What kind of owner do you want to be?

Before I registered at Ferrarichat, I had no appreciation for any model older than the 355 (other than the F40 and F50). Now, I get a huge grin on my face when I see someone about 20 years my senior driving a 308/328 (I'm 22 yrs old), because I assume that they lusted after that car for years in the same way that I have lusted after the 360.

I know that no many how many f-cars I own after it, the 360 will HAVE to be my first Ferrari, because I believe it is the most beautiful car ever made. Understanding the passion of others for their cars engenders a "kinship" between the generations.

I'm certainly a better "tifosi" because of the time I spend on F-chat.

 

The daily driver kind. F40 or 308...

 

Well said!
You left me with nothing to offer but..applause!!!!

 

When i get a Ferrari i want to be the kind of owner like all the NW guys i've met so far. Definately the nicest bunch of car enthusiests i've ever met.

 

I'm a kid. When I see a nice car, like a Ferrari, I immediatly grab my camera, take pictures, and admire it. Having never had a ride in a Ferrari, and being very enthusiastic about cars, nothing makes me happier than meeting a nice driver....someone who will answer my questions about their car, talk with me about it, let my sit in it. If I am ever fortunate enough to own as beautiful a car as a Ferrari, I will be sure to remember the people who aren't as lucky, and remember what made me so happy.
Here's to all the kind drivers out there, my thanks.
-brady

 

Yea i feel the same way, Just like steve told me, when he was a little kid and he went to ferrari owners, they never let him sit in cars, or give him a ride. So now that he owns ferrari, he is nice to kids like me who dream up to owning somthing that spectaculer.

 

I want to be an onwer like Daniel from NC, or DL from Westwood. 'Nuff said!

 

props to those people!

 

Manny,

If you fill out your profile, people know where you are, and you canprobably land yourself a ride. Look at what happened to NNO.

 

Hmmm..that guy in the passenger seat looks vaguely familar...
Wish everyone could be so enthusiastic as Dan, your passion and love of Ferraris and their fans never ceases to amaze me!! I will be forever in debt for that spine tingling ride!!!
David

 

Trying to improve on what you said would only diminish the impact.

Thank you and rest assured there are probably many others who agree with you one hundred percent but don't write.

Thanks again.

 

Daniel, great post, thanks

 

yea thats perfect

 

I am glad that you posted this. It has been an important thing to me to be open and friendly when people come up to me and ask about my cars. Back when I was little, it was always a downer when I would see a Ferrari or other exotic and the owner would come out and act like a total jerk. Now, I understand that some people are just naturally bad with others, but when you buy an exotic car it comes with responsibility to be accessible to those that are not as fortunate as you. Think about when you were little and you first saw a Ferrari. Wouldn't your experience have been tarnished if you were told, "Hey!! Get away from my car," by the owner?? I have always treated those that politely ask me aboout my cars as I would like to be treated. With respect and an 'open door' policy. I give people rides when I can, and even turn over the keys to those that are able to drive responsibly. I drive my cars without regard to miles and enjoy them as much as possible. I fully entend to do that with every car that I have, no matter how much it costs. There was recently a guy with a black F355 that posted about how he drove his car on a lengthy trip, and let the garage mechanic who fixed it in the small town take it for a drive. That is what I think is cool. Letting someone who would not normally get to experience a Ferrari drive one is extremely cool. When I move to an F355 I fully intend to let others drive it as much as possible. If you have a Ferrari...I fully encourage you to share it with others. Make their dreams come true just like yours has.

 

Any, I'm not fussy

Pete

 

From whom i met today, we are a majority

 

(I don't know who came up with this, but it's mostly good advice)

1. My cars will always be clean and well presentable. I will ensure that my cars are in the highest state of mechanical condition and maintenance. Exotics are indeed rare, and to see one is a special experience. I have an obligation to present these cars to others at a high standard.

2. I will always be polite, courteous, and friendly. I will not talk down to or ignore anyone, and I will cheerfully answer all questions. Exotic owners wrongly suffer from a "snob" label. By actively and always countering this, I will strive to change this perception among all whom I meet.

3. Where feasible, I will encourage inspection and observation of my cars. If someone is clean and courteous, I will encourage them to sit in my cars. I will actively encourage photographs. In particular, I will encourage this among younger children. On occasion, I will offer rides to admirers under the appropriate circumstances.

4. With one exception (see 5, below), I will obey all traffic laws or local traffic customs. Especially, I will pass other cars only in marked, safe passing zones, and I will always respect traffic speeds and noise ordinances within city limits. I will always drive in a defensive manner to protect myself and my vehicle. I will not initiate nor will I respond to challenges to race my cars on open public roads.

