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Ownership & Privacy ?

20K views 111 replies 37 participants last post by  Lamar  
#1 · (Edited)
Ownership & Privacy

As a single man, my mid 50s and contemplating purchasing the Murcielago LP640 but never owned an Exotic Vehicle before. However, being a guy that does not desire or look for attention I am very concerned about the possibility of unruly kids and other strange people taking pictures of me and the Car or filming me without my consent. I cannot imagine driving down the highway and some punk unruly kids hanging out their windows taking my picture or worse filming me on their cell phones, putting many people in danger, if this is even legal? And, is it legal to film someone or take their picture without their consent? I know a lot of of you guys like the attention and have fun with it. I suppose I could live with it if this is part of the experience of ownership. If this was 1988 I would not be asking the question but with everyone addicted to their cell phones and taking pictures and filming everything and anyone without being respectful of other's privacy. It's a concern.

Fyi: In many countries around the world taking someone's picture without asking first can land you in jail or seriously injured.

Thanks.
 
#2 · (Edited)
What city do you live in? That will make a huge impact on how much attention you get. Also on public property its legal in the USA to take pictures and film anything as long as its not "harassment" which is a complicated definition and would be hard to prove.

But in most cases I hate to say you will get filmed, pictures will be taken, you will be screamed at (bad or good) and people will walk up on you to ask questions. OH and people will follow you for a while and maybe even be mean towards you and give you the bird or whatever... Sooooo yeah car might not be for you if it means A LOT for your personal space and privacy while in public places.

I'll send you a link to a video you might have seen about someone filming a lambo for 45 following the car until a heated climax towards the end of the video.
http://www.lamborghini-talk.com/vbforum/f202/lamborghini-huracan-prototype-driver-road-rage-81345/
link is to another post on the site. I really encourage you to get a lambo and enjoy it, because many people can't and it would be an awesome experience, maybe get a gray colored lambo and it would help.... a little.
As Top Gear says "lambos move in a pantomime, loud noise and drama". Or something like that.
 
#4 ·
Apex is right, but that video is extreme. Why on earth that guy thought he would be greeted warmly, and allowed to take pictures when the Huracan stopped for gas is beyond me.

I'm a privacy freak too, but there's nothing you can do about picture taking it's going to happen. At gas stations They'll always ask and, I always get out of the way. I DO NOT want to be on somebody's Face Book page or worse. Other than that, keep your sun glasses on, wear a hat and cover up as best you can. I really dislike this freak'en camera crazy world!
 
#5 ·
However, being a guy that does not desire or look for attention I am very concerned about the possibility of unruly kids and other strange people taking pictures of me and the Car or filming me without my consent. I cannot imagine driving down the highway and some punk unruly kids hanging out their windows taking my picture or worse filming me on their cell phones, putting many people in danger, if this is even legal? And, is it legal to film someone or take their picture without their consent? .
I've owned my Diablo or a week.....and I can tell you that if this is a concern, its not the car for you.

In just the 45 minutes to get it off the transport truck, my daughter counted over 10 people taking photos or videos. And here I thought bright metallic yellow would be a discreet color choice.
 
#6 ·
I can tell you that if this is a concern, its not the car for you.
I agree with Shark. These cars give you instant movie star status (and that's not really an exaggeration) pretty much everywhere you go. The pics and video clips are nearly constant, whether you are driving along with other lanes of traffic, or whether you've parked at the gas station or the store. I think for most of us, that is tolerable, or perhaps for some, even enjoyable. As for me, I don't think there's any reasonable way that even if that picture DID end up on somebody's Facebook page (not that I want it to), that it could harm me. It sounds as though it might not be tolerable for you.

Picture yourself enjoying driving the Lambo across town. How great would that feel? Now picture yourself noticing the 8th person snapping a cell phone pic in the last 6 blocks. How much would that bother you? If the irritation would be enough to cancel your enjoyment, find a different car. This is not a car for someone who just wants to be left alone, IMO.
 
#75 ·
Anything sleek and aggressive looking in a bright color will always draw attention. if you're out in public dont worry so much. Pictures are just pictures nothing more. Just try to not be in it. most of them will end up on instagram and facebook.

If people are taking pictures in your drive way, thats a whole different problem. I make sure people dont follow me back to my house, always pay close attention to the cars around you when getting closer to your home. remember these cars are a sign of wealth and may make you a target.

