Exotic Car Owner's Code of Conduct

[VL3X]

@EZcheezy's recently started a discussion on whether or not the Emira should be considered a supercar and that got me thinking of something I read on the Ferrari forums years ago about a sort of code of conduct for exotic/supercar owners. I'm reposting those rules here because it stuck with me and I think it will apply to many of us as Lotus owners. I know I'm constantly asked questions about my Evora GT (What kind of car is that? What do you do for a living? How fast does it go? How much did that cost? etc...) and always see folks snapping pics and I find myself thinking back to these rules of supercar ownership that I read almost 20 years ago! The Emira may be the first step into supercar territory for many and I hope you'll keep these in mind.

Let me know what you think and if anything should be added/removed/adjusted for us Lotus owners.

Exotic Car Owner's Code of Conduct

Originally written by Joe Martz (nsxguy@RT66.com) in 1998 who has owned 2 NSX's plus several Italian exotics, the Code of Conduct has become a personal motto for many of us. Originally posted to the Ferrari list, it is worth repeating and living by.

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 meet.
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.
5. Operating my cars as God, Enzo, and Ferruccio (or Colin) 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.
8. 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

 

[DerTheDer]

Nah i didnt buy a sports/super car to follow a list of rules lol.

 

[Speedy Emira]

@EZcheezy's recently started a discussion on whether or not the Emira should be considered a supercar and that got me thinking of something I read on the Ferrari forums years ago about a sort of code of conduct for exotic/supercar owners. I'm reposting those rules here because it stuck with me and I think it will apply to many of us as Lotus owners. I know I'm constantly asked questions about my Evora GT (What kind of car is that? What do you do for a living? How fast does it go? How much did that cost? etc...) and always see folks snapping pics and I find myself thinking back to these rules of supercar ownership that I read almost 20 years ago! The Emira may be the first step into supercar territory for many and I hope you'll keep these in mind.

Let me know what you think and if anything should be added/removed/adjusted for us Lotus owners.

Funny you mention the job question because my daughter best friends are doctors and never asked what I did for a living until I dropped her off one day. They didn’t ask me but asked their daughter to ask ours. She said I sell coke and thought it was hilarious that she kept a straight face and didn’t tell them my real job.

 

[DerTheDer]

The simple explanation that I use is "I work in Finance, no not bitcoin, I WISH I WOULD HAVE INVESTED IN THAT THOUGH!". The boredom inducing coma of financing usually stops people in their tracks.

 

[Nova]

I don't mind people asking me what I do for a living, but one of the teachers at a school asked my elementary school aged kid "what does your dad do for a living" after I dropped him off at the kiss and ride. My kid told me about it later, and I thought that was kind of shady.

 

[Pegasi]

I don't mind people asking me what I do for a living, but one of the teachers at a school asked my elementary school aged kid "what does your dad do for a living" after I dropped him off at the kiss and ride. My kid told me about it later, and I thought that was kind of shady.

What car did you drop him off in? Lol

 

[benjh1028]

I don't mind people asking me what I do for a living, but one of the teachers at a school asked my elementary school aged kid "what does your dad do for a living" after I dropped him off at the kiss and ride. My kid told me about it later, and I thought that was kind of shady.

Not shady at all if she's hot!

 

[Superman]

Ha, I like it... Although not sure I can agree to always keep my cars clean!!

 

[Pegasi]

This will be my first car that I assume will get constant attention. When I went to the Eletre reveal this weekend the Emiras were among Lambos, Astons, Ferraris, McLaren's, Shelbys, Koenigseggs. The first thing that popped into my mind while staring at @DaaS spec (lol) was that people aren't gonna know what the hell kind of car this is, it might as well be a Lambo or Ferrari. It is a concern for me because it just brings attention from everyone including neighbors. Typically my weekend drives are over by 9:30am so I can stay relatively low key but this will be a new experience for me. I like those rules, or shall we say "guidelines."

The first thing I will always say is, oh, it just a Lotus, it has a Camry V6 in it!

 

[Porter]

The first thing I will always say is, oh, it just a Lotus, it has a Camry V6 in it!

I'm with you. I might actually do a Camry-related personalized plate.

