People Asking You To Do Them a Favour in Your Car!
Discussion
Anjum said:
Sone
I understand your predicament. It's a tough call. I often get asked to "do someone a favour". Whether its at petrol stations (how much , how fast, how many miles per gallonn, can I take a picture, can my son/daughter sit in your car etc.) to making kids days - letting them sit in it, letting them start it (pressing the button), taking them for a drive etc.
When I was a little boy, I used to pass Portman concessionaires in Portman Square - and a kind man called Del Hopkins (UK Lambo legend) - used to have to wipe my drool off his windows (of the showroom). One day, totally unexpectedly, he asked if I'd like to go out for a ride with a car in the showroom, not far - around the square - and it made my day. I can still remember the feeling of getting into the car - the car starting up and everybody just staring at the car - and me! I loved it - and Del is the reason why I've been in Lamborghini's for nearly 20 years!
I'll never forget how patient Del was with me - asking the same questions that you have been asked by people/kids - and now feel duty bound to allow a few mins extra at every fuel stop to answer questions, with a smile on my face.
Last summer, I was sitting out enjoying the sun at local pub, when this 12 year old boy was sitting behind me, with his parents and grandparents. Suffice to say, he and his dad were only in town to go super car spotting, whilst his mum and gran were out shopping. We got chatting, and lo and behold, the only car he wasn't able to see was an Aventador. So, I offered to take him to my house, which was a 30 second walk away, (with his father!) and let him sit in the car, take photo's and then to start the car. Suffice to say, he was blown away - and burst into tears - and had an experience that he'll never forget - and he also learned that achieving his dream is entirely in his hands - and that he too could be the owner of a super car if he works hard at school or whatever job/work he tries his hand at. His parents have now become friends.
You are in a position that most people will never be in - and, without trying to sound melodramatic, you are in a position to change peoples lives. I find it helps me to feel good about driving about is fun cars - knowing that I enjoy what I do - and can make a difference.
Whatever you decide to do - enjoy your toy - because you should!
Here endeth the sermon!
A
Well said. Also I use to walk past Portman Garages in George St as a 19 year old. It was an Alfa Romeo dealer and I managed to buy a 1.3 Alfasud, my first Italian. I loved that car. I understand your predicament. It's a tough call. I often get asked to "do someone a favour". Whether its at petrol stations (how much , how fast, how many miles per gallonn, can I take a picture, can my son/daughter sit in your car etc.) to making kids days - letting them sit in it, letting them start it (pressing the button), taking them for a drive etc.
When I was a little boy, I used to pass Portman concessionaires in Portman Square - and a kind man called Del Hopkins (UK Lambo legend) - used to have to wipe my drool off his windows (of the showroom). One day, totally unexpectedly, he asked if I'd like to go out for a ride with a car in the showroom, not far - around the square - and it made my day. I can still remember the feeling of getting into the car - the car starting up and everybody just staring at the car - and me! I loved it - and Del is the reason why I've been in Lamborghini's for nearly 20 years!
I'll never forget how patient Del was with me - asking the same questions that you have been asked by people/kids - and now feel duty bound to allow a few mins extra at every fuel stop to answer questions, with a smile on my face.
Last summer, I was sitting out enjoying the sun at local pub, when this 12 year old boy was sitting behind me, with his parents and grandparents. Suffice to say, he and his dad were only in town to go super car spotting, whilst his mum and gran were out shopping. We got chatting, and lo and behold, the only car he wasn't able to see was an Aventador. So, I offered to take him to my house, which was a 30 second walk away, (with his father!) and let him sit in the car, take photo's and then to start the car. Suffice to say, he was blown away - and burst into tears - and had an experience that he'll never forget - and he also learned that achieving his dream is entirely in his hands - and that he too could be the owner of a super car if he works hard at school or whatever job/work he tries his hand at. His parents have now become friends.
You are in a position that most people will never be in - and, without trying to sound melodramatic, you are in a position to change peoples lives. I find it helps me to feel good about driving about is fun cars - knowing that I enjoy what I do - and can make a difference.
Whatever you decide to do - enjoy your toy - because you should!
Here endeth the sermon!
A
While don't respond to emails I do let kids sit in my car assuming their parents are around. The smiles are priceless. And happily gave a someone the opportunity to drive my F40 with me in the passenger seat (c/o one of 70 Proof's meets). It was a pleasure.
