Why do people have to "touch" my car?

[Jeff K]

Every time I stop and people come up to check out my D-lo, why do they somehow always put their hands on it. It's always pretty gentile, but people somehow feel obligated to touch it. It always leaves smudgy fingerprints, which I towel off.

No one would ever consider coming up to any other exotic and touching it. Only this car.

Hmmmm

Jeff

[sean]

Every time I stop and people come up to check out my D-lo, why do they somehow always put their hands on it. It's always pretty gentile...

IMO, it confirms reality for them when they are in disbelief. Despite the low value our car seems to carry in the sports car world, heck even some of our own owners, I think most "regular folk" would prefer to see our cars over a vette, old ford and the such. While finger prints are an eyesore to owners, I take the prints as a badge of honor by folks who appreciate it. Sure it's rude a bit but when I think back to my first sight of one it's easy to put myself in their shoes and relate to the joy.

[WelmoedJ]

One of the many "advantages" of having a special car.
Everybody needs to hug it in their own way.
Touching, feeling how brushed SS feels is one of the ways to express their admiration.

You could offer them a wipe (either for their fingers or for wiping off their marks?).

[Jeff K]

IMO, it confirms reality for them when they are in disbelief. Despite the low value our car seems to carry in the sports car world, heck even some of our own owners, I think most "regular folk" would prefer to see our cars over a vette, old ford and the such. While finger prints are an eyesore to owners, I take the prints as a badge of honor by folks who appreciate it. Sure it's rude a bit but when I think back to my first sight of one it's easy to put myself in their shoes and relate to the joy.

Yea, I agree. I do like the attention. I never say anything when they do touch it. I guess touching sometime is a tactile connection to the object.

[BTTF-1]

Can't touch this does not work with the D.
Just think you could drive around in a lambo "Lamborghini"and no one would even look twice.

Ed:bigclap:

[Ron]

You could offer them a wipe (either for their fingers or for wiping off their marks?).
:hihi2:

[Mark D]

I understand the need for people to want to touch the finish... it looks so grainy like it would be rough, but it's surprisingly smooth. I had the same reaction the first time I ever saw a DeLorean..I had to touch it. I was in disbelief that I was actually seeing one also, and somehow it made it real when I put my finger on the fender. I did wipe the print off afterwards though.

For that reason I don't care if people touch my car at a show. Trying to sit in it is a completely different story... but who cares if they touch it. It's not like paint where they could actually do permanent damage. The thing I enjoy most about going to shows seeing the enjoyment that other people get out of getting up close with the car, so I hate to ruin their fun.

So help you god, if you sit in my car without asking I will go freakin nuts... If people would just ask they'd be surprised that I'd probably let them.

[thirdmanj]

Every time I stop and people come up to check out my D-lo, why do they somehow always put their hands on it. It's always pretty gentile, but people somehow feel obligated to touch it. It always leaves smudgy fingerprints, which I towel off.

No one would ever consider coming up to any other exotic and touching it. Only this car.

Hmmmm

Jeff

I'm reminded of this exchange between Cdr. Data and Capt. Picard in "Star Trek: First Contact" every time someone touches my DeLorean.

Data: "Sir, does tactile contact alter your perception of the Phoenix?"

Picard: "Oh, yes! For humans, touch can connect you to an object in a very personal way, make it seem more real."
[Data also puts his hand on The Phoenix]

Data: "I am detecting imperfections in the titanium casing... temperature variations in the fuel manifold... it is no more "real" to me now than it was a moment ago."

.... I just think about that and smile, and remind myself that its the human condition.... for better or worse.

[dvonk]

I'm reminded of this exchange between Cdr. Data and Capt. Picard in "Star Trek: First Contact"...

i was just thinking today about how awesome that movie is. i should break out the ol' LaserDisc and give it a watch again. :hihi2:

on topic: one of these days i will actually get to touch a DeLorean... :wiggle:

[DMC5180]

I guess touching sometime is a tactile connection to the object.

Yup, It's just an illusion if you can't touch it.

Speaking of people sitting in your car. Well, DUH. How many other collector car owners leave the doors open at car shows? If they do happen to be open for some reason usually the car is roped off. To put it bluntly, we invite the intrusion. I have had anyone try and sit in the car with the door closed.

[Jonathan]

Yup, It's just an illusion if you can't touch it.

This reminds me of something else people always ask the "are they real?" question about. My favorite line: "they're real if you can touch them"

[nkemp]

I've thought about putting up a sign that says:


Please Don't Touch
It Feels Like Your Kitchen Sink.


I find that touching things I admire is something I do as well. I used to think it was a male thing... but maybe females do it as well.

Nick

[Chris Burns]

Just put in a electric shock system.:deviltail:

Seriously, people are going to touch the Delorean no matter what. Just keep some Windex handy for quick touch ups and stainless polish.

