[DeTomaso] NPC, Countach->Ferrari

[Bill Lewis]

Somebody in our group knows the answer to this question:  how many Pantera owners are hard-pressed economically, compared to Ferrari, etc., owners?  Maybe all the daily-driver-type Ferraris are in excellent shape, maintained by the Ferrari shop, where as a higher percent of the Panteras are owned by guys doing their own wrenching because of money.  There is a difference in an ongoing project car, and one that is put in the shop, and "I'll pick it up when it is completely done."  I know that mine, even with all the money and time put into it and it is a daily driver now, is not a show car - never will be.                            There is more to this ongoing discussion than is being seen.  Is it like comparing owning a Pantera, or a Porsche to a Bugatti Veyron?  Or, a BMW to a Rolls?  Apples and oranges!   ----Bill Lewis



> From: jjdetrich at gmail.com
> Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:50:19 -0600
> To: detomaso at realbig.com
> Subject: Re: [DeTomaso] NPC, Countach->Ferrari
> 
> I seemed to have lit the fuse on this one with my recent statement "except
> for the "I've got a Ferrari" factor." I meant no disrespect. Let me be on
> record as saying that there are good Ferrari owners, at least here in
> Dallas, as there are good Pantera, Mustang, and You-Name-It owners.
> Generally, I like car people; they all have something to offer.
> 
> In spite of that, however, I still don't understand why the Pantera doesn't
> get more attention. A well maintained Pantera is more fun to drive than a
> 308, 328, or 348. But you'd be hard pressed to get those other owners to
> get in one and drive it for comparison. Consider for a moment, perhaps
> there is a contra-argument that applies to Pantera owners that "they" don't
> identify with.
> 
> In any case, I totally agree with Dr. Engles. It's worth repeating.
> 
>           "You struck a chord with the statement,"...the guys who do
> their own wrenching would keep the Pantera."   I have a friend who
> occasionally asks me if I wouldn't rather own a Ferrari.  *I always answer
> no, I'd rather own a third Pantera and have the time to work on it.*  There
> is something about the mechanical bonding (forgive this psychobabble) that
> wrenching on a machine that gives something back to you rather than just
> doing a job.   It somehow causes an immediate enjoyment, a delayed enjoyment
> and an extended delight as the Pantera does what it was designed to do.
> Inherent in the design is a simplicity (usually) that lends itself to our
> "wrenching".   Perhaps some other cars lend themselves to that, but the
> Pantera keeps my attention.  Sorry for the philosophizing."
> 
>                      Warmest regards,  Chuck Engles
> 
> 
> Jeff (38 years with a Pantera and counting)
> 6559 and 6748
> 
> PS. On the other hand...
> “I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the
> position.” Mark Twain
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