I dont have a lamborghini but I have owned a GT3 and own 2 lotus cars. The lotuses are attention whores. The key is to be nice and respectful to the people that approach you. Most of them have never seen one and just want 30 seconds to talk to you about it. Yes the questions are dumb and repetitive, it just comes with the territory. Be a douche and you'll pay the price. Your car will be an easy target any where you leave it unattended.
 
#8 ·
That crazy vid will probably never happen to you in any "regular" lambo. Go buy a Reventon and ok you'll have problems.

That being said, you will get attention in some way or another from half the people that see you go by. If you aren't in the mood to talk or indulge them, just leave the car at home and take your DD out.
 
#9 ·
If you hate attention don't buy a Lambo. Hubby HATES it and never chooses to take it for a ride.

I don't seek it out but I don't mind it, and I enjoy the interaction with people in public places. It makes them happy and excited (especially kids), and I enjoy sharing the car and being a positive ambassador for exotics (showing folks that not all owners are "jerks").

I read about the attention on the forums before buying and I'm glad I did. It helped prepare me.

Mine is a 2009 balloon white Gallardo and I can tell you color makes absolutely ZERO difference. Yes - Verde Ithada is much brighter (as are the orange, yellow etc) but a Lambo is a Lambo.

From day one I've had people speeding to catch up and take photos. I almost always am approached at a gas station. Lots of thumbs up even from police. You absolutely will get attention. My experiences have been all positive but I've read of "haters" and I'm sure they're out there. I live outside Pittsburgh PA where we have roughly 30 Lambos (that we know of) in residence (in the greater area). They are extremely rare here and I drive mine more than most.

I am much more law abiding (in general) in the Lambo because it DOES draw unbelievable attention and I think you're more likely to be a "target" of law enforcement. You can't exactly say - "gee officer - are you sure you stopped the right Lambo? There were a couple others that looked just like this one that passed me..."

If you can ignore the attention and choose times to drive that are less busy, and destinations that aren't popular, then get it and drive it and enjoy it. I agree - don't think about what other people are doing as long as you keep you and them safe. But if the attention, photos, videos (you WILL be on the internet, facebook, twitter, instagram and youtube) bother you and ruin the experience then choose a different car.

BTW - I have a facebook page that is usually deactivated (I check in briefly and then deactivate for privacy reasons and I have the privacy settings maxed out). I don't do twitter or instagram. I've seen movies of my car (and me) on youtube and many photos of the car posted on FB. I try to keep a low "electronic" profile - but it's bound to happen.

I don't care about all that. I love the car. I love driving it. Attention can be good and bad and none of it bothers me. One of the best things about the car is the people I've met and the trips we've been on. It's brought people and experiences into our lives that otherwise would not happen.

Good luck!
 

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#12 ·
Agree with all the above, if your worried about video, pics, being questioned etc, it's really not the car for you. Every time I take the Diablo out, it's like that from start to finish, a simple 5min fuel stop can turn into 30 mins of talking, people taking pics and people wanting to stand beside the car for photos etc.

I've even see other drivers having very close calls in the accident department. They were driving and trying to film or photograph at the same time. One time a guy was following me and driving on my left side taking pics, then on the right side, he was so busy looking at the car that, at one point I was stopped at a roundabout [you guys dont have them] he dative straight out over the lanes and never even realised, so luck there was no oncoming traffic.
 
#15 · (Edited)
Whatever happened to basic manners? I remember back in the late 90s when digital cameras first came out. I was taking Pics all the time of nature, architecture, etc but before I snapped a pic of someone or someone's vehicle - I always asked first. There is something not justified when a stranger walking up on you and taking your picture just because you drive an expensive, rare form of transportation. People should ask first. I know first hand in some countries like Brasil and Portugal a stranger taking your picture is illegal and could get you injured and or jailed.
 
#68 · (Edited)
Whatever happened to basic manners? People should ask first. I know first hand in some countries like Brasil and Portugal a stranger taking your picture is illegal and could get you injured and or jailed.
It is absolutely legal in the US to take pictures of anyone in public without their permission.


I also agree that renting one is a great idea for you. Rent it for two days and drive it around as much as possible to see how it feels.
 
#16 · (Edited)
Ha. are you kidding manners left us along time ago. I can't stand people coming in my shop and getting on the phone, standing behind someone in line while they're on the phone, or people looking at their phone in the middle of a conversation. These things are all RUDE. If your a phone junkie, please stay home because you aren't alert to what's happening around you, and it's annoying....But I digress.
 
