19 replies to this topic

[94SilverCab]

I FOUND THIS ON-LINE TODAY, APPRECIATE THE SENTIMENT...

Exotic Owners Code of Conduct

This morning waiting for F1 qualifying, I ginned-up the following as a personal code for myself. I don't intend this for anyone else, and you have the lovely gift of free-choice to decide on your own about these things. That said, I thought others here might be interested. As a code for myself, I might not always meet the standards I outline. But I firmly believe in self-improvement and all that stuff, so here goes...

My personal code of conduct as an exotic owner

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 met.
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. When asked to race, I will simply refuse.
5) Operating my cars as Enzo, Soichiro and Ferdinand 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.
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.

Regards,

Jay

[Oily]

If I was wearing a hat I would take it off to you sir!

Nice one!

[rxter]

Good on ya Mate!

I think we blizted #4 a bit on Saturday though... although Ferdinand would have been pleased.

Edited by rxter, 16 June 2008 - 12:53 PM.

[flash]

i wasn't aware that one could own an exotic - isn't that like slavery? i thought that was just something in odd corners of the world - i also wasn't aware that there was a direct correlation to one's car - i suppose though, to keep up appearances, one must - i imagine a closet full of suits, nice watches, shoes and such are also a must

it seems there must be a club or something of owners of such women - where does this club meet? is there a secret handshake? is it like the masons?

oh wait - i think i must have been looking at too much internet porn - you meant an exotic car?

oh - i don't have one of those - i have a 968

[gryphon]

I think you may be confusing an "exotic" owner with a exotic "owner," Flash.

Tom

[flash]

lol - must have been the wine

[ds968]

oh - i don't have one of those - i have a 968

no you don't, you have what may have been a 968 at some point in time, merely a platform for the exotic car it is
now


as for Jay's code, I also applaud it and abide by almost all of the principles ( though I will take some liberties on highways at times when traffic is extremely light to almost non-existent ).

[xrad]

not sure I really follow any of those codes...but I do give to charities(even this forum). Does Hell have a racetrack?

[Ryan]

Hell does have a race track and it's always a yellow flag..... Coffee is cold too.

[Mark]

Sorry, I stopped reading after the first sentence in #1.

[xrad]

mark n ryan: haha.. hell's racetrack wants you!

Edited by xrad, 18 June 2008 - 06:02 PM.

[wonko]

I think hell's track is called a "drag strip", or something like that. At least some of the people that hang out at the one in my town look like hell.

Did I just type that?

Edited by wonko, 29 August 2008 - 04:57 PM.

[MAYAman]

If I was wearing a hat I would take it off to you sir!

Nice one!

here here agree 100%

[lbpesq]

On hell's track the races are always won by a Fiat 850!

[flash]

with an X19 a close second.

[Cloud9...68]

Hey, X19's were cool cars. My brother had one (and not one, but two Opel GT's!).

[craigawoodman]

I agree with the sentiment expressed in the rules. Even if we don't class the 968 as an "exotic", it is still sufficiently rare and made by Porsche, low enough and only having two doors for people, particularly younger boys who want to grow up to be a petrol head to want to ask questions.

One of the reasons I like the 968, is that it isn't a 911 and all of the 1980's imagery and stereotyping that goes with it.

It is through discussion and the experience of the interchange that we learn. If we can make the interplay between others at least neutral, it may remove some of the stereotyping.

Most people are secretly jealous and having a little bit of envy (particularly if it is a true exotic). Simply being nice disarms most people and takes most forms of prejudice away. Now if that doesn't work, where is the shotgun!

[psuphoto]

Great set of rules to live by. I realize that I have following these for sometime. However, what do you do with someone tailgating you? Somehow, the car is low enough to the ground that a lot of people just drive on your butt. Often, I will pull over and let them pass. Tapping the brakes is not an option because the 968 stops so fast. The only time I go crazy fast is entrance ramps to highways. I like being completely up to speed with traffic as I'm merging. It is a lot safer.

[gbarrier]

Those darn sweeping ramps. I always end up in traffic going lots faster than the limit by the time I try to merge. I know it's going to get expensive one day.

[Chris12]

Excellent post!