wonder how he managed that?
Don't get me wrong, i rate JC highly as a motoring journo. It's just that he's now appearing everywhere you turn in the UK and he's become a victim of his own success.

 

Very interesting UK Porsche discussion, and even learned a few new slang terms.
With a black Mondial coupe, the only people who notice are those relatively few enthusiasts who know what it is. Which is perfectly fine by me.

 

"I'm afraid JC's become a caricature of himself. He has an opinion on EVERYTHING and he's never wrong. He's one of 28 UK Ford GT owners ; wonder how he managed that?
Don't get me wrong, i rate JC highly as a motoring journo. It's just that he's now appearing everywhere you turn in the UK and he's become a victim of his own success."

I think you are viewing Top gear in the wrong light. Honestly, one of the reasons I like it over all the other shows is it doesn't take itself seriously. I don't read a magazine or watch a car show to get an objective review to decide which car I like, I do so to be entertained. I mean 90 percent of the cars on there I'll never step foot in. As such basically there opinion of the cars is less important then the segment itself. JC seems to have a good handle on this.

 

I see what you're saying ; JC DOES articulate very well the essence of what makes a great car great. He should stick to that . Perhaps you're not exposed to him as much as us in the UK? He's now doing TV ads for our biggest telephone and internet provider enough said ?