By Robert Emslie
So let’s say you’ve been climbing the corporate ladder for some time now, dutifully adding notches to the bedpost of your career, and now has come the time to show off all that hard work, what’s the best way to do so? Oh sure, there are Tag Heuer watches, Armani suits, and the carefully cultured five o’clock shadow, but those are for when you’re showing off when mano-a-mano, what about when you’re on the road?
The car as status symbol goes back to its inception, Henry Ford’s neighbors admitting to being green with envy when he first piloted his prototype Quadricycle out of the workshop and down to the local A&W. Today however, there are far more choices of vehicle to define social standing, and it’s important to pick the right one lest you come across as either a poseur, or far worse, new money.
Today I want your take on what car or truck most effectively communicates the image of having made it. Now, I don’t mean what’s the most expensive ride you can buy, as that just indicates wealth exceeding common sense. Instead, I want to know what you think is the car that would best project a sense of personal attainment, a car or truck that says I know what are the finer things in life, and now that I can afford them, I deserve it. What vehicle do you think best says you’ve made it?
Image source: Untappedcities
Jeff Glucker
If you are employed in the natural gas industry out in the middle of nowhere:
<img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Ford/2010-Ford-F-150_SVT_Raptor-Image-010-1024.jpg" width=550>
A guy I work with has a son in the oil and gas pipeline industry. He just got a Raptor as his company subsidized ride.
And once you get promoted to management in Houston, you get your second car:
<img src="http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Beijing_Motor_Show_Acura_NSX_Concept_01.jpg" width=550>
Texas and no pickup truck? I don't believe it.
This is as close to an NSX truck as I can find on the whole of the internets:
<img src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/149b2304c2d234c767c50926c457f08c/tumblr_mhgjb9X1lY1qfma1bo1_500.jpg">
I live in Houston. Seems to me like the S Class and Bentley Continental are what the big oil money guys drive. Trucks are for middle management.
<img src="http://image.motortrend.com/f/roadtests/wagons/1202_cadillac_cts_v_vs_2012_mercedes_benz_e63_amg/35356190/2012-Mercedes-Benz-E63-AMG-Wagon-promo.jpg" width=500 /img>
No, just me?
If not, it's got to be this then;
<img src="http://www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/chrysler-cordoba-sport-coupe-76.jpg" width=500 /img>
Dat fine corinthian leather.
Definitely with you on the E-klasse estate, the stats of the typical buyers of those things tend to be impressively similar. Kind of surprised there isnt a bigger cottage industry for tricking those things out further with tailor made cargo compartments for various sports/pets and security elements.
Not very nice of M-B to deny the W204 wagon here – used W203 wagons are tough to find used.
I was thrilled to see a respectable number of W204 wagons when I was in Germany in the fall (also, a CLS shooting brake leading a convoy of camouflaged W205 sedans). A friend of mine was also at the F1 race in Montreal recently, and was sending me pictures of the C63 wagon they were using for the safety car – I really should've convinced him to abscond with it.
I don't know if the E wagon is quite so popular with those in the Toronto area who've made it. For what it's worth, my neighbourhood is pretty well off (not gated mansion well off, but certainly comfortable), and we're pretty overrun with Saabs, Volvos, and Subarus, especially in some 5-door'd form.
They sure don't skin and tan Corinthians the way they used to.
I know a guy with a Pozzi Blue F430 coupe, a Lotus Esprit Turbo, and a 993 twin-turbo. That's not nouveau, that's just riche.
And, despite my semi-scathing take on the thing, I do know a few gents with the previous-gen Phantom Drophead that did earn their machines the old-fashioned capitalist way, hustling and dealing their way up to big-dollar incomes. In particular, there's a blue one with a teak deck that gets driven ~15,000miles a year – proper.
I made it!
<img src="http://cl.jroo.me/z3/a/T/7/d/a.baa-Car-Made-Of-Wood.jpg">
Awesome! You win!
http://www.beststuff.com/images/articles/060109c….
