Daddy, wow, what kinda car is that? Son, that's the new Vette. -facepalm.

[slysnake]

I just don't seem to have this problem in my Gen 1

On the other hand I've also gotten these comments:

1. "Nice Ferrari" (almost as often as the corvette comment)

2. "Wow! a Lamborghini"

3. "I thought all those had the doors that went up" (again a reference to a Lambo)

4. "Can I have your 120,000.00 dollar car?"

5. "I can't afford one of those. They are over 200,000.00 dollars"

 

[Ricketts]

I had a guy comment Saturday to me that's he's had three vipers and sold them. Says he'd love to have another but can't afford it as he then goes and climbs into a 1-2year old Z06. Lol

 

[HobokenViper]

"Yiiiiiikes, a kind gesture almost backfired dramatically. Certainly discourages owners giving kids a chance to sit in their dream cars!"

If the parent ask, I always say, "If your son/daughter knows how to respect a car of this caliper, yes they may."
or "If you have taught son/daughter how to respect a car of this caliper, yes they may." If you say that the parent usually tells the kid you get in just just sit still and don't touch anything, show the respect I taught you.

Most of the times it's the little boys that are just drooling but not touching, I ask them if they want to set in it and they do with great respect.
In the Vintage Race Car Club I belong to we encourage the youngsters to set in our racecars and the phone cameras are a clicking.

One time I was at Mid-Ohio Vintage Motorcycle Days with a Boss Hoss (SBC powered motorcycle) there was 8-10 year old boy just looking at the bike for 10 minutes.
I ask him if he wanted to set on it, he did and I shot his picture with his camera (film days) never thought much of it. About 3 months later I got call from his mom (she had gotten my number from one of the pictures a little boy took as the bike was for sale and had a sign). The call almost made me cry, it was all about how the boy's father had left them and she couldn't do the father/son things he needed, and he carried that picture of him on the motorcycle with him at all time as showed anybody who would look. She said they had to reprint it and the first one wore out.
Almost made me feel bad enough and want to drive to Ohio and take the kid bowling or something.

I tell that story to show a small gesture can make a difference greater than you imagine and may be worth the risk of an occasional scuff on your dash. JMO

I'm always happy to share my car with others who appreciate it. I think that's a big part of the fun of owning a car like this. After all, what fun is it if you never have anyone to share it with?

I blame the parents for things like the experience I had. The kid was very young, maybe 6 years old and a very silly and hyperactive kid. He wasn't that interested in the cars as much as he was just fooling around with all the knobs and gadgetry inside all of them. The Father was pushing his son on all the owners just so he could take a picture of his kid in all of the cars. At least next time I'll know to qualify it better by using your example of what to say to the parent. Very good point.

Love your story, and totally agree. As a kid, the few times someone was nice enough to take me for a ride in their Ferrari, Porsche, or Corvette , or even let me sit in them had such a long lasting impression on me. I know the same is true for most kids who love cars, and it makes you feel good to share the experience with the next generation.....

 

[HobokenViper]

The comment I have heard a few times. "My (friend/uncle/relative/boss/neighbor) has one and he let me drive it, it's really a blast, his is just like yours only an automatic."
Real credibility in that statement.

I get this comment from almost everyone, and it always cracks me up. Guaranteed that 90%+ of folks who say this have never sat in or driven in a Viper, and are likely referring to the wrong make/model car like a Corvette anyway. Yet everyone for some reason feels the need to tell you that they know someone who also owns the same car, like I'm going to jump for joy and congratulate them or something.

Better yet are the people who ask "so how fast have you gotten it??!!" Man does that question piss me off for some reason.......could be largely because of the fact that EVERYONE asks that same question!!!!! Hahaha!

 

[Bugman Jeff]

Better yet are the people who ask "so how fast have you gotten it??!!" Man does that question piss me off for some reason.......could be largely because of the fact that EVERYONE asks that same question!!!!! Hahaha!

I always reply with "Well, the speed limit in WI is 65, so...65."

 

[WSAYERS80]

All these stories even some I have experienced have one thing in common.. Mostly men in the presence of a female trying to impress her with his vast knowledge of the automobile or or he is with his kids.. either way he is clueless and man card suspended.. Corvette.... seriously!!!