Rolls Royce owners club

Originally Posted by Bradford

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BTW I didn't mean anything bad by my Texas comment. I just thought that seeing someone in a Rolls wearing a tuxedo with cowboy boots and hat fits right into the stereotype of the Texas look.
Don't sweat it, usually I get upset about perceived stereotypes...but these guys fit the exact model of what most people think of Texans.

There's nothing wrong with people with something in common getting together and having a good time. I think it's great. Also remember some of the less desired Rolls Royce models can be had for the price of a new Honda Accord.

I don't think there's anything crass, showy, or pretentious about that party (at least what I can see from the pics.) It looks like a bunch of regular people with classic cars, that really aren't that expensive considering how old they are, getting together for a nice little backyard BBQ.

It looks odd at first, but then you see people having wine standing in the kitchen and eating at a bench in the backyard.

If the pictures were all the same, except it was people driving vintage ford mustangs, people wouldn't criticize it as much.

Originally Posted by Mustapha

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In the nabe and time I grew up in we would have keyed or egged the cars.


You never **** with a man's car. This is nonnegotiable.

+ an uncountable
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Originally Posted by James Bond

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You never **** with a man's car. This is nonnegotiable.

Especially in Texas.

I'm glad when people have an excuse to get dressed up for anything....

I joined because of this topic. True older Rolls are not really expensive. Mine was only $30,000, 1991 Silver Spur II. Has more class and old school style over almost everything else on the road. For that money, plus I don't like newer European cars. Servicing would be less expensive if I leased pretty much anything! Brakes even avoiding non-authorized dealer looking at $3,000 bill. Still beats driving some piece of crap Lexus, or some other ugly and lousy build quality "luxury" American car. Even leasing a Ferrari, Italian trash mobile and Porsche, Mercedes, etcetera. Just does not appeal. Silence is golden and at stop lights you cannot hear the engine running. Big plus living part time in Vegas, Valets leave your Rolls parked up front. Zero wait time when you want to go is a huge plus. Another if you want VIP hook ups at Casino's. Rolls tailored Ermenegildo Zegna (only clothing I wear) They take you seriously, same with LA. O.k Texas Rolls owners, well make owning my car a little less appealing........ Its really not a car, Breitling, Cartier, vs no class Rolex!!!!

^^

I guess you forget it's like anything else that's expensive, even if you get it at a decent price it can still be very expensive to maintain.

It's the association with the symbolic nature of the RR that annoys some people.

It's this similar association that attracts some buyers -- others I assume purchase the car to be different or because they appreciate the aesthetics of the cars.

As others have pointed out, there may not be much true 'wealth' expended to purchase the cars -- especially the older models -- but there appears to be a great deal of 'association with wealth' (an snootiness' etc.) heaped upon those who own them, regardless of their cost or what motivated the purchase.

Generally, I'm pleased when enthusiasts gather to appreciate what they are passionate about. I have attended gatherings of audiophiles and heard a CD player which cost as much as Koenig's RR (APL Audio $19K mod of a $10K Esoteric CDP). There was nothing snooty about the event -- just guys (yes, guys only) appreciating the passion of trying to achieve ideal sound.

I would not assume that those at the RR gathering were enthusiasts of money or snobbish ways (although I do not doubt there may be exceptions) -- but assume, rather (especially given the homespun cake, etc.) that they were enthusiasts of the car, its history, and the respective models gathered at the event.

And for being passionate about something, I say, press on you cowboy hat wearing, RR driving, aging Texans, and enjoy life.

I would go to that event had I lived in Texas and owned an old Rolls Royce.

I'm the OP and I'm back. If the symbolism of a RR is as attractive as it seems to be to some folks here, so be it. And, it's not neutral symbolism - as some folks here think it might be.

Vintage or new RR - they are purchased with an aim to connote or confer status. Of the worst kind. What other more visible manifestation is there of excess? Big home? You have to invite your friends over. Diamond Rolex? It's hidden under your sleeve.

I'm on a roll :&gt here. There cannot be a more public way of displaying your crassness than a RR. I cannot think of one. Period. In a few minutes in a RR you can buy gas and be seen. Park in front of 'La Escargo' and be seen. Drive up to the valet at the Hilton-nada and be seen strolling out.