Ken Imhoff's Countach – he certainly did make it.
I don’t know if it is the best, but an Aston Martin would be my choice to flaunt my wealth without (much) ostentation. Since the DB9 is no longer available with a manual transmission, and the V12 Vantage has those hideous hood louvers, I might even have to go used (!), which might not go over well at the country club, but I don’t care what those blue bloods think of me and how I spend my (hypothetical) money.
<img src="http://media.ed.edmunds-media.com/astonmartin/db9/2009/oem/2009_astonmartin_db9_coupe_base_fq_oem_1_500.jpg">
Image stolen from edmunds.
I came here to say that. Our company president has a DB9, M-B S550, and a 1964 Pontiac GTO convertible, at least those are the ones I have seen. He splits most of the time between the DB9 and the S550.
Aston Martin doesn't scream NEW MONEY like a Lamborghini or Ferrari and they don't usually come in bright red or neon green colors. Until 15 years ago nobody knew what a Aston Martin even was, unless they were a James Bond fan. Until the last 10 years ago or so sighting an Aston Martin was VERY rare. Now I probably see a couple a week or more.
Maserati might be the way to go now. Less common than an Aston, and yet more stylish than a FerrLambo.
A Maserati just means you couldn't afford a Ferrari these days. I see more Maseratis in my area than Astons. Maserati has become Ferrari's Camaro. Just as every GM sports car fan aspires to a Corvette, many settle for a Camaro.
'Used' sounds so plebeian. Refer to it as a 'youngtimer' instead!
Or get yourself a DB5. 😉
Rolls Royce…………because Grey Poupon.
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.dailyfinance.com/media/2013/02/grey-poupon-435cs-022013.jpg"width="500"/>
Never noticed the hotdog before.
Me neither. How funny.
I had hotdogs last night. Looks like I'm on my way. . . .
The true measure of any man's success is with his wiener.
Shame on you. ;D
No shame at all here. I am very successful. 😉
You funny, funny man! I can't stop laughing!
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/Hc2ocLT.gif">
What is that from? And did you make the gif?
Game of Thrones, apparently. I wish I could claim credit for it, but I had to look up its source.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/UNYzm.gif"width="500"/>
If I win the lottery, everyone at my office will know it's my last day when they see this parked across both employee of the month spots, blasting Iron Maiden and with a fog machine tucked into the bumper. Cannonball Run mustache included.
<img src="http://webassets.scea.com/forums/2341_Countach.jpg" width="600">
First thing I thought of:
<img src="http://www.tuxboard.com/photos/2010/05/Audi-R8-GT-13.jpeg" width="600">
But there's a presumably pretty well to do gentleman in my town whose approach to this I quite like. For a long time he drove an Acura RL, black. Lately he's replaced it with a Hyundai Genesis sedan, also black. To me this is excellent taste. "I like some luxury and have enough money to get whatever I choose, but no inclination to waste any of it, and no interest whatsoever in impressing the neighbours."
The best car is the one you get for yourself, with no concern for what anyone else might think. You dont have to prove you can spend money. you dont have to impress anyone. The richest, most self made guy I've known used to drive a VW pickup. Of course, he also had a red 928 S4 in the garage. For a new car, I might get a Fiat Abarth. For an older one, a Lotus Élan. And a suitably updated FC Econoline for all of the practical needs. If I have more than one passenger, well, that's what limo companies are for.
