AWESOME or AWFUL? Is It COOL To Drive A Purpose-built Race Car On THE ROAD?

When it comes to exotica, many people say things like "Oh, man. It's a race car on the road!"

In actuality, that's not the case. Usually. Most of the time they're talking about high-performance street cars that were engineered as such.

It's not until you take a look at the likes of something like the Porsche Schuppan 962CR that you really understand what a race car on the road is really like. In the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Matt Ivanoe of The Cultivated Collector, brings by this very, very rare treat. Only six were produced, and according to Ivanoe, one was lost due to fire.

You don't get a real picture of how impractical this thing is until you see Jay and Matt sitting so close their shoulders are literally touching. It's pretty comical but as they say during the video, it does do all the right things.

I couldn't help but be reminded as I was watching this clip of the owners of LeMans racers who take their vehicles out and about in Tokyo. It seems crazy but people actually do race cars on the road.

That said, is that AWESOME or AWFUL?


This legendary car only had one mile on it until Matthew Ivanhoe brought it Jay's garage, where they added a few more!

TomM - 8/22/2018 3:08:18 AM

+5 Boost

For the most part - these cars are punishing to drive.

MDarringer - 8/22/2018 8:50:57 PM

+1 Boost

Absolutely true. Streets are typically far rougher than a track. Tracks are typically a lot smoother because speed magnifies the oscillation from a bump and track cars are usually far stiffer than road cars.

PUGPROUD - 8/22/2018 8:41:43 AM

+1 Boost

But if you can and want to, why not.

TheSteve - 8/22/2018 7:49:12 PM

+1 Boost

If you spend time on the track, and that's what you love, then you might consider a track-ready car that you can used to get to and from the track... to save some money rather than buying a trailer, tow vehicle, etc.

But if you can afford a race-ready exotic, and you're driving it on public streets exclusively, then you likely do so to make a statement, and to have others perceive you as you desire or hope.

Personally, I prefer a vehicle that's optimized for the mission. And the mission could be a comfortable drive on public streets... or having people turn to look at what you own.