Hooniverse Asks- What’s the Best “I Made It” Car?

Richie-Rich-full-car

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

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87 responses to “Hooniverse Asks- What’s the Best “I Made It” Car?”

  1. muthalovin Avatar

    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&quot; width=550>

    1. P161911 Avatar

      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.

      1. muthalovin Avatar

        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&quot; width=550>

        1. Synchromesh Avatar
          Synchromesh

          Texas and no pickup truck? I don't believe it.

          1. muthalovin Avatar

            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"&gt;

          2. joshwebster84 Avatar
            joshwebster84

            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.

    1. Sixtyover Avatar
      Sixtyover

      Dat fine corinthian leather.

    2. Jay_Ramey Avatar
      Jay_Ramey

      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.

      1. Maymar Avatar
        Maymar

        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.

    3. Van_Sarockin Avatar
      Van_Sarockin

      They sure don't skin and tan Corinthians the way they used to.

  2. boostedlegowgn Avatar
    boostedlegowgn

    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.

    1. $kaycog Avatar
      $kaycog

      Awesome! You win!

      1. Plecostomous Avatar
        Plecostomous

        http://www.beststuff.com/images/articles/060109c….
        Ken Imhoff's Countach – he certainly did make it.

  3. smalleyxb122 Avatar
    smalleyxb122

    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"&gt;
    Image stolen from edmunds.

    1. P161911 Avatar

      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.

      1. Vairship Avatar
        Vairship

        Maserati might be the way to go now. Less common than an Aston, and yet more stylish than a FerrLambo.

        1. P161911 Avatar

          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.

    2. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      'Used' sounds so plebeian. Refer to it as a 'youngtimer' instead!
      Or get yourself a DB5. 😉

    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      Never noticed the hotdog before.

      1. $kaycog Avatar
        $kaycog

        Me neither. How funny.

        1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
          Irishzombieman☆

          I had hotdogs last night. Looks like I'm on my way. . . .

          1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            The true measure of any man's success is with his wiener.

          2. $kaycog Avatar
            $kaycog

            Shame on you. ;D

          3. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            No shame at all here. I am very successful. 😉

          4. $kaycog Avatar
            $kaycog

            You funny, funny man! I can't stop laughing!

          5. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            <img src="http://i.imgur.com/Hc2ocLT.gif"&gt;

          6. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
            Irishzombieman☆

            What is that from? And did you make the gif?

          7. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
            Scandinavian Flick ★

            Game of Thrones, apparently. I wish I could claim credit for it, but I had to look up its source.

  4. don fehlio Avatar
    don fehlio

    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&quot; width="600">

  5. Kogashiwa Avatar
    Kogashiwa

    First thing I thought of:
    <img src="http://www.tuxboard.com/photos/2010/05/Audi-R8-GT-13.jpeg&quot; 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."

  6. Van_Sarockin Avatar
    Van_Sarockin

    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.

    1. Vairship Avatar
      Vairship

      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"&gt; <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/

  7. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
    Peter Tanshanomi

    <img src="http://images.consumerreports.org/production/cars/testcar/profile/cr/jpg/240/2597-2011-audi-a8-l.jpg"&gt;
    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.

    1. P161911 Avatar

      "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.

      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        Okay, "Obscenely disadvantageous lease terms are a trifle" works, too.

    2. karl Avatar
      karl

      All any audi says is I dont know jack shit about cars because if I didnt I wouldnt have bought a tarted up volkswagen.

      1. Peter Tanshanomi Avatar
        Peter Tanshanomi

        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.

  8. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
    Irishzombieman☆

    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&quot; 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&quot; width=450>

    1. BЯдΖǐL-ЯЄРΘЯΤЄЯ Avatar

      The E9 is also on top of my ïf I'm rich list".

  9. marmer01 Avatar
    marmer01

    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.

    1. dukeisduke Avatar
      dukeisduke

      Years ago, the R-R dealer in Houston was also a Cadillac dealer (Highams). Is that still the case?

      1. marmer01 Avatar
        marmer01

        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.

  10. danleym Avatar
    danleym

    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"&gt;
    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&quot; 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"&gt;
    *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.

    1. stigshift Avatar
      stigshift

      My best friend in high school had a girlfriend with a Cardin Javelin. Only one I've ever seen. It was awesome.

      1. danleym Avatar
        danleym

        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.

  11. Bryce Womeldurf Avatar

    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"&gt;
    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&quot; width="630" height="412">

  12. scroggzilla Avatar
    scroggzilla

    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.

  13. calzonegolem Avatar
    calzonegolem

    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"&gt;

  14. Alff Avatar

    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."

  15. quattrovalvole Avatar
    quattrovalvole

    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&quot; />

    1. dr zero Avatar
      dr zero

      If you're rich enough you can afford to paint the C-pillars too!

  16. Batshitbox Avatar

    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&quot; 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&quot; width="500/">

  17. vroomsocko Avatar
    vroomsocko

    Anything with this:
    <img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6081/6080597638_7ea3642edb_z.jpg&quot; width="500">

  18. SSurfer321 Avatar
    SSurfer321

    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.

    1. will Avatar
      will

      if you have to worry about that, then you haven't 'made it'

  19. Devin Avatar
    Devin

    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"&gt;

    1. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      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.

  20. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
    Scandinavian Flick ★

    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&quot; 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.

    1. Irishzombieman☆ Avatar
      Irishzombieman☆

      GTO Ferrari is the best Ferrari.

      1. Scandinavian Flick ★ Avatar
        Scandinavian Flick ★

        <img src="http://i.imgur.com/5KVznkq.gif"&gt;

    2. danleym Avatar
      danleym

      I should have been an Apple executive.

  21. Maxichamp Avatar

    A Porsche 993, normally aspirated. Although my wife retains veto power over this.

  22. Arco777 Avatar
    Arco777

    Any car that is paid for.

    1. Preludacris Avatar
      Preludacris

      The most truthful statement of the day. I'd upvote you twice if I could!

    2. Maymar Avatar
      Maymar

      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.

  23. Feds_II Avatar
    Feds_II

    This.
    <img src="http://rwd-cars.de/pics/BMW-Z07-001.jpg&quot; width=500>

    1. dr zero Avatar
      dr zero

      Watch out for hedge trimmers hanging from helicopters.
      <img src="http://www.virginmedia.com/images/bmw-z8.jpg"&gt;

  24. Preludacris Avatar
    Preludacris

    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&quot; width="600">

  25. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
    BlackIce_GTS

    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"&gt;
    <img src="http://www.autoblog.gr/wp-content/gallery/ferrari-456-gt-venice/ferrari-456_venice_mp20_pic_12155.jpg"&gt;
    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'.)

      1. danleym Avatar
        danleym

        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?

        1. BlackIce_GTS Avatar
          BlackIce_GTS

          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.

          1. Rover1 Avatar
            Rover1

            So rich you can go from this
            <img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4biEoxb7mUM/UA6kiUgbhII/AAAAAAAABDY/7LpGLKaAfxU/s1600/SBgoldrr.jpg"width="600"&gt;
            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"&gt;

  26. nanoop Avatar
    nanoop

    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.

    1. Alcology Avatar
      Alcology

      Who the hell was that?
      I don't know, but they must be really important. They had the pope for a chauffeur!

      1. nanoop Avatar
        nanoop

        Well, soutanes are not quite my personal "hot", but to each as they like.

  27. rustylink Avatar
    rustylink

    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

  28. danleym Avatar
    danleym

    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"&gt;

  29. BobAsh Avatar
    BobAsh

    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/

  30. jjd241 Avatar

    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…