I like the story Anjum wrote and it's true that things like that can make your whole year. The first time I went out in a Ferrari was at gaydon supercar Sunday and the car in question was a 550, which was part of the sporting bears. It was amazing and the fact the donation went to a good cause, even more so. I now spend my days surrounded by supercars and it still has an effect on me when I see them. While polishing them, the feeling is different as I just see a panel at a time and I'm concerned about the defects rather than what car it is, but after you stand back and look at it you're back to thinking wow just look at that.
Even though im in a position of having clients with the best supercars money can buy. I would still never just call up and ask if they could take me somewhere like an event. If I needed to do that, I would offer a free detail or like Will said, money to charity. If it was me, I would stick to friends and family, unless of course, the people asking were willing to give some money to charity.
Francis
Even though im in a position of having clients with the best supercars money can buy. I would still never just call up and ask if they could take me somewhere like an event. If I needed to do that, I would offer a free detail or like Will said, money to charity. If it was me, I would stick to friends and family, unless of course, the people asking were willing to give some money to charity.
Francis
Anjum's story is great, the difference to the OP being Anjum chose to share with someone with an interest in cars.
In the OPs situation, I'd not respond. Nice though it is that someone likes your cars, it's the sense of entitlement that gets me and I think the difference between flash and appreciating cars also makes a difference, though perhaps that is difficult to convey in a short PM.
In the OPs situation, I'd not respond. Nice though it is that someone likes your cars, it's the sense of entitlement that gets me and I think the difference between flash and appreciating cars also makes a difference, though perhaps that is difficult to convey in a short PM.
Anjum said:
Sone
I understand your predicament. It's a tough call. I often get asked to "do someone a favour". Whether its at petrol stations (how much , how fast, how many miles per gallonn, can I take a picture, can my son/daughter sit in your car etc.) to making kids days - letting them sit in it, letting them start it (pressing the button), taking them for a drive etc.
When I was a little boy, I used to pass Portman concessionaires in Portman Square - and a kind man called Del Hopkins (UK Lambo legend) - used to have to wipe my drool off his windows (of the showroom). One day, totally unexpectedly, he asked if I'd like to go out for a ride with a car in the showroom, not far - around the square - and it made my day. I can still remember the feeling of getting into the car - the car starting up and everybody just staring at the car - and me! I loved it - and Del is the reason why I've been in Lamborghini's for nearly 20 years!
I'll never forget how patient Del was with me - asking the same questions that you have been asked by people/kids - and now feel duty bound to allow a few mins extra at every fuel stop to answer questions, with a smile on my face.
Last summer, I was sitting out enjoying the sun at local pub, when this 12 year old boy was sitting behind me, with his parents and grandparents. Suffice to say, he and his dad were only in town to go super car spotting, whilst his mum and gran were out shopping. We got chatting, and lo and behold, the only car he wasn't able to see was an Aventador. So, I offered to take him to my house, which was a 30 second walk away, (with his father!) and let him sit in the car, take photo's and then to start the car. Suffice to say, he was blown away - and burst into tears - and had an experience that he'll never forget - and he also learned that achieving his dream is entirely in his hands - and that he too could be the owner of a super car if he works hard at school or whatever job/work he tries his hand at. His parents have now become friends.
You are in a position that most people will never be in - and, without trying to sound melodramatic, you are in a position to change peoples lives. I find it helps me to feel good about driving about is fun cars - knowing that I enjoy what I do - and can make a difference.
Whatever you decide to do - enjoy your toy - because you should!
Here endeth the sermon!
A
Nice one Anjum, that lad will be in a Lambo 20 years down the line, if he works hard enough.I understand your predicament. It's a tough call. I often get asked to "do someone a favour". Whether its at petrol stations (how much , how fast, how many miles per gallonn, can I take a picture, can my son/daughter sit in your car etc.) to making kids days - letting them sit in it, letting them start it (pressing the button), taking them for a drive etc.
When I was a little boy, I used to pass Portman concessionaires in Portman Square - and a kind man called Del Hopkins (UK Lambo legend) - used to have to wipe my drool off his windows (of the showroom). One day, totally unexpectedly, he asked if I'd like to go out for a ride with a car in the showroom, not far - around the square - and it made my day. I can still remember the feeling of getting into the car - the car starting up and everybody just staring at the car - and me! I loved it - and Del is the reason why I've been in Lamborghini's for nearly 20 years!