On the other hand, if you want to show "a sense of personal attainment, a car or truck that says I know what are the finer things in life, and now that I can afford them, I deserve it" without being brash about it, ask the (wo)man who owns one:
<img src="http://hooniverse.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/101-year-drives-a-Packard-700×389.jpg"> <a href="http://hooniverse.info/2012/06/07/101-year-old-lady-hoons-a-packard/” target=”_blank”>http://hooniverse.info/2012/06/07/101-year-old-lady-hoons-a-packard/
<img src="http://images.consumerreports.org/production/cars/testcar/profile/cr/jpg/240/2597-2011-audi-a8-l.jpg">
The A8 says "I can drive well enough to appreciate good driving dynamics, but I am self-confident enough not to need a dramatic appearance. I also drive a sedan that is immensely gracious and hospitable to passengers because I cherish my family, friends and associates dearly."
It also says that obscene maintenance costs are a trifle.
"It also says that obscene maintenance costs are a trifle." Or it says "I leased it" and will turn it in before the bumper to bumper warranty runs out. That's the case with one of the managers here at work. In the last 6 years or so he has had a Toureg, a CLS 500, a E63 AMG, and now a CLS 550, all leased.
Okay, "Obscenely disadvantageous lease terms are a trifle" works, too.
All any audi says is I dont know jack shit about cars because if I didnt I wouldnt have bought a tarted up volkswagen.
Not necessarily. I'm sure many Audi buyers know full well that they're tarted-up Volkswagens, but have enough money they don't much care how much extra they cost. After all, extra tarts are nice, whether or not they're good value.
This is what I'm getting when I get rich. And I'ma drive it 'til I'm dead.
<img src="http://cdn1.automotobounce.com/pics/a4/54/Bmw-3-0-cs_cf7d2.jpg" width=450>
However, if we're talking new cars and some generic person who's finally scored the big promotion, with roughly my tastes but with fewer cheapskate tendencies, this:
<img src="http://www.cadillac.com/content/dam/Cadillac/Global/master/nscwebsite/en/home/Vehicles/2013_Vehicles/2013_CTS_V_Sedan/Model_Overview/01_Images/2013-CTS-V-Sedan-feature-image-611×275.jpg" width=450>
The E9 is also on top of my ïf I'm rich list".
Second the A8, but then, I would. Wouldn't kick an S7 out of the garage, though, instead. I am aware of a few big-buck folks with Bentley Continentals and one wealthy couple with a pearl gray new Quattroporte. I see a lot of top-line Range Rovers and like to never see a Phantom even though there is a dealer here in Houston.
Years ago, the R-R dealer in Houston was also a Cadillac dealer (Highams). Is that still the case?
I remember Highams Cadillac although I didn't remember they sold R-R. They are long gone. There's a stand-alone Bentley and Rolls-Royce dealer on the 610 Loop just north of the Galleria. There also used to be a Ferrari dealer on the SW freeway (I think they sell Maserati now too) and there's a Lamborghini dealer on the north side of town. I think there's an Aston Martin dealer over on the west side.
1979 Ford truck.
<img src="http://www.bostonglobe.com/rf/image_r/Boston/2011-2020/2013/04/15/BostonGlobe.com/Travel/Images/Arkansas01.r.jpg"width=500>
It worked for the richest man in America.
Nothing says I've arrived like good looks and an interior designed by someone who normally sticks to clothes.
<img src="http://www.planethoustonamx.com/amc_ads/72_pierre_cardin_javelin_ad.jpg">
AMC is even good enough to provide the ability to own such a car to people who have "arrived" at various points.
The Gucci Sportabout, for the grocery store manager who just got his own store:
<img src="http://dashingcars.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/72hornet_sportabout_gucci.jpg" width=500>
And the Levi's CJ, for the guy who just bought his first "mobile home":<img src="http://file.vintageadbrowser.com/2sp6i3kkdr7ubs.jpg">
*Note: for anyone who think's I'm putting any of these down, I'm not. I'd rock any of them any day of the week.
My best friend in high school had a girlfriend with a Cardin Javelin. Only one I've ever seen. It was awesome.
I've seen a few, but I also frequent AMC specific shows. They are pretty amazing. I've seen one Gucci Hornet in person- also cool, but not on the same level as the Cardin Javelin.
