Why do people tailgate Corvettes?

[voorthuist]

I`m with those who say that it`s a jealousy thing. A couple days after buying my 95 LT-1 last December, while one car back at a stoplight in Alexandria, VA, a strong smell of oil-based exhaust filled the car. Frantically hecking gauges and mirrors for clues, I realized that the sh*tbum in front of me, driving an ancient Nova, was gunning his leaky motor and smiling a toothy smile in his rearview mirror (I was close enough to see it.) I decided to exercise self control and at the green, gunned it around him.

Our vehicle does seem to bring out the worst in some people.

 

[Edmond]

Our vehicle does seem to bring out the worst in some people.

:L:L:L

 

[Robert]

This guy in a Dodge Ram pickup was glued to my ass for 10 miles heading in to work. Even the simultaneous stop sign routine, him using my stop and hanging on my bumper. Did I owe this puke money? This is far from the first time, and only in this car. James Bond oil slick? Roofing tacks? It freaks me out every time!

Please tell me I'm not alone, and give me some suggestions on managing this situation. Reaching for the pistola is not the answer.

I just thought of something this morning.

A few days before I bought my '84, I was telling an acquaintance about it. He has always wanted a Vette, but said he never found one he could afford.

He then proceeded to ask me what the difference between a porcupine and a Corvette was. I said, "I don't know". He said, "A porcupine has its pricks on the outside". He then said he thought that joke had a ring of truth to it, but hoped and thought that I would not be affected in that manner since I seem to be a decent guy. He thought I could "handle" being a Corvette owner.

Oh OK funny, but you know....if just a small percentage of drivers feel that way, no wonder they tailgate Vettes. They may well figure that if the driver is a prick, he might need some harrassing.

Oh well....

 

[chevyaddict]

There is no doubt that over the years and still today owning a corvette is a symbol of status. Regardless of whether some of us own the "cheaper" vettes, nevertheless this is the case. Status means different things to different folk but here in our Western society it generally means money. And, even if one is to buy a new corvette they are not cheap by any means AND they are considered extra fluff because most people (especially with families) cannot survive on a vette alone... they also have the family car. Therefore, the corvette is the "extra" toy that one can afford. Even further, why do you think corvettes retain their value? Its not because the parts that put together a corvette is worth more it is because a corvette is valued more in our society.

It is also no secret the upper few that are wealthy are usually snobbish to a certain extent and the majority of people don't like snobs.... ergo when putting the two together results in the "attitude" corvette owners receive - and this attitude can be displayed in many shapes and forms.

So logically, it makes total sense that we solicite this behavior in other people. People assume (correctly for the most part) that we are wealthy snobs flaunting our ability to afford what most others cannot....

What do ya'll think?

 

[Robert]

I think that Chevyaddict pretty much summed up this whole thread.

Nicely put.

Now we know why......now how do we handle it??

I can't wait to find out how I do...I can tell you that!!!!!

 

[MrHeat]

I think it must be the chemical composition of the fiberglass attracting all the A-HOLES on the highway.

 

[Bioscache2]

I def agree with all these posts. The other day I was driving on the Highway when a WRX and some Toyota sped up to stay with me. Mostly, I've been good (even put off racing a 2001 Cobra that pulled up next to me) and I had just had a conversation with a fellow sport car enthusiast on how I hadn't really stretched the legs of the vette since I got it. So my friend, Em, recommeded that I try it and since the highway was pretty empty I thought now would be the time I give in this once. I nailed and blew the Toyota away. The WRX dropped back as well but not too far (I wasn't racing yet, just some spirited driving) after I felt my point was proven I let the WRX catch back up but he stayed back (having been taught a new found respect I'd like to think) and the Toyota was never seen again. As for stretching the vette's legs, they stretch quite nicely and I was no where close to the edge.

On a side note I've had plenty of guys come up and rev their ricers and I usually shake my head and rev mine. Thats usually enough to prove my point. So I don't race'em (Also my usual passengers are not fans of speed, lol).

 

[chevyaddict]

I think it must be the chemical composition of the fiberglass attracting all the A-HOLES on the highway.

Thats it! OK all you ingenuitive corvette people.... we MUST develop and patent the "Anti-A-Hole Repellant".... simply put this on underneath your wax and VOILA! No more A-Holes!

 

[Z06ADCT]

Great discussion. I have had my Z06 now for almost three weeks now. The FIRST day I got it and was driving home, a truck started riding me for about ten miles. Since I was still afraid of the car and now knowing all her capabilities, I maintained a constant speed of about 70mph which only aggravated the guy more. After about ten miles, I pulled over to the middle lane, he pulled up on my left side and positioned the front fender in my line of sight such that I would see the word: "Hemi". I just laughed. I guess it shows the effectiveness of the Dodge advertizing machine. I have a friend with a Mustang Cobra who tells me that people always want to race him. He wanted to race me for fun, but after giving him a ride in mine, he gracioulsy declined. It is so great having a fast car, and even greater when you don't have to prove it.

 

[Edmond]

It is so great having a fast car, and even greater when you don't have to prove it.

sounds like something a martial arts master would say to a new student. :L

 

[DanHammer]

Washington Metro Area

Around here in the Nation's Capital area ... DC, VA & MD vette owners have to show a lot of patience with all the ricers w/ jumbo wings and a over-sized exhaust tip, SUVs, Pickups and Minivans. My vette, aside from attracting bugs when parked, also is a magnet to Cops, and all trying hard ricers from all walks of life, including some high-expensive European sports cars. I had a nice encounter with a 911 Porsche on Interstate 66 in VA, on my my to Centreville. This spoiled brat must think he owns the highway ... put his high beams on behind me and pass me on my right side to flip me. I had my cruise on @ 70 MPH. It really made me mad ... took a few seconds to calm me self down. But this silver Porsche slowed down and again starts toying with me. And this time, his girlfriend on the passenger side is also laughing and flipping me. OHHHH! really lost it!!! I just wanted a nice Sunday cruise in my vette and find it hard to do ... my car must be so intimidating or something. Needless to say ... the vette embarrassed the Porsche so bad ... I knew the vette will outrun the Porsche ... when I bought this Car ... I knew that this is not an ordinary C5 but a modified 550 HP with a nitrous system to boot ... and we tested this car at an oval track with a top speed of 227 MPH.

Anyways, Dawn is right ... we vette owners should have some kind of repellant to deal with all these nuisance from envy ricers, rich brats and just enjoy our quality time with our vettes. Peace to all !!!

Dan

 

[Edmond]

But this silver Porsche slowed down and again starts toying with me. And this time, his girlfriend on the passenger side is also laughing and flipping me.

Were they young people? I see a lot of people like that, not in Porsche's though. They think that they're young and tough. Maybe they're still stuck in their fantasy world where nothing goes wrong and everyone bows to them. But if they did something like that here in Chicago; they're likely to get a few "breather holes" in their car.

 

[sweet04]

No kiddin! I was there yesterday!

I'd stay off the alpharetta autobahn....400 is like talladega

Len

 

[sweet04]

Good one!

I think it must be the chemical composition of the fiberglass attracting all the A-HOLES on the highway.

 

[DanHammer]

But if they did something like that here in Chicago; they're likely to get a few "breather holes" in their car


[No these guys were not young ... late 30's or early 40's I think!!! I think it is because they saw a nice good looking , intimidating yellow vette.]

 

[chevyaddict]

sounds like something a martial arts master would say to a new student. :L

Here Here!!

 

[taegdh]

Anti-a-hole

Dawn's idea of an Anti A-Hole application, along with the previous idea submitted about tossing rocks has prompted my devious mind to this:

Well, How about the idea of using "paintball" pellets, but replacing half the "paint" with some "skunk-oil".

As I envision it, the gun mechanism would attach to the "spare tire" mount, and aim directly in back, with a 10 to 15 degree elevation. The system would be remotely activated, and wouldn't require much pressure to launch the "paintballs". Just enough to get it up 3 feet. With the car moving at 40 to 50 and one of the "morons" on our tails, just got to launch it up so the "paintball" pellet apogee is at the height of their windscreen. They would probably think it to be avian excrement from a sea gull or a Juune Bug.

Alternative mounting site would be in the left rear fender, replacing the power antenna. Again, just got to get it up a few feet vertically and let forward motion of our own vehicle(s) and the pursuieeee do most of the work.

If any of you actually build and market it, I'd only like 10%.

 

[Kris4Rusty]

I have to tell you all something that is making me laugh. I drive an 86 bright red coupe but my other car is a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi!!!! Guess I have the best of both worlds!!

 

[jdenn47]

I got one too

I have to tell you all something that is making me laugh. I drive an 86 bright red coupe but my other car is a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi!!!! Guess I have the best of both worlds!!

I got a bright red 86 coupe too. Bought it last April on E-Bay just as shown in the pic. I have noticed that usually teens like to tail gate with thier little Civics, Corollas & Cavilers.
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=4468

 

[Z06ADCT]

I have to tell you all something that is making me laugh. I drive an 86 bright red coupe but my other car is a 2003 Dodge Ram 1500 Hemi!!!! Guess I have the best of both worlds!!

Soooooo That must have been you teasing me with your Hemi huh?