What do you say when someone finds out you own a ferrari?

I usually say just that and at the same time explain that it is MY HOBBY, it's just a car. I tell them I'm a car guy, hell I currently own five.

 

Happened to me yesterday. We were having lunch with a new hire class of 11 people, mostly recent college grads. My peer was setting up introductions and said "We'll start with Jim, he has a Ferrari". Nice. My response? "It's an old one".

 

Don't ya just love being put on the spot?

 

Yeah, that's a classic, when someone else volunteers information (like "He owns a Ferrari") in front of other people..

 

Wanna ride?

 

People tell me: "you have a beautiful wife," I don't say: "Thanks, but she is old and costs less than your girlfriend."

So, when they say to me: "you have a Ferrari?" I just say, yes, thanks.

 

I sympathize with you, Bo. I also live in a predominately poor, rural area. Many years ago I bought a 911s (my wife was driving a new corvette at that time), and we endured lots of comments that made us feel like there was something wrong with us. After years of reflection, I've determined that--barring some--most folks remarks are envious/teasing/playful/curious/surprised. I would offer that some portion of your reaction might be oversensitivity to their comments. Why hide the car/tint the windows? Did you grow up poor? Feel guilty of your educational and professional success? DON'T do that to yourself! Show the car off! Drive it to work! Take your boss for a weekend drive!
Not trying to psychoanalyze--I'm a building contractor, what do I know?--and hope I am not offending anyone, but that's my take on the situation.
Keith

 

Was out with people and a "friend" says,...tell'um about your Ferrari.

Changed the whole tone of the evening.

I should have responded...tell'um about your sep IRA!!!

 

When my former employer heard I had bought a Ferrari, he asked skimpingly "What scale?"

I told him "1 : 1!"

Next, he asked if that must not have been expensive and I must be having too much cash on my hands?

I told him "Well........ I'm so desperarte, I don't no what else to do to spend that HUGE SALARY you're paying me, BOSS!!" Exit boss, not amused.

Anyway, 3 months later I was on my way to my next employer. Who never bothered to ask in the first place.

 

Bo, I can relate to your issue of being a ferrari owner in a small town. In my case, the population of the whole coastal area for ten miles in either direction, MIGHT be 20,000 people! I have thought about tinting the windows as I too like the privacy. I don't know what people say behind my back, but so far, through 8 years of exotic/sports car ownership, the comments made to me have been curious and positive. I think its all different levels, I mean people with old trucks are jealous of, or really notice, new trucks, etc etc.

I do appreciate the extra grace a titanium car offers though, as opposed to red or yellow. I also appreciate the car a lot and I think most folks pick up on that and also just enjoy it without tripping on money etc. I would certainly not feel funny about admitting ownership though and people that pry into your personal life like the question about your wife, well f*ck em, eh? They are fun to play with though. Try starting a rumor that your wife is somehow connected to a major family fortune. Some old money company, and she stands to come into big money. See how long that takes to raise the jealous inquisition!

 

LOL, this from a guy whose exhaust was so loud, deaf people complained at least once a week...!


Terry, i think your response is awesome...!

 

Jeez, Jimpo. Your "peer" ought to be taken aside and told to mind his own big yapper. I would consider that to be extremely rude when spoken as an initial introduction to a group of strangers, in a non "car guy" setting.

 

Caution! Caution! Small town rumors are bad enough when others start them. Don't start them yourself! Don't spread rumors of great wealth if you live in a small area...you may end up living with some fear of child-napping or home invasion.
Keith

 

HAR! That is great!

I just smile at the Bimmer M... drivers. I too have not met one that was human. Anyway, smiling just pisses them off.

I also live in a small town. I have had "the question" from parents at my kid's school. I just say, "Yes!" with enthusiasm. Because the next question is always, "How come you never drive it around here (school functions) to show it off?" To which I reply, "I bought it to drive it, not show it off." That usually shuts them up. Some guys will feel more at ease and start asking questions. That is when I will get into explaining my most-of-my-life long passion for the horsey. That's when I ask if they would like a ride some day. If you stay accessable, only the social morons (BMW M.. drivers?) will practice their obnoxiousness.

Jim

 

Good point except when most people see a Ferrari they naturally assume it cost over 100 k and does 200 MPH. The whole idea behind the comment "old and slow" is to show a little humilty instead of the expected and ill perceived arrogance.