I'll never forget how patient Del was with me - asking the same questions that you have been asked by people/kids - and now feel duty bound to allow a few mins extra at every fuel stop to answer questions, with a smile on my face.
Last summer, I was sitting out enjoying the sun at local pub, when this 12 year old boy was sitting behind me, with his parents and grandparents. Suffice to say, he and his dad were only in town to go super car spotting, whilst his mum and gran were out shopping. We got chatting, and lo and behold, the only car he wasn't able to see was an Aventador. So, I offered to take him to my house, which was a 30 second walk away, (with his father!) and let him sit in the car, take photo's and then to start the car. Suffice to say, he was blown away - and burst into tears - and had an experience that he'll never forget - and he also learned that achieving his dream is entirely in his hands - and that he too could be the owner of a super car if he works hard at school or whatever job/work he tries his hand at. His parents have now become friends.
You are in a position that most people will never be in - and, without trying to sound melodramatic, you are in a position to change peoples lives. I find it helps me to feel good about driving about is fun cars - knowing that I enjoy what I do - and can make a difference.
Whatever you decide to do - enjoy your toy - because you should!
Here endeth the sermon!
A
Pork said:
Anjum's story is great, the difference to the OP being Anjum chose to share with someone with an interest in cars.
In the OPs situation, I'd not respond. Nice though it is that someone likes your cars, it's the sense of entitlement that gets me and I think the difference between flash and appreciating cars also makes a difference, though perhaps that is difficult to convey in a short PM.
I take exception to that re-mark I share my cars with anybody who takes interest just not people who email me randomly. If you want to pop up to the NEC in a couple of weeks time you'll see me sharing my cars with others at my cost but also with my pleasure!.In the OPs situation, I'd not respond. Nice though it is that someone likes your cars, it's the sense of entitlement that gets me and I think the difference between flash and appreciating cars also makes a difference, though perhaps that is difficult to convey in a short PM.
I think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:21
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:23
sone said:
I take exception to that re-mark I share my cars with anybody who takes interest just not people who email me randomly. If you want to pop up to the NEC in a couple of weeks time you'll see me sharing my cars with others at my cost but also with my pleasure!.
I think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
SoneI think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:21
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:23
Sorry, as I may have caused the misunderstanding. Based on re-reading your original post, if I understand correctly, you're being emailed by random, unknown people requesting a ride in your car. I think I would be concerned as to how the unknown person had got your email address.
That said, have a blast at the NEC, and I may pop up for a ride too!
A
Anjum said:
sone said:
I take exception to that re-mark I share my cars with anybody who takes interest just not people who email me randomly. If you want to pop up to the NEC in a couple of weeks time you'll see me sharing my cars with others at my cost but also with my pleasure!.
I think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
SoneI think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:21
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:23
Sorry, as I may have caused the misunderstanding. Based on re-reading your original post, if I understand correctly, you're being emailed by random, unknown people requesting a ride in your car. I think I would be concerned as to how the unknown person had got your email address.
That said, have a blast at the NEC, and I may pop up for a ride too!
A
sone said:
I take exception to that re-mark I share my cars with anybody who takes interest just not people who email me randomly. If you want to pop up to the NEC in a couple of weeks time you'll see me sharing my cars with others at my cost but also with my pleasure!.
I think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
I'm not sure which remark you take exception too, but I think we're saying the same thing. I think some people have missed the point if someone approaches and talks to you so at least you have met them and asks you to do them a favour it's a bit different from receiving an email from a stranger
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:21
Edited by sone on Friday 31st October 10:23
As a 'recipient' I have had some very lovely experiences via the kindness of (at the time) total strangers, including from PH (especially Morgan owners). I'm also sure I've asked some pretty weird questions along the way...!
I'll never be able to own an F40 so to even have had a passenger ride was a dream come true and is more than most people ever get. When it's your hero car that you've been obsessed by since you were 5 years old the memory honestly does last a lifetime. Thank you to all the generous owners for being liberal with their P&J!
I'll never be able to own an F40 so to even have had a passenger ride was a dream come true and is more than most people ever get. When it's your hero car that you've been obsessed by since you were 5 years old the memory honestly does last a lifetime. Thank you to all the generous owners for being liberal with their P&J!
