Duh! Enzo worked at Alfa and Fiat owns Ferrari. Where's that 'History of Ferrari' book gone to? Maybe it was the "996 Taurus"?
I really enjoyed Jim's response and comments. My intention was to say that a a fair amount of what would be the market for high-end sports cars has shifted to the relatively new segment of SUVs and sport-trucks, mostly for those who are interested in status vehicles. His point about competition in the sports-car segment has started me thinking, more on that later...
I do think that the whole perception of automobile racing has changed and Jim's comment that
"they were incredible pieces of engineering that were closely related and had a direct connection to what the factory was racing and winning with"
brings up a very interesting point. Does anyone feel that Porsche's current involvement in racing has a direct bearing on the vehicles down at the dealer? Does it matter to you as an automotive and/or racing enthusiast (defined by nothing but the fact you spend time on this forum)?
I would guess that we are a fairly small minority of the market. Should Porsche be tailoring cars to us (and spending money racing in series that are largely ignored by the broader US market), or to a much larger market segment? Do a small pocket of enthusiasts for a marque drive much broader sales?
Maybe Porsche should race NASCAR (I'm not being condescending here)?
I think the acid test may be this. Many moons ago when I had an 'old' Porsche (1968) it made me want a 'new' Porsche (mid 1980s) all the more! Fast forward to now. I have an 'old' Porsche (1989) and I'd much rather have it than a 'new' (current) Porsche.
Either Porsche is doing a bad job of selling to me or I'm no longer in the biggest target audience and they're not TRYING to sell to me (and don't care if the don't)...
(Uh-oh....INCOMING!
)