This has been a question that I have pondered time and time again, why do we like supercars? Most people can’t say that it’s because of the driving experience, because most of us, unfortunately, haven’t driven them. Some may claim that it’s the styling that brings us in, which is a fair argument, although very few people truly get to appreciate the styling of the car. For most of us, it seems, supercars appeal to a very human part of our enthusiast self, a place where years before we only dreamed of driving.
In my experience, most people begin to like supercars when they are young, normally due to exposure to one, or due to a video game. I remember looking up what car I wanted when I grew up for a school project in elementary school and saw the Ferrari 458 Spider. I fell in love instantly with the design of the car.
Ferrari 458 Spider (credit: Wallpaper Cave)
This exposure to such a car from a young age made me heavily interested in Ferrari, and ever since, I have always associated the brand with a good reputation. So, I am curious, are my fellow enthusiasts like-minded, or am I an anomaly, someone whose experience comes from a thing completely foreign to those like me. Well, I decided to ask around some of my friends and see if they had similar instances not just with supercars, but all cars.
One of my friends said that he loved the Ferrari FXX, he even said it was his dream car. When I asked him why he responded with a simple answer. “I saw it when I was a kid, and I still love it to this day.” The same logic can be applied to my other friend who loves Mustangs, hell he owns a Mustang. Throughout my friend’s whole life his dad owned a Mustang, along with his brother getting a Mustang as well. This of course had the effect of my friend loving Mustangs as well. Also, the fact that both of these are good-looking cars helps as well.
But this exposure at a young age to the good looks and designs are supercars seems to be the driving factor in why we love these kinds of cars. At least it was for me and my friends. I understand that this was a short article, but I hope that you enjoyed it. Please let me know what you think in the comments below.
Published in Culture
The Countach was my first exposure because Cannonball Run. But I was also looking at car mags and the first cars that ever caught my attention were the 308GTSi, 512BB and 246GT Dino. It was this trio of cars that really drove home the point. I loved the designs and still do. And what is the point? Excess. You buy these because you can. You drive them because they are fun. They perform like nothing else on the road. They look … well, just look! They aren’t commonplace. They cost lots of money. Add these elements and it’s all found in the word excess. They aren’t necessary. They are, however, fun for everyone (except cranky neighbors who don’t like car sounds = stay off my lawn). Even the police get a kick out of them … unless they have to chase them. That’s another story.
For me it was the aventador. and the 3rd gen BMW m6 gc, also the porsche panamera, maser quatroporte (might have spelt that wrong), and AM rapide. just so cool…
We joined the party at radically different times. Holy moly! You came in during the best time for cars. The 90’s were awesome but the 21st century has had some real winners and you listed a bunch!!! Welcome. All we need to know is this: CARS!
i think you had the better deal though, because countach, and the countach as we all know, is the original poster car.
I can’t argue that, JW. The early 80’s was a heady time for hot cars. Ferrari had it’s share but then Countach. It’s difficult to argue. So much so, even Lamborghini tried to reinvent the car for the 21st. On the other hand, the stuff out today works better, is easier to drive close to the limit or daily and are much safer. Not to mention the numbers being put down today are astronomical compared to the early 80’s. Kia’s go faster than most of the faster cars from that period.
I think we could make a series out of this discussion. 80’s or 20’s?
The 90’s was a standout decade as well. What came from that period was nuts. See the Diablo above? Yep, 90’s. Supra with the 2JZ? 90’s. Last RX7? 90’s. MB CLK-GTR. It was a fun decade for cars. But I still say that right now is the golden age and peak horsepower for ICE engines. I doubt they get pushed too much more. We’re reaching the end of what the ARP fasteners can hold together and worse, what humans can physically handle. When EV’s take over that limit will be surpassed – what the meat sacks can tolerate. We ARE the weakest link!
Yeah, the 90’s were great to! mclaren f1, 911 gt1 (not really a 911). And now EVs, yes. now tbh I really don’t approve of EVs, but not completely- some EVs are cool- like the lotus evija and lucid air, but that’s about it. The thing is though, I’m more or a traditional person anyway.
Maybe hydrogen cars will solve this problem, which, rather scarily- is for my generation to decide.
Supercars not only appeal to us due to their performance, it’s both their shape and what they inspire upon our eyes. They scream a high level status compared to the average chap on the street.
But hey… at least you don’t have to visit a museum to see a driving Mona Lisa through town.