 

[T6061]

I remember this code of conduct making the rounds on the NSXPRIME forum years ago. Back when I bought a second hand '91 NSX I tried to take those guidelines to heart. Being able to share the heritage and story behind the NSX with anyone who showed interest in the car was something I enjoyed. I'm hoping the Emira will provide a similar experience. The Lotus story offers much to share and as an enthusiast privileged enough to be able to drive one (hopefully soon!), I look forward to being an ambassador in the community. There are too many poseurs with only a superficial interest/knowledge of the vehicles they drive (exotic or not) and these guidelines can help separate the wheat from the chaff...

 

[ADC]

Funny you mention the job question because my daughter best friends are doctors and never asked what I did for a living until I dropped her off one day. They didn’t ask me but asked their daughter to ask ours. She said I sell coke and thought it was hilarious that she kept a straight face and didn’t tell them my real job.

"Wow, that's a *lot* of soft drink / soda!"

 

[virtualmacho]

The "ensure that my cars are in the highest state of mechanical condition and maintenance" part could be tough (I haven't experienced anything serious... yet), but yeah, I agree with most of the other parts.

 

[cyanmauve]

That’s a great code of conduct.

Then again:

 

[DaaS]

This will be my first car that I assume will get constant attention. When I went to the Eletre reveal this weekend the Emiras were among Lambos, Astons, Ferraris, McLaren's, Shelbys, Koenigseggs. The first thing that popped into my mind while staring at @DaaS spec (lol) was that people aren't gonna know what the hell kind of car this is, it might as well be a Lambo or Ferrari. It is a concern for me because it just brings attention from everyone including neighbors. Typically my weekend drives are over by 9:30am so I can stay relatively low key but this will be a new experience for me. I like those rules, or shall we say "guidelines."

The first thing I will always say is, oh, it just a Lotus, it has a Camry V6 in it!

With Lotus, the attention has been very positive. All kinds of car enthusiasts (and actual kids) come up and try to figure out what it is. My neighbor thought my Evora GT was a Lamborghini... really? Few days ago at Lowes parking lot, a really nice older gentleman in a Mustang asked if it was an Audi. You really have to educate the field properly with PowerPoint slides, handouts, etc.

 

[VL3X]

She said I sell coke and thought it was hilarious that she kept a straight face and didn’t tell them my real job.

I started telling people I did OnlyFans just to get their reaction. My wife made a good point though.. She said I should stop telling these young kids that because no one wants to actually work anymore (or they just want to get paid to be influencers) and I'd only reinforce their poor work ethic. So now I just say I'm a professional videogame player and part time racecar driver.

 

[VL3X]

With Lotus, the attention has been very positive. All kinds of car enthusiasts (and actual kids) come up and try to figure out what it is. My neighbor thought my Evora GT was a Lamborghini... really? Few days ago at Lowes parking lot, a really nice older gentleman in a Mustang asked if it was an Audi. You really have to educate the field properly with PowerPoint slides, handouts, etc.

This is one of my favorite parts though! I love that barely anyone knows what a Lotus is. I was pleasantly surprised the other day when I was detailing my GT in the driveway and a young Amazon driver came up and asked if it was the new Emira! I was really impressed he at least got the brand correct!

 

[DaaS]

I have been asked if it has the AMG 4-cylinder, so yeah some people are starting to get familiar with Lotus.

 

[EZcheezy]

this is the first time seeing these specific rules but i know I will be under way more scrutiny than ever before and I want to be better than everyone's pre conceived notions.

driving it in public sounds both exciting and scary

I made a thread about that actually

anyone else worried about the negative attention? or has already received negative attention?

I am kinda worried about the negative/dangerous attention this car could receive. The Emira is absolutely GORGEOUS and looks like it cost 3x more than it actually does putting a huge target on your back. im also getting it in red which certainly doesnt help. I am worried about being aggressively...

www.emiraforum.com

 

[virtualmacho]

All this about attention is intriguing --- I rarely get second looks, and when I do, it's usually from tourists from abroad. To everyone else, my Emira is just a dark colored car. Could be different for the Hethel Yellow and Seneca Blue team.