…and have no desire whatsoever to own something absurd like a modern day Ferrari. Even if I were filthy rich, I’d never buy one. Clarkson is right… they have no heart, and no soul.
10 thoughts on “This is exactly why I drive a sports car from the 60s.”
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Can’t say that I disagree with you or Mr. Clarkson. Newest vehicle that I own is 20 years old this year (may have to bake up a birthday cake for it… or at least treat it to something) and the oldest is pushing 40. I believe you wrote (and or many others) a number of posts back about being able to drive classics at 8/10s without endangering everyone around you. There truly is something to that.
That, and I suppose being willing to get your knuckles dirty and take pleasure out of maintaining and improving a vehicle.
I disagree somewhat, as I own three modern Holdens labeled as Pontiacs. Each one has character, has personality, has soul. I don’t think it’s a “modern car vs. older car” thing at all.
Though I agree with Chuck, even if I had the coin, couldn’t see buying a new Ferrari. I’d have a whole fleet of older cars. I deal with high tech all day (and sometimes all night). There’s something to be said for a vehicle without a ton of gizmos, a compliant suspension, and excellent torque…
Its like comparing a hand made and assembled, mechanical Patek Philippe wristwatch to a modern day Quartz watch by the same maker. There is absolutely no art, heart or soul to the mechanism of a Quartz watch.
And not to mention, though it’s a personal preference, the styling of this particular Ferrari (the 599) does nothing for me. Looks like a cross between a farkled Celica and a Honda S2000. For that kind of coin I’d want something that definitely says “Ferrari” and not “meh.”
But, Chuck…you’re on record saying you’d “kill every one of us” to buy a new Alfa? The difference is…??
Jus’ saying…
🙂
“Its like comparing a hand made and assembled, mechanical Patek Philippe wristwatch to a modern day Quartz watch by the same maker. There is absolutely no art, heart or soul to the mechanism of a Quartz watch.”
Hehe….woop de doooooo! Gimme the cheap-o Timex, for it *keeps time better* than the pretty mechanism. When I wanna impress ‘the boys, the rolex/whatever will work well for that.
Art for art’s sake is fine, but….let’s figure what this is all about. One may enjoy the ‘soul’ of an old sports car (I know that feeling QUITE well, and long in duration) but there is using a car for its ‘carness.’ In that regard, I enjoy driving my ’09 Hyundai Accent FAR more than the Jag. The two cars serve two different purposes, and the new Ferrarfi v. the old Ferrarfi? Same argument, i think.
The Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione is the one modern car I WOULD buy if I had a boatload of money. The 8C stands as an embarrassment to Ferrari, much like the E-type did to the 250. It shows how naked the Emperor of Maranello really is. The 599 looks like somebody built a Corvette with parts from the Camaro and Cadillac parts bin. It is overdone, overwrought, and just plain ugly. The 8C, by comparison, is simple and sleek, with minimal decorative touches to stay within the brand.
“The 8C, by comparison, is simple and sleek, with minimal decorative touches to stay within the brand.”
I have yet to see decent pix of the 599, but that simple difference infuses the Alfa (just as technologically advanced as the Ferrarfi, I assume) with the same ‘soul’ as the e Type?
Trust me, I’m *no* apologist for older Ferraris: I think them mostly shambling bits of badly-made and not-all-that well-engineered piles of Ferrari-pretty-bodywork, and not much else.
I’m also a BIG fan of the Alfa, too: I just find this continual trashing of new cars by us old farts tres amuse…since the younger set look at E Types (sometimes) and *cannot* fathom what the big deal is…!
Each generation throws a hero up the pop charts, said Paul Simon…;) At least I got ya to admit there *IS* a modern-day sports car you’d buy. Once you make boatloads of money in your new gig, that is!
🙂
I have to find that gig first!
Shootfire…you *find* the gig that pays enough for an Alfa 8C…you will NEEd an able-bodied assistant..and *I* ~stand at the ready~, Cap’n….
>:)