i don't really have any great pointers...I suppose it is a combination of luck, desire and perseverance. I was taught that pursuing the american dream was an option avialable to all of us. And I have pursued it since I was 21 years old, had $600 bucks in my pocket and an orange Vega station wagon given to me by my father. It has not come without significant sacrifice and hard work.

The Bugatti is indeed an expensive luxury.

That said I am reconsidering my role as good a citizen in the evolving shift of american sentiment regarding wealth and money. In today's world and with so many americans in financial dire straits, displaying one's wealth is becoming an increasingly politically incorrect thing to do. As I read your reply on this forum, what would have been a non event comment, has become an alarming call to arms in self restraint. I will never loose my passion for automotive genius, however future displays of ownership will probably be somewhat limited...I know your comments are very well intentioned, but it does give rise to considering some level of humility...i wish you and everyone on this forum the best.

 

I (sort of) understand where you are coming from. My best friend's boss is in the same situation you are, though maybe not QUITE as affluent. He bought a Maseratti just so he could get moved up the list to buy an F430 (the dealer is both Maseratti and Ferrari). Then, he "sold" the Maseratti (actually had it shipped to his summer home in AZ), and purchased the F430. It's supposed to be top-secret. Living in a town of 18,000 people, I don't know how he expects to pull that off, but se la vie.

My comments were in no way meant to be malicious, alarming, or anything of the sort. Simply take them on their face. I am jealous of your car collection, and I think ANY red-blooded human male (and even some females) would be as well. People that may be more affluent than you are likely jealous, as well, since some of those cars are very rare. I do not think you are being politically incorrect. You are not "flaunting" anything, and you seem a very down-to-earth kind of guy. Your "displays", as you call them, have brought great joy to many members here, myself included, jealous or not. I for one would like to petition that you do not restrain yourself, at least not here. Besides, it's not like any of us are starving to death, we all drive Bimmers.

I do not think there is anything wrong with enjoying the fruits of your labor. You worked hard to attain your financial freedom, so you should feel free to do with it as you wish.

If you are seriously seeing that big of an issue in your area, perhaps it is time to consider relocation to a more affluent area, like parts of California, perhaps? While they Veyron might still stand out, I suspect the Ferrari and the Porsche might be lost in seas of the same, and make it easier for you to "blend in".

 

Today, my accountant saw my car and she said I must be going thru a mid-life crisis. I told her "if having fun with my toys is having a crisis, than I have been having one long crisis since I was 4 years old". Nobody should have to explain why they enjoy their cars, regardless of price, or our age, just because other people don't "get it" or would rather spend their weekends cutting the grass & pulling weeds.

 

Well...my 72 Daytona is coming along nicely....some before and current photos...

Also just had the Carerra GT fine tuned, got new wheels and ready to get it on the track asap.

 

I look forward to seeing you drive it on the track again.

Curious........why new wheels?

 

Brett, I'm surprised you had Stuarts work on your 72 Daytona.

You should really look up Bob Smith Coachworks in Gainesville, TX.

Smith?s shop is highly regarded for its superb Ferrari restorations,
with many Ferrari club and concours trophies to their credit.
http://www.bobsmithcoachworks.com

Just a few cars that he's restored (Google)

• http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/classi...php/carno/48795
• http://www.barchetta.cc/english/All.Ferrar...T.250GT.TdF.htm

 

The Bugatti simply has no current competitors in the automotive world. Nothing even approaches its power. If I could afford one -- which I can't -- I would own one.

Personally, I don't think you have anything to apologize for in enjoying the fruits of your success. I know how much personal sacrafice and hard work goes into making it in one's career.

 

+1 to that as long as you're always kind.

Brett, need an aspiring photographer for your vehicles?? Too bad I'm not in Texas~

 

Hey Brett. You have been spotted by some local f-chatters and they would really love it if you would join ferrarichat.com, they don't know you have some ferrari's! You should bring it to an event someday. Anyways, saw your car last night at the W hotel for Gumball. Really amazing, and then they parked the gold/carbon fiber veyron by it! Those were some great picture opportunities. That was great... hope your having fun and be safe the rest of Gumball!

Zach

 

Are you poaching forum members?

Zach