One of our local car collectors has a 66 Batmobile. You think the Delorean attracts a lot of fingerprints, you should see the prints on his car!

[David T]

When you go to car shows the people there generally know the rules and do not touch the cars. When you go to more public events there is more touching. If it bothers you then don't go. I really don't mind as long as they are not scratching the car with rings. Fingerprints come off pretty easily with some Windex or alcohol. Watch out for the rivets in pants. Kids are usually the worst, usually because the parents have no respect for other people's things and the kids learn from the parents. To keep people from jumping in the car I put Einstein on the seat. Since a Delorean is one of the very few cars displayed with open doors many people take that as an invitation to jump in! People touch the car to make sure it is made out of aluminum.
David Teitelbaum

[Ron]

People touch the car to make sure it is made out of aluminum.:thumbup2:

[Fox2506]

I've had a few people come up to it feeling a little more generous with their touching, and give it a couple of knocks. I mean I guess it sounds like stainless steel. :8ball:

[Dangermouse]

I always equate it to a "wet paint" sign - you know you shouldn't touch but you just have to, to check that it is really unpainted SS.

[protodelorean]

I understand the need for people to want to touch the finish... it looks so grainy like it would be rough, but it's surprisingly smooth. I had the same reaction the first time I ever saw a DeLorean..I had to touch it. I was in disbelief that I was actually seeing one also, and somehow it made it real when I put my finger on the fender. I did wipe the print off afterwards though.

For that reason I don't care if people touch my car at a show. Trying to sit in it is a completely different story... but who cares if they touch it. It's not like paint where they could actually do permanent damage. The thing I enjoy most about going to shows seeing the enjoyment that other people get out of getting up close with the car, so I hate to ruin their fun.

So help you god, if you sit in my car without asking I will go freakin nuts... If people would just ask they'd be surprised that I'd probably let them.

I've got the same philosophy as Mark on this. I've never understood the "issue" with touching the stainless. A nuisance sure, but certainly not going to hurt the stainless. I'd be far more concerned about touching of painted cars. I get the most enjoyment out of making people's day by offering to let them sit in it or for the little ones, giving them a Hot Wheels. They adults get their pic taken in the driver's seat or the kids walk away with a replica, (neither offer will they get from any other car at the show) but either way they walk away talking about a Delorean. That's how we make fans.

[Farrar]

I always equate it to a "wet paint" sign - you know you shouldn't touch but you just have to, to check that it is really unpainted SS.

Now you've given me a wicked idea... :)

[DeLorean]

Leave it parked in a walmart parking lot for a few hours and you WILL come back to a car covered entirely with the fingerprints of "the great unwashed".

[Dracula]

Just the other day, I had a guy come up and start tapping his knuckles all along the side of my car. He went from the front fascia to the rear before I got to it. I don't get the need to touch it in the first place, much less the need for extended touching.

[Bruce Johnson]

I don't mind the touching..actually I'll encourage it, especially after the cars been sitting in the hot sun for a few hours. :deviltail:

[dmc3130]

I agree with the idea of, if your at a car show then MOST people know the rules. BUT, I just got back from a show this weekend ( I've been to quite a few) and was just blown away at the rudness this time. People leaning on it, lifting the gas flap, touching with their whole hand, trying to clime in. I had to close the doors because it started to lightly rain and someone came by and started to open the door. I about jump out of my skin....:angry_whip:. I'm normaly very tolleant (sp?) But this was just crazy. My buddy who was parked next to me with a prostreet 55 chevy was blown away too. Not sure if this was just a fluke but man what's the deal????

[MartyP]

To answer the question:

Why do people touch the Deloreans ?

Because Stainless is magnetic to the human skin !:lol:

It's true that they dont touch the 69 camaro or th 59 Cadillac, but they have to make sure it's Stainless and make sure that it's real !

[painterdave72]

I have had a jackass car salesman hit on my car with a key a few years ago.. i was just like wtf?? i have also had people steal stuff out of it at car shows.. and someone actually sat on my rear quarter glass once for some reason. i really dont get people.. it gets kind of irritating to have to tell people not to do shit like that.. we should just follow them to their vehicles and sit on the hood or something..lol

[Kukem]

A very generous owner on the boards here invited me to come see his car as he found out I had never seen a DeLorean in person. Like many others, I was VERY excited to finally get to see one, but from being here I knew most owners didn't like to have people touch it. (I asked to touch it) After talking for a while I got up the never to ask him if I could sit in it too. He was great and allowed me to get some pics and even took me for a ride!

I can see where the urge somes from because I had brought my cousin with me for the trip and he told me later that he wanted to touch it too! He also refused to sit in the car when he was offered. (Afraid he may get the urge to get one!) Someday, I guess I will own one and possibly understand the frustration, but for now, I can sympathize with the onlookers. It is a great car, and it is hard to believe that you are actually looking at a DeLorean when you see it in person.