Calling all you flashers out there!

c4sman

c4sman

Member
Messages
1,260
No, not what you think...

In my past life of owning several TVRs there was an unwritten rule that you would always flash your headlights or wave at fellow TVR drivers when you saw them. It was acknowledgement that you knew there was a good chance that both of you were enthusiastic about cars and the brand and that you were going the extra mile to drive something that although not perfect, had bucket loads of character.

When I moved into Porsches, that didn't apply, as many (although not all) who drive modern ones are not car enthusiasts (or even brand enthusiasts) but just wanted a fast, flash sports car.

To me, driving a Maserati is closer in terms of brand to the TVR (from an enthusiast perspective at least), but would you ever acknowledge another Maser, or do you distinguish between and older car (bitirbo, 3200) and newer car (GTS, quatroporte)?

I have noticed complete strangers (not in Masers) waving in appreciation since having the GTS, and that doesn't happen in the 911.
 
CliveP1

CliveP1

Junior Member
Messages
578
blimey this is an old thing would do that in the old 1600gt cortina's and mg's who remember's when lorry drivers would flash you when you had overtaken them. the good old days.
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,631
Newton, You should try it in country car parks late at night, I am rarely disappointed by the response ;-)
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,153
I get flashed when in the M3 b other M3 owners.......Used to get it when had a 3200 but to be honest never daw that many back then...Used to get it all the time in the Lotus...
 
CatmanV2

CatmanV2

Member
Messages
48,782
I think I get about 50% flash response from fellow Maser owners. Not a great hit rate.

C
 
Parisien

Parisien

Moderator
Messages
34,927
Never been flashed nor have I returned the compliment.............basically....only 1 other around these parts......50 mile radius


P
 
Almichie

Almichie

Junior Member
Messages
799
The mini community is I like this, every classic mini owner is the same. I've always carried on this tradition and for the most part have been pleasantly surprised!
 
Woody

Woody

Member
Messages
2,802
VW bugs is the biggest group of owners for this in my experience.

I have often waved at other Maserati owners, and got nothing back! I find the older stuff (roughly, pre 2007 cars) sees a better response. Best response ever was a guy and his lad in a 3200 going down the motorway. Even had the wife waving back!

It was early days of owning the GS. She muttered something about the car being different to others I've owned.

I'm all for discrete waving if I see the car early enough.
 
zagatoes30

zagatoes30

Member
Messages
20,940
Alfa used to do it all the time then they start selling 156s and most new owners didn't have a clue. Still happens with anything pre 1990 though.

I flash other Masers, not that I see many though
 
mowlas

mowlas

Member
Messages
1,733
I find the same issue when giving way or letting other Maser owners out onto the road I'm on - there is no thank and no acknowledgement. Happens to me fairly frequently as I drive a lot in London.

I have two theories on why the poor response rate:

Theory 1: Maser owners are demure types - not showy; hence they are so busy being self-conscious about being in the car that they do not look out for or notice kind gestures from other drivers, let alone other Maser drivers

Theory 2: There are lot more pr*cks driving Masers nowadays

Perhaps we should put the two theories to a vote?
 
Felonious Crud

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
21,174
Oddly enough I get a better response from Ferrari owners. If not a flirty flash of headlights then a nod or a wave.
 
N

nfm

Member
Messages
856
Yet to meet a Maser coming the other way; hen's teeth over here, especially Coupes.
 
C

Chrisbassett

Member
Messages
3,909
If I'm outside London I'll wave or flash. Inside London I'll try with 32&42's or earlier, but QP's and GT's it's not worth it - either ignored or ignored...depending on their mood.
 
Felonious Crud

Felonious Crud

Administrator
Staff member
Messages
21,174
I've had more bewildered looks than reciprocal flashes / waves. As you say, Chris, more futile in London and the 'burbs than out in the sticks.
 
TridentTested

TridentTested

Member
Messages
1,819
Chrisbassett said:
If I'm outside London I'll wave or flash. Inside London I'll try with 32&42's or earlier, but QP's and GT's it's not worth it - either ignored or ignored...depending on their mood.
Click to expand...


London is a different country.

I wouldn't even think of waving at another Maserati in London - they would probably look at me like I had just got out of the asylum. When outside London I've never passed another so don't know.

It's the same with bikers. Outside London bikers will always acknowledge each other - no point in London, even when you come across someone on exactly the same marque and model.
 
Trev Latter

Trev Latter

Member
Messages
1,213
I think it makes a difference what you're driving/riding. Alfa 159 - never happens. TDM - usually get a wave off other bikers. Guzzi - Just about every biker waves.

You certainly seem to get more attention if you're in something older and perhaps a little more rare. Newish current models tend to get ignored as there is no way of knowing if it's an enthusiast driving or not. Location does make a difference too. City centres don't seem to attract friendly waves.

Me personally, I'll wave at anyone
 
You must log in or register to reply here.