If we're talking newer cars, I'd probably say Bentley Mulsanne. It's classy, understated, and something different from the everyday S Class.
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/bentley-mulsanne.jpg">
If it were me though, I'd probably go with the Countach as well. Something like a LP500S or 5000QV minus the federal bumpers.
<img src="http://www.lotusespritturbo.com/Lamborghini_Countach_LP500S.jpg" width="630" height="412">
To me, the "I just got the big promotion/made partner cars are, in no particular order:
Mercedes E-class
BMW 5 series
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Lexus LS
Infiniti Q…(or whatever they're calling their big sedan)
Hyundai Genesis sedan
Are these what I'd personally choose if I suddenly found myself occupying life's corner office? Nope, but I sure saw a bevy of slightly gray templed cut and thrusters whiz by me in one of the above on the way to my cubicle each day.
Bentley obviously. Just get the one powered by a spitfire or you look like a rap mogul.
<img src="http://www.carsuk.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Top-Gear-S18-E6.jpg">
A brand new A8L, S-Class or 7-series with minor battle scars all around. Tells the world, "Not only can I afford this car, I can afford to drive it like I don't care."
Something to drive around in before you eventually got caught dodging income taxes
<img src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/03/01-2014-jaguar-xjr-new-york-628.jpg" />
If you're rich enough you can afford to paint the C-pillars too!
What more could someone want? An Opala IS the top.
<img src="http://sphotos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/527143_10200974215027327_1009434336_n.jpg" width="600">
Whatever you drive down to the marina to get you to you wooden Catboat.
<img src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/284281_10151050263556714_12771167_n.jpg" width="500/">
Alternately, whatever you tow your Chris Craft around with. In this case, a 1955 Jag.
<img src="http://www.autoweek.com/galleryimage/CW/20120607/REG/607009995/PH/1/2/1955-Jaguar-Mark-VII-Convertible-.jpg" width="500/">
Anything with this:
<img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6081/6080597638_7ea3642edb_z.jpg" width="500">
CTS Sportwagon.
I have some money, appreciate luxury, but also need to haul stuff. And, no, I wouldn't get the V version. Too much $ in something that's only going to depreciate.
if you have to worry about that, then you haven't 'made it'
There's something about an old SL that says "I've got my life exactly how I want it."
<img src="http://www.autofiends.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/sl.jpg">
There's a guy who lives roughly in my neighbourhood who drives one, on a semi-daily basis (I've seen him in rush hour traffic on the highway leaving downtown several times), and am always a little envious.
There is an Apple exec who shows up to one of the local Euro meets. This is his daily beater with well over 100k on the clock.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/EMenssI.jpg" width="500">
When I first talked to him, he had just gotten done testing out his new Lamborghini on the track, and also tested out an MC12 and an F50 with intent to purchase. I don't even remember what other Ferraris he listed that were in his collection, but they were numerous.
So yeah, the best "I made it" car is multiple Ferraris.
GTO Ferrari is the best Ferrari.
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/5KVznkq.gif">
I should have been an Apple executive.
A Porsche 993, normally aspirated. Although my wife retains veto power over this.
Any car that is paid for.
The most truthful statement of the day. I'd upvote you twice if I could!
Not quite. I drive a very paid-for Hyundai Accent, and because it's my rolling office, I frequently question the decisions I made in my life that lead me to this.
That said, I do like that it's reliable(ish) and owes me nothing. It's more my "working on making it" car.
This.
<img src="http://rwd-cars.de/pics/BMW-Z07-001.jpg" width=500>
Watch out for hedge trimmers hanging from helicopters.
<img src="http://www.virginmedia.com/images/bmw-z8.jpg">
This car says there's a good chance you'll make it.
<img src="http://www.forum-auto.com/uploads/200601/tercel_1137020531_47.jpg" width="600">
Something that only exists by the grace of your tyrannosaurus-leather chequebook.