Personally I've found it so great to see happy people after a passenger ride in the various TVR's and more recently Aston I've been fortunate to have, sometimes I've got a little carried away and if I knew a friend could drive a powerful rwd car safely, let them. 
That's really too large a risk to take, so I did a safer thing and set up a professional sports car hire business this year, but an alternative to the city-hire co's with their expensive brand new supercars.... with pre-owned supercars at half the price, and close to some rather good North Wales driving roads. More happy people, less risk to me
That's really too large a risk to take, so I did a safer thing and set up a professional sports car hire business this year, but an alternative to the city-hire co's with their expensive brand new supercars.... with pre-owned supercars at half the price, and close to some rather good North Wales driving roads. More happy people, less risk to me
Edited by tail slide on Monday 3rd November 08:11
Pork said:
Anjum's story is great, the difference to the OP being Anjum chose to share with someone with an interest in cars.
In the OPs situation, I'd not respond. Nice though it is that someone likes your cars, it's the sense of entitlement that gets me and I think the difference between flash and appreciating cars also makes a difference, though perhaps that is difficult to convey in a short PM.
I think most owners on PH are generally great and help encourage the next generation of car enthusiasts. I still remember and really appreciate Anjum giving me a ride in London during a Porsche run. It's just a lot more difficult when it is so random, not someone you know, or someone you have a chance to talk to and see that they are really interested in the car, not just showing off to friends.In the OPs situation, I'd not respond. Nice though it is that someone likes your cars, it's the sense of entitlement that gets me and I think the difference between flash and appreciating cars also makes a difference, though perhaps that is difficult to convey in a short PM.
I think theres a big difference between striking up a conversation with an owner and potentially an owner then offering to take the other party for a spin versus what pretty much amounts to a begging e-mail to and from complete strangers.
I agree with some posters about sharing the cars, I only run a TVR rather than anything too exotic but I'm mostly happy to stop and chat if someone walks up and will occasionally offer to take then for a spin if I have time.
I also don't really like the people who join PH just to ask these questions, I'd far rather take a known enthusiast out than someone just here on the off chance.
SONE - will you be at the NEC on the Saturday? Would love a nose around theA6 Aventador if you get a free moment? I'm only with the Bears the one day this year unfortunately but I love doing DR
I agree with some posters about sharing the cars, I only run a TVR rather than anything too exotic but I'm mostly happy to stop and chat if someone walks up and will occasionally offer to take then for a spin if I have time.
I also don't really like the people who join PH just to ask these questions, I'd far rather take a known enthusiast out than someone just here on the off chance.
SONE - will you be at the NEC on the Saturday? Would love a nose around the
I was another member of the Portman Club and enjoyed similar kindness from Del (top top man) and Mike Perry (Sales Manager). Kevan Humprey also worked there around 1990 (I remember around the time the first Diablo landed) and they were all extremely friendly and gracious in allowing a random kid and his mate to walk around their showroom and sit in their cars.
Ironically years later I went to get my Ferrari Permagard treated only to find Mike running the business. I'm sure he did not have a clue who I was but I explained he was one of the people responsible for sparking my desire to work hard and own such a car.
Ironically years later I went to get my Ferrari Permagard treated only to find Mike running the business. I'm sure he did not have a clue who I was but I explained he was one of the people responsible for sparking my desire to work hard and own such a car.
SONE - will you be at the NEC on the Saturday? Would love a nose around the
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Yes hope to be there Friday and Saturday this year, will hopefully use my Xbow on one of the days if its dry enough tho?
Not that I currently have a car that people want to be desperately seen in (that's next years business I hope) but there is a world away from a kid/adult who is just mad about cars and wants to experience your car because of what it is and someone who is only interested in your car because they want to be seen in it. Frankly I can't believe parents have got the neck to ask!
I get this an awful lot, not with the Ferrari but with my VW splitscreen camper. I am approach by people wanting to "use it" for their wedding. I get the whole story about how they love them, always wanted one, grew up in one blah blah blah. I get told how it would make their day etc etc, how they will only need the van for 4-5 hours and that its only 150 miles away. They also know that a splitscreen cost £800 plus for a wedding, so actually they are just after a free ride. I write down their number, tell them that I will think about it and file it in my piss taking, never met you before, cheeky b
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