I am.! I ve worked hard to get the opportunity to own my first Ferrari and are thankful everyday.. So you would think others should see it the same way...however something changes when you tell someone in their response or the way you feel afterward....not in every case I want to add.! Are you treated differently.? Does anyone else feel this way.? What is the perception on this.?
I used to feel the same way, but after a while I thought ‘**** it’. I didn’t steal the money or sell drugs or anything illegal. I worked hard and smart, the same as most other owners. If they have a problem, it’s THEIR problem. In fact, if they get a bit smart arse or derogatory regarding the fact I have a Ferrari, I take even more pleasure in telling them I have 2. The people who matter don’t mind, and the people who mind don’t matter. Congratulations on your purchase and enjoy the hell out of it. You SHOULD be proud. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
When I bought my lowly 308 I had people ask me if I was selling drugs or what. I'd simply ask them what they drove and point out that, in nearly every case, their car cost more than my Ferrari. I know that's not the case with all Ferraris but so what. Let 'em think what they want.
Nothing good comes of bragging about owning one. Usually people just end up getting jealous or decide that you're in a position to help them. If I'm confronted by a stranger , I always say the car belongs to my boss ( am my own boss, so not really a lie). If I'm confronted by someone I know, I usually just point out that it's an investment and then complain about the service and maintenance costs and how crippling they can be at times. I always found it best to show weakness to those who are weaker than you, makes them more comfortable around you and less likely to ask for help. Nothing good comes of showing strength or bragging to those who are in trouble which seems like almost everyone these days.
I was surprised at the reaction of some life long acquaintances. But I got over it and went for a drive
I’ve found that people’s perception of me is predicated more by “how” the fact of ownership is relayed. In general, most people are quick to resentment if they perceive any hint of entitlement or superiority. Like Jbubbya, I try and relate to their situation - telling someone their car is faster or more expensive is almost always a winner. Even better is showing a genuine interest in their car, no matter what it is is. It allows them to establish an equal connection with you rather than feeling inferior, which is at the root of their question in the first place. The bottom line is that I always try and and be an ambassador for the brand. That means focusing conversations on the car instead of me.
I would not try to patronize people w other brands. Just be yourself. If they are well adjusted people they will enjoy it with you. Now if you are getting a quote on a remodel it might serve you well to pull the Ferrari in the garage -/;
Thanks for starting this thread, but yes it's weird but I almost feel guilty or embarassed for people to know and don't talk about it at all. Many of my close friends and family don't even know I have one. I feel I have my own reasons for ownership and has nothing to do with showing the car off. In fact I always go to area Cars and Coffee and drive my Jeep. Hard to explain, but glad I'm not alone.
Haters want you to feel guilt. You shouldn't even let these thoughts enter your mind. **** Them!! You are you. Enjoy your life.
Being humble about everything in life has always worked for me. I enjoy people and the conversations about their life. I'm in the car business so it almost always comes up that I own a Ferrari. Most times you will never know what people really think despite what they have to say about it. So with that said I simply go about my happy life and be thankful for what I have and enjoy what I have. I think most of us here bought our cars to drive and to admire it's beauty of design-- not so much to be seen in them or for the status they may represent to others. This is the sticker I have on my daily driver-- a flat black primer 1965 hot rod Ford Pick up truck with loud side pipes. I get a lot of folks that chuckle and tell me they like the sticker. I get a kick out of it for the obvious reasons. I just smile and move on. Image Unavailable, Please Login
Its just a car. It's not unobtainable and it's not like discovering gold. Most of the people I know could obtain one if they really wanted to. Just different priorities for different people. I'm a car guy, so I play with cars and others travel the world or pour money into their homes. Nobody views or treats me differently because it's pretty much expected that I'll have an interesting car. I could end up selling my F430 in favor of several older cars (I have a list)
Blacktop- agree on your points. I come from humble beginnings— rented in the bad part of a dying mining town when I came into this world..., it wouldn’t be in the best taste to roll into my home town in a flashy car.., but I’m sure my situation is unique.
I see people change when you mention anything of greater value that you may have. My wife is particularly sensitive to it. She will spin her wedding ring around so the diamond is hidden when around people that may be offended in some way. And when someone will ask about say her car, or shoes - she is the 1st to say "oh its just a base model" or "I saw a great sale and found these cheap" ~ always belittling her item so that other person wont be somehow offended. I ended up pointing out to her that while I understood her manor, I wanted her to know that she needed to realize that she did not have to do that. I have used my head well enough so that we can have a few things, and we should not be ashamed to the point of needing to belittle the item. What we don't do is talk about that kind of stuff. We don't post photos socially, we don't bring fancy things up in conversation, we don't say "look at me" pretty much ever. We got some of these things because we liked them. The items were not for other people, they were for us. We enjoy them. When others enjoy them too its a bonus.
Me too. I doubt many people on this forum were born with a silver spoon in their mouth. Most of us are second-hand owners, and that in of itself lends to the enthusiasm and passion we share. I suspect that those who can afford to buy brand new probably spend their time elsewhere.
If anyone asks what i’m driving nowadays, I say my Ram truck. If they know me and ask what I’m really driving, i tell them. I dont tell people usually though. If strangers come up to ask questions, I answer them politely and ask if they’d like to get in it, take pictures or whatever. Especially if there’s small children. Just try my best to buck the arrogant ***** exotic owner stigma.
Yes. Family, no problem. Co-workers, only friends. I work in a professional service industry, so I don’t tell clients.
I never tell unless thoroughly prodded to, and I make a significant effort to make sure none of my clients and peers know what I drive. Often times I offer to connect with the folks I enjoyed meeting through Instagram, and eventually they will organically find out what I drive. My feed is littered mostly with food porn and the occasional shiba or car or sneaker cameo, I don’t feel the need to share every second or detail of my life nor do I devote any effort to narcissistic selfies or ostentatious watch pics etc. I do sometimes share the dinner bill because a lot of my followers ask about it so they know what to expect. I generally assume people who follow me back are of a similar mindset, enjoyed some level of conversation we had and have a non-pretentious love for cars and food. IMHO there is nothing to gain from overtly telling people what you drive. If anything, I tend to steer away from folks who do like them Goldrush people...no bueno sorry, I’m not about that life.
I used to feel that way with my first Ferrari but found that car guys love to talk about mine and whatever car they have, I just play low key with the rest and frankly dont care what they think.
Those that mind don't matter, those who don't mine are the ones that really matter. You do have to be careful who you tell. Interestingly most people don't care. If you're in a position where others knowing might cause you grief.. then defer telling them. You'll know who they are.
Spot on Dale! My friends who travel ask how I could afford one. Well, I didn't travel to 10 different countries for the majority of the year. Actually, I haven't left the bay area the entire year outside of my 15 mile commute. No hotel, rental, food, plane tickets, etc etc. I hate traveling, so I put my money where I enjoy it most, as did they, as do most people. I do not bring up the fact that I have a Ferrari unless we are talking about cars, maintenance, or related topics.
I agree with a lot of what has been said. I certainly do not go around bragging about owning a Ferrari. However not taking your Ferrari to a cars and coffee or car show is not the right thing either. People go nuts when they see my car, they get a huge smile on their face and where I live it is very rare to see a Ferrari. They really get geeked when I tell them to sit in the car and get a picture. I always loved people who shared their special cars with me and I’m glad to pay that forward.