Besides, my Ferrari IS slow AND old.

I wouldn't say that about my wife OR girl friend. It simply isn't the same thing.

 

What do I say when someone finds out I own a Ferrari? I reply that I worked my arse off all of my life and I am enjoying the fruits of my labor and by the by which Ferrari did you see me in, I own three. Acquisition is the basis of collection!!

 

You are a Doctor and you need to explain why you can afford a Ferrari ???

 

People ask me this question all the time. I answer differently every time trying to find the best response, but I haven't found one yet.

My favorite response to "You have a Ferrari?" is, "I have two." And the next best questions are, "What kind of Ferrari do you have?" or "What color is your Ferrari?" and my answer is always, "Which one?"

Those responses are fairly cocky, and I rarely mean to be, but after over 6 years of owning a Ferrari, the questions get tiring. I still hide the fact that I own a Ferrari as much as possible, but I've learned to live with the fact and just answer honestly when people ask questions.

I figure, if they don't like me or prejudge me because of the car I drive, well, so be it. I own a Ferrari and I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT (except when it comes time to pay repair bills).
David

 

I guess being from Mill Valley, California and working in Silicon Valley the more common question here is how come it took you so long to buy a Ferrari! Seriously in Mill Valley and Marin County a day hardly passes where I do not see 1, 2 or even 3 360s, 430s, 355 etc on the local roads and freeways into San Francisco….they seem to be seen on the highways around here like Spring leaves on a tree…I get so used to seeing them locally I really do not even think about it anymore….

 

Just say "yep , I need something to drive the trophy wife in "

 

I've always wondered about this complaint about Ferrari ownership. It's like you're ashamed of how much money you make. If so, then drive a Friggin' Yugo.

I guess it's just the price of admission. If you buy a Ferrari, expect some people to ask questions, sometimes rude questions.

I live in a smaller town by far, and have yet to be asked, in 2+ years of driving, what my car cost, how I could afford it, etc. Not once.

If I was asked I'd probably let them know what it cost, and if they persisted tell them that after 25 years of working hard, this is one of the rewards.

I don't see what there is to be ashamed of. You work hard, went to school for a lot of years to get there, put in the long hours, and rewarded yourself with a Ferrari. Do you think anyone will switch doctors because you drive a Ferrari? Frankly, to me it means you're doing a good job, earning good bucks.

BE PROUD, NOT ASHAMED of the work you did to get the car. Answer their questions with some pride of ownership, both in the car, and your good paying profession.

DM

 

Whats the difference between an M3 and a Porcupine?
With an M3 the pricks are on the inside.
Steve

 

My boss heard that I had bought a Ferrari. He asked me if it was true. I said "Yes". He said "I guess I'll have to call you Enzo now".

Same boss gave me a substantial raise last Thursday. He handed me the payroll paperwork and said "You can buy another Ferrari now".

Cool boss.

 

It's not got to do with Ferrari's specifically, but most highly recognizable luxury objects (e.g. RR, Ferrari, Porsche, Rolex, etc). A few people will look at these things and think "nice" thing; but most will look at these things and think "expensive" thing. If they're the type that thinks "expensive" thing, they are probably categorizing you in other ways too. None of this is helped by the fact that many people do buy these things only as visible wealth tokens and act accordingly.

If the person has a reasonable chance of owning those things themselves (e.g. cues such as upscale profession or neighborhood), they are more likely to be enthusiastic and appreciative. If the person doesn't have a chance, then it is more likely to call up their inadequacies and create possible jealousies. These negative feelings may be their problem and not yours, but recognize that it will happen - and since you're the fortunate one, a bit of "nobless oblige" may be in order.

Recognizing the above, suggests that your response should depend on the source. If it's a person who could be an owner, you take the time to talk to them about why it's a "nice" thing (specs, performance, value, not as expensive as people think, etc) and not just an "expensive" thing. If it's a person who's not likely to ever be an owner, I believe your best approach is to come across as genuine as possible (i.e. car nut, always wanted one, saved a long time, searched hard and long, etc). They may not be able to afford one, but they can empathize with the committment and passion it took for you to own one. This latter approach may also work with bosses and clients if they see you with your baby.

The wrong response is to flaunt it or rub it in their faces, if nothing else you always take the risk of an extreme reaction (keying, etc).