<img src="http://images3.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20110901150518/automobile/images/4/4d/Bentdom.JPG">
<img src="http://www.autoblog.gr/wp-content/gallery/ferrari-456-gt-venice/ferrari-456_venice_mp20_pic_12155.jpg">
Cars that other people can own are plebeian. Because other people are plebeian.
(I couldn't find any pictures of these custom SLKs, which I just learned of, from this video. Stock looking car with all the negative image of a Miata, with a <a href="http://jalopnik.com/122019/more-on-the-slr+powered-mercedes-slk-out-of-the-mouths-of-mechanics">not even ridiculous factory custom engine swap. Times three. This is far beyond 'made it'.)
The 456 Venice range of four door sedans and estates does it for me too
<img src="http://www.performance-car-guide.co.uk/images/L-Ferrari-456-Estate.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://www.supercars.net/gallery/129612/976/884923.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://static.skynetblogs.be/media/75960/dyn001_original_504_378_jpeg_2585886_7f05ebb6d530280f5175b1774dd84756.jpg"width="600">
I… I… I have no idea what I'm looking at. I don't know if I like it. I don't know if I should.
What the hell is it?
Ferrari got tired of Longrooffan's kvetching, so they hacked up some old 456s they had sitting around the factory.
Sadly, these cars were never intended to be registered, as the VIN reads (roughly translated) "Birthplace of speed, my ass!"
Ironically, the Florida DMV will accept this.
Haha, kidding. It was This Dude.
So rich you can go from this
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4biEoxb7mUM/UA6kiUgbhII/AAAAAAAABDY/7LpGLKaAfxU/s1600/SBgoldrr.jpg"width="600">
for your family, to this ,for your staff, if they don't take the Bentley or Ferrari wagons to pick up the shopping from Harrods
<img src="http://paultan.org/image/S73.jpg"width="600">
Poor rich people that still need to compare / define themselves to their neighbours – potentially a random bunch of whatevers.
If you truly made it, your chauffeur looks pretty hot.
Who the hell was that?
I don't know, but they must be really important. They had the pope for a chauffeur!
Well, soutanes are not quite my personal "hot", but to each as they like.
This requires careful thought, you have to be sure you don't fall into the trap of..
1. Rap mogul
2. Old time 65 year old
sr executive.
3. Daddys money
4. Dick car
The caveat should be
You made it and drive it daily
<img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/3282122342_d350cd1a5c.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://rollsroycesilvercloud.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/rolls-royce-silver-cloud-leichenwagen-5.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://media.fastcar.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/rolls-royce-estate.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://files.conceptcarz.com/img/Rolls-Royce/69_Rolls_SilverShadow_num214-Wgn_DV-07-MBA_a01.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://gazmegfek.hu/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/rolls-royce-silver-shadow-pickup-38872.jpg"width="600">
<img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh_A_MhR29I/TdhDUgvLZrI/AAAAAAAAGB8/3RqbM7d0ZJQ/s1600/rolls+royce.jpg"width="600">
Here's a car that doesn't say "I made it," but more says "I might make it… to my destination."
<img src="http://i.usatoday.net/communitymanager/_photos/drive-on/2009/11/24/mystery9backx-large.jpg">
This. Because Royces are now just tarted-up BMW, while this is still 17 feet of British steel, powered by 6 3/4 litre V8, and with only two doors to show that you drive this behemoth not because you need to carry anyone else but yourself and your ubnelievable beautiful wife, but just because you like the thing. If I ever become really rich, this is the first car I'm going to buy. And if I get just a little bit rich, I'm going for Turbo R instead.
http://cs.bentley-club.com/graphics/gallery/full/…
Instead of one car for a half million dollars, how about 25,000 cars for around $20,000? You know the kind, all the goodies we see here on a daily basis with a smattering of some of BAT's finest. Of course the sign of enormous wealth would be county sized compound of garages, shops and test tracks…