5. Operating my cars as God, Enzo, and Luca intended will occur only on open, rural routes free of heavy traffic or on appropriately designated race courses. On public highways, I will use my highest powers of observation and diligence to ensure that I place myself, my vehicles, and the public in no additional danger. I will be aware of the environment and road conditions, and I will not drive at excessive speeds on unknown or suspect roads. When approaching blind corners or hills, I will assume that an obstacle exists and will take appropriate defensive measures.

6. I will share my passion and excitement for exotic cars with others through community service and charitable events. I will actively seek out community organizations such as local police departments and schools and offer my cars for use in events such as DARE programs, homecoming parades, pep rallies, etc. Many communities have "Make a Wish" foundations for sick children. If given the opportunity, I will offer a day with myself and my cars to such organizations in an effort to brighten an otherwise trying life for someone less fortunate than I.

7. I will be honest and open with other enthusiasts, and I will accurately represent my cars to prospective owners and buyers. I will keep complete records, and I will always follow up with purchasers of my cars to ensure that they continue to gain maximum satisfaction and appreciation for cars that I have owned and serviced.

8. I will always have a smile on my face when inspecting, driving, or showing my cars to others. I will never forget how fortunate I've been to own such automobiles and I will constantly remind myself that the future is uncertain, and that today may be as good as it gets.

 

thanks rijk! and check to your right!

 

I would absolutely believe it. Though MO/OK/IA/AK may not be places where hot women live, the inherent values people hold dear and have are something many people can aspire to and learn from. Vince and you are clear examples of the good people from the heartland, who also happen to have Ferraris.

Don't flame Just my .02:
People in Southern CA (not F chatters) and some in NY (non F chatters), I notice who buy the F car or any other car for the prestige of owning it, are the kind of people that gives F car owners a bad name. These people tend to be arrogant pricks who care about their Prada shoes and LV bags and the Horsey on their key rings. (people like this also make threads about their own key rings )

I just picked two large metropolitan cities where I have seen such behavior. S. CA seems to be the capital of the world, when it comes to shallow, materalistic, idiotic, classless people.

 

Buddy, you hit the nail on the head! I first saw a 308 in Motor Trend back in 1975. I fell in love with it and dreamed that some day I would own one. I drooled through the Magnum PI years, paniced in the late crazy '80s, and started gaining hope in the 90's. This year on Father's Day (how appropriate is THAT!), my baby came home - unfortunately I was at the USGP! I have run into the rare few who look down their nose at my "lowly" 308 with a "measly 8 cylinders", but for the most part the F-car owners have been terrific! Besides, I couldn't give a rat's behind what anyone thinks about my car because this is just an unbelievable dream come true!

I have to tell this story (please don't nod off!). Today the St. Louis chapter of the Ferrari Club of America did our annual winery run. Absolutely beautiful day with maybe 25 F-cars and Maser's participating. Everything from several 308's, 328's, 348's, a 360, 550, 575 , even a Lotus 7, and an absolutely gorgeous 288 GTO. We arrive and park and are all standing around chatting. I notice a family (not in our group) checking out MY car and taking pics. MY CAR! Out of all the beautiful machinery on display, they pick MY 308! The daughter was 20 something and was taking as many pics as her dad. I walked over and asked them if they wanted to sit in it for some pictures. I could have knocked her over with a feather! Grinning ear to ear she posed for about a dozen shots. I told her I would give her the car if she could figure out how to open the door. She gave up - they never do! Well, they thanked me profusely and were talking about sending the pics to aunts, uncles, her boyfriend, neighbors, coworkers....... I ran into them about an hour later and they were still talking about it - and thanked me again! And you know what? I know exactly how they feel, because I feel it every time I look at this beautiful car in the garage, or turn the key, or steer her through some twisties. Man, it just does not get any better than this! That's the kind of owner I am!

Jim

 

It has always been part of my fantasy since I was little that I would one day be a proud owner of a Ferrari.
I am still very excited with my F car as I have just got my 328 a month ago. I have always had this image of F car owners as more of snobbish people as I have owned a Porche, a Jag XK8 before and never came into close contact with F car owners. Since I bought the car I never thought of joining the local Ferrari club here as I still have the image in my head but I was convinced to join the party that they had and I must admit that nearly 20 owners that were there were nothing close to what I had imagined and they were so nice friendly people and enthusiastic about their F cars. They made me felt comfortable and excited to be part of them.
Yes, I think no matter what you should consider how fortunate we F car drivers are to be able to fulfill once a distant dream. So it would be nice to share these with the less fortunate ones and encourage them to realise their dreams.