You can wear Victorian platinum links, Mattuozzo shirt, A&S single button suit, Lobbs, Hermes tie, ascot, riding breeches, ostrich and croc turn up shoes - these are all private indulgences and pleasures. Nothing, and I emphasize - nothing - sends out the broadband signals that a RR does.

Discuss further.

-Moose

Sometimes, you just want a **** You attitude.

Originally Posted by Mustapha

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I'm the OP and I'm back. If the symbolism of a RR is as attractive as it seems to be to some folks here, so be it. And, it's not neutral symbolism - as some folks here think it might be.

Vintage or new RR - they are purchased with an aim to connote or confer status. Of the worst kind. What other more visible manifestation is there of excess? Big home? You have to invite your friends over. Diamond Rolex? It's hidden under your sleeve.

I'm on a roll :>) here. There cannot be a more public way of displaying your crassness than a RR. I cannot think of one. Period. In a few minutes in a RR you can buy gas and be seen. Park in front of 'La Escargo' and be seen. Drive up to the valet at the Hilton-nada and be seen strolling out.

You can wear Victorian platinum links, Mattuozzo shirt, A&S single button suit, Lobbs, Hermes tie, ascot, riding breeches, ostrich and croc turn up shoes - these are all private indulgences and pleasures. Nothing, and I emphasize - nothing - sends out the broadband signals that a RR does.

Discuss further.

-Moose


"Moose".

You sound frustrated in a very working class kind of way. That's fine.

These "private" luxuries you speak about are things I do agree with, but there's a few things you should consider.

A) I'm sure you'd find some lesser luxury car acceptable. Like a 7 series. Well, 99% of the planet's population would see that as an outrageously ostentatious expense, even a 3 series. Think about cultural relativity.
B) It seems quite clear you've never driven or been driven in a Rolls Royce. The comfort of walnut trim, connolly leather and an incredible smooth, quite ride with spacious interior is a completely private luxury.

Maybe it would be better to get a common white van and have the interior re-done to be less conspicuous?

Originally Posted by Mustapha

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I'm the OP and I'm back. If the symbolism of a RR is as attractive as it seems to be to some folks here, so be it. And, it's not neutral symbolism - as some folks here think it might be.

Vintage or new RR - they are purchased with an aim to connote or confer status. Of the worst kind. What other more visible manifestation is there of excess? Big home? You have to invite your friends over. Diamond Rolex? It's hidden under your sleeve.

I'm on a roll :>) here. There cannot be a more public way of displaying your crassness than a RR. I cannot think of one. Period. In a few minutes in a RR you can buy gas and be seen. Park in front of 'La Escargo' and be seen. Drive up to the valet at the Hilton-nada and be seen strolling out.

You can wear Victorian platinum links, Mattuozzo shirt, A&S single button suit, Lobbs, Hermes tie, ascot, riding breeches, ostrich and croc turn up shoes - these are all private indulgences and pleasures. Nothing, and I emphasize - nothing - sends out the broadband signals that a RR does.

Discuss further.

-Moose

Disagree.

Some times a smoke is just a smoke, and a car is just a car.

The RR badge isn't gaudy, and some of the cars shown don't look all that different from Jags of the same era. The older cars with the long hoods - well, whether it's a Rolls or a Bugatti or a Packard, most people aren't going to scrutinize it, other than to say that it's well-kept, the owner must value it.

And therein lies a major part of why I don't take exception - in a world of disposable durables and conspicuous consumption, here's a group of people who have committed to the upkeep for something that is built to last. It's not the latest BMW M5, nor is it some gaudy Lambo. If this was a collection of new M5's I would call it pretentious and highly conspicuous. These Rolls owners are people who - for the most part - can drive whatever they want, and they're opting for this.

It's not driven by fashion or current trends or marketing campaigns. These people chose these cars for what they are, and I can think of nothing less pretentious.

...

Speaking of Jags, I was on the freeway when I passed a newer model low-slung Jag convertible. The driver was wearing a cowboy hat, which I thought was poor form. First, I expected him to put a hat rack in his jag. Second, it looked like a straw hat, which ain't in season for another month or so.