#18 ·
I can't stand people coming in my shop and getting on the phone, standing behind someone in line while their on the phone, or people looking at their phone in the middle of a conversation.
I don't tolerate this behavior. I leave the area and give them my two cents worth opinion as I leave. I recently had a date with a very attractive young woman. As we were eating she began texting her friends. I immediately got up, paid the bill and left the restaurant. She had to call a Taxi. Never saw or spoke to her again. My feeling is if they are bold enough to be so rude, I will be rude back.
 
#17 ·
Maybe a provocative question .... How many Owners here purchased their Lamborghini for the attention aspect of it only? If nobody cared or paid any attention to you, would you still own a Lamborghini? Is the performance and feel of the experience enough to satisfy you, or do you like being and feeling important enough that complete strangers come up to you and act like your best buddy?
 
#19 ·
People who purchase for the attention alone are Poseurs, I have no respect for them at all. I like a little attention, but basically I try and avoid it. I love looking at the car, and the driving experience. I always think how lucky people are to see this car on the road, something I never get to see. :(
 
#22 ·
To me this car is a piece of sculpture. I appreciate the incredible form and function. It is rolling art. The attention is neither here nor there. It does not make me feel important. I happen to think its a privilege to own this car. I never tire of looking at it and I enjoy driving it. If no one gave it a second look it wouldn't change a thing for me. I also have a c6 Z06. It gets mild attention. My green Cayman R also gets a lot of attention and this surprises me. I bought it because it's a fantastic car never thinking it would be photographed or get attention from others.

I buy what makes me happy. The rest is inconsequential. Attention or not makes zero difference. I enjoy them and will always be nice to polite strangers. If someone is rude I may not be so nice.
 
#23 ·
Lambo66

As a lambo owner, I don't believe you can handle one. I believe you've read all the responses and they all sang the same tune.

Lambo = attention

I believe a Ferrari should suit your needs and meet your privacy criteria.

However, I come to believe, you want a Lambo TO get more attention! ;)
 
#24 · (Edited)
#27 ·
From those I have spoken with, these seem pretty much par for the course.

The other day, I had pulled my car into the garage, get out, and all of a sudden two guys are standing at the garage door......turns out they were neighbors just moving in, but they had to come over and see it.

Again, not the car for you......you would be calling 911 on a regular basis no doubt.

These did not seem like punks either....never heard so many "oh my God" statements outside a porn video.
 
#37 ·
If anyone harasses you, just get off your car and punch him in the face. That's what we do around here.
Unfortunately "punching him in the face" will land you in jail in Sue-Happy America. But I hear ya, and as much as I would like to handle some people the old school way, today you could end up in jail on assault charges or even worse be sued. That said, I think trying to be diplomatic and asking the Invader to stop and back off might be better.

I think a little tact and diplomacy goes a long way :)
 
#26 ·
Welcome to 2014!!! You have to evolve and learn with the technology and the world, if you don't, you'll fall behind. Texting, iPhone pics, iPhone video, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram is all part of our culture now. You don't have to use it but if you don't tolerated, then you become obsolete. This has nothing to do with "mannerism", this has everything to do with you're behind time/era. I can see if you're 78 years old...you're only in the 50s!

BTW, dating "younger girl", you'll get texting. Walking out on her is uncalled for. You asked her out, she didn't ask you out. Finish the rushed dinner and bring her home safe. You may be single for quit some time with your Corvette if you don't evolve or be more open minded.
 
#28 ·
BTW, dating "younger girl", you'll get texting. Walking out on her is uncalled for. You asked her out, she didn't ask you out. Finish the rushed dinner and bring her home safe. .
I was uncomfortable with this too.....so many whackjobs out there. Finish dinner, take her home, and just not call her again.
 
#38 ·
Look, I am going to give it to you exactly how I see it.

Ownership of any exotic begs for attention no matter if its warranted or not.

YOU choose to either ignore it or react to it.

There are certain times when you want it, and there are times you do not.

I think this thread is B.S.

why? YOU know Lamborghinis attract attention. If you didn't want attention, you would not be posting this question to a public forum, taking any answers for strangers seriously.

You should consult friends, family, people you know for serious answers.

Us? We are merely the peanut gallery having fun at your expense. kind of like you owning a Lamborghini and the public (us) taking pictures.

You definitely can't handle it.
 
#41 ·
I agree somewhat with "Toppy" but the OP's question is no more odd than someone asking strangers what they think about this color, mod, wheels, model, etc. These questions are always odd to me. If someone is going to spend tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, they should darn well know what they want.