Cool factor on cars (nationality wise)

[AFC-911]

I was just watching Nip/Tuck and a quote came up "No American cars. German, Italian or the occasional English." And I think there's some truth to it.

In terms of panache and cool factor, German, Italian and English cars are still pretty much it, IMO.

Though, I can make some exceptions for some current American cars. I still can't put the Japanese in the same league as the Europeans. I just can't. I don't know why...

[ramonesfreak]

i agree, except i love the ford gt40, ford gt and early 60's corvettes

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by AFC-911

I was just watching Nip/Tuck and a quote came up "No American cars. German, Italian or the occasional English." And I think there's some truth to it.

In terms of panache and cool factor, German, Italian and English cars are still pretty much it, IMO.

Though, I can make some exceptions for some current American cars. I still can't put the Japanese in the same league as the Europeans. I just can't. I don't know why...

I agree...that's why so many choose to drive European...the snob appeal, or the "cool" factor if you will.

[AFC-911]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

I agree...that's why so many choose to drive European...the snob appeal, or the "cool" factor if you will.

Paul, don't take offense to it.

I have no problems driving an American or a Japanese car, but I can admit that those three countries (German, Italian & British) produce cars that seem to have that extra something that the others simply do not...

I think this falls under the same un-quantifiable category as "cars with soul."

And like I said, there are some exceptions (like the Viper GTS, for example).

[pwd72s]

No offense taken...it is what it is. Remember I used to drive a Porsche..I'm fully aware of it's "snob appeal"...or it's "status". Now I enjoy driving a Ford, despite it's lack of "status".

But to me, there are definitely sub catagories. Italian cars for example. Ferrari & Alfa have status.
Fiat? Nope.

[ramonesfreak]

i dont drive my porsche because of snob appeal. i cant freakin stand when people ask me about it or say "nice care". i love the design. i like industrial design, art, architecture etc...america has had periods of great car design and awsome motorcycle design

quite frankly as for german, italy and uk..or anywhere else...cant think of many car designs that appeal to me at all.. most of them, including porsche are god awful butt ugly which is why i drive a 28 year old car

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

i dont drive my porsche because of snob appeal. i cant freakin stand when people ask me about it or say "nice care". i love the design. i like industrial design, art, architecture etc...america has had periods of great car design and awsome motorcycle design

quite frankly as for german, italy and uk..or anywhere else...cant think of many car designs that appeal to me at all.. most of them, including porsche are god awful butt ugly which is why i drive a 28 year old car

Yup, I used to say the same...

You like architecture? What do you think of Ernst Egli? My old car now resides in a place he designed. Frankly, that's about the sum of my architectual knowledge.
Art? Dunno a thing about it, but I know what I like when I see it. Industrial design? God bless the first company to put pockets on T shirts!

Worry not...I won't ask you about your 911SC.

[Tervuren]

I notice almost everyone that posted is from Florida.

Trying driving a Z06 Corvette around in France - the car will make quite a stir. Rarity in location will have a lot to do with it.

Mercedes are taxi cabs over there, over here we treat them as status symbols...

[Joe Bob]

Anything NOT FRench.....

[ramonesfreak]

im from new york, though i hope to live in florida soon

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Yup, I used to say the same...

You like architecture? What do you think of Ernst Egli? My old car now resides in a place he designed. Frankly, that's about the sum of my architectual knowledge.
Art? Dunno a thing about it, but I know what I like when I see it. Industrial design? God bless the first company to put pockets on T shirts!

Worry not...I won't ask you about your 911SC.

havent seen much of egli's work, though familiar with his paintings. not a particular favorite

i dont mind when car guys wanna talk about the car. its every damn time i go get an ice cream cone and 10 goofballs gotta crowd me and ask what year, is it fast, how much does it cost blah blah....everytime i get an ice cream cone its like that scene in annie hall when woody allen is waiting outside the movie theatre. this guy's on television! Alvy Singer, right? Am I right? I need a large polo mallet

my car aint all that great to begin with

[Joe Bob]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

im from new york, though i hope to live in florida soon

OK, we'll just tell ya the joke slower and use single syllable words....

[UconnTim97]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

I notice almost everyone that posted is from Florida.

Trying driving a Z06 Corvette around in France - the car will make quite a stir. Rarity in location will have a lot to do with it.

Mercedes are taxi cabs over there, over here we treat them as status symbols...

That is what I was wondering. How are American cars viewed by other countries?

[ramonesfreak]

Originally Posted by Joe Bob

OK, we'll just tell ya the joke slower and use single syllable words....

im 39 not 89!...though i admit it took me several minutes of deep thought to figure out what you meant

[ramonesfreak]

i dont understand this cultural perception stuff.....a ferrari dino is most likely considered a masterpiece of design by anyone..you could live next to the ferrari factory your whole life and still drool. a beautiful car is a universal thing i think. isnt it? you guys must be talking about new cars i guess.

[GH85Carrera]

That quote has be be about new cars only. There are no cooler cars than a well done Duce coupe, 57 Chevy, or a T-bucket.

I have 10 times more comments about my El Camino than my 911.

[targa911S]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

im from new york, though i hope to live in florida soon

You will blend in well. Florida is about 50% New Yorker now.

[Garp]

Originally Posted by Tervuren

Trying driving a Z06 Corvette around in France - the car will make quite a stir. Rarity in location will have a lot to do with it.

Word. There are a few Z06's on our parking lot at work and they caught quite some attention. The new Mustang Shelby too. The couple of dozens 911's not so much

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by UconnTim97

That is what I was wondering. How are American cars viewed by other countries?

We have German members on the Bullitt board...it's amusing to hear their comments...a mirror image of cries here about how "common" Mustangs are, and how "exclusive" are their Porsches...

The Bullitt Mustang draws crowds in Germany...BMW and Porsche are common there, so no head turning.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by ramonesfreak

havent seen much of egli's work, though familiar with his paintings. not a particular favorite

I was referring to Ernst Egli, architect...when you google, the painter comes up first. Ernst Egli, the architect, did mainly public buildings, but also did a few residences. My old car resides at one of the residences he designed.