Italian Character

[DUCeditor]

I first posted this thread on SportClassic forum, but then realized it might have been more appropriate here.


“Italian Character” That is a phrase we forum members bandy about, sometimes seriously, more often at least semi-tongue in cheek. But is there really such a thing? I think so, yes. Although to say so may open me up to all sorts of criticism. To that I respond: “Tough nuggies!”

I love my Ducatis for what they are as motorcycles; their individual characteristics. My