I like Ferraris, but I don't like the ones that look like they were designed by the same people as the Mach 3 razor by Gillette, like the FXX. Same with those out-there looking Lamborghinis and Lotuses. They are "look at me" toys, and they appeal to boys, and are we not men? Have you ever noticed certain woman snickering at $250,000 cars?

I must say I also have trouble with this glass bonnet covering the engine on the otherwise attractive Spider. Sure, it's a V8 that cost more than many people's residences, but there's something embarrassing about it. It's like a see-through blouse. It's showing something publicly that's more fun beheld in private.  I don't mind a little tease, like the red paint showing through Porsche's wheels, but engines should be heard and not seen.

Actually, I'm not crazy about most post-eighties Ferraris. I love the oldies. The 250GT 2 + 2, the 365 GT 2 + 2, the 208 GT4.  To me the really great Ferraris have a back seat. If I were to get a Ferrari I think it would be the old 400 or 412.  It's not really a sports car but what they called a "grand boulevardier," a high performance family coupe with a back seat. It's all about understatement. Apparently the idea was that on the Autostrade it could outrun any kidnapper in a BMW or Mercedes.  Although I bet my E500 wagon would give it a run for its money up to the electronically-limited 130mph.