Ferrari Owner a Cheapskate?!
Discussion
Hi everybody,
I joined PH last month and have been enjoying all the postings here but this is my first. Had to write about an incident on my way home an hour ago...
A 5-year old Bimmer M3 pulls up beside my car (F 360M, LHD) at a traffic light and shouts, "hey you f***ing cheapstake, couldn't afford a right hand drive?" What is it with people that, first, makes them instant idiots around a Ferrari and, second, makes them so vitriolic?! In the two years since I've had the 360, I've had idiots try to race me (I just move into the slow lane in response usually), sometimes tailgate me or try to push me away, and so on. I once chased away a guy who was about to scratch my car with a key and he kept shouting "bloody foreigner" as he ran!
In contrast, on the Continent, particularly Holland, Southern France and Italy, most drivers play fair on the roads and in fact get out of the way quickly, they come and talk to you at petrol stations, and even want to get photographed with the car. It's usually fun running into interested people in Europe.
What's the matter with people (okay a small minority but a pretty aggressive bunch who just have to get in your face) here? I'd be grateful to know if others have also had such experiences and what makes them behave that way!
Looking forward to many more postings...
Amar
I joined PH last month and have been enjoying all the postings here but this is my first. Had to write about an incident on my way home an hour ago...
A 5-year old Bimmer M3 pulls up beside my car (F 360M, LHD) at a traffic light and shouts, "hey you f***ing cheapstake, couldn't afford a right hand drive?" What is it with people that, first, makes them instant idiots around a Ferrari and, second, makes them so vitriolic?! In the two years since I've had the 360, I've had idiots try to race me (I just move into the slow lane in response usually), sometimes tailgate me or try to push me away, and so on. I once chased away a guy who was about to scratch my car with a key and he kept shouting "bloody foreigner" as he ran!
In contrast, on the Continent, particularly Holland, Southern France and Italy, most drivers play fair on the roads and in fact get out of the way quickly, they come and talk to you at petrol stations, and even want to get photographed with the car. It's usually fun running into interested people in Europe.
What's the matter with people (okay a small minority but a pretty aggressive bunch who just have to get in your face) here? I'd be grateful to know if others have also had such experiences and what makes them behave that way!
Looking forward to many more postings...
Amar
Thanks, everybody, for the welcomes and experience sharing - it's great to join you all here! Sorry my first posting was of a negative experience because, you're right Kevin, most experiences with the Ferrari have been fantastic.
My father's best friend was Enzo's cousin and I've been around Ferraris since age 4, so getting the first one two years ago was a dream fulfilled and has been a pleasure since. And actually, like all of you, I got the car not to advertise success or pose but because I love great driving and the 360 is the best driving experience for me so far.
I got LHD because most of my mileage is on the Continent and I might move to Italy in a couple of years anyway. But once in a while it bugs me that at home here in England I have to deal with idiots who try to spoil the experience, while in Europe there has not been a single such incident.
I didn't react last night and usually don't (actually it was the motorcyclist next to us who stared at the Bimmer for what seemed like ages and stopped him flooring it when the light turned green!), both because I don't care about these people and the damage they can do if their sensitive egos get pricked. But unfortunately it still wrankles me sometimes and it's a shame such people are out there to spoil it for others if they can't have it themselves.
Anyway that's the end of my rant. What a great day out in London now and time to enjoy it! Speak soon...
Amar
My father's best friend was Enzo's cousin and I've been around Ferraris since age 4, so getting the first one two years ago was a dream fulfilled and has been a pleasure since. And actually, like all of you, I got the car not to advertise success or pose but because I love great driving and the 360 is the best driving experience for me so far.
I got LHD because most of my mileage is on the Continent and I might move to Italy in a couple of years anyway. But once in a while it bugs me that at home here in England I have to deal with idiots who try to spoil the experience, while in Europe there has not been a single such incident.
I didn't react last night and usually don't (actually it was the motorcyclist next to us who stared at the Bimmer for what seemed like ages and stopped him flooring it when the light turned green!), both because I don't care about these people and the damage they can do if their sensitive egos get pricked. But unfortunately it still wrankles me sometimes and it's a shame such people are out there to spoil it for others if they can't have it themselves.
Anyway that's the end of my rant. What a great day out in London now and time to enjoy it! Speak soon...
Amar
Thanks maranellouk! I bought it from Maranello Sales who arranged the LHD through Garage Francorchamps, the Belgian dealer that happens to be owned by them. And in the bargain I got the car within 8 months rather than 18 months for RHD. Picked it up at the factory which was a nice experience.
It's red (rosso corsa, the first one had to be!), with tan interior (the deeper not the light one) and red carpets. And it's manual and the next one will also be manual probably - just like the feel of traditional gear changing too much.
BTW could you tell me how to upload a photo on here? Thanks.
Amar
It's red (rosso corsa, the first one had to be!), with tan interior (the deeper not the light one) and red carpets. And it's manual and the next one will also be manual probably - just like the feel of traditional gear changing too much.
BTW could you tell me how to upload a photo on here? Thanks.
Amar
Gassing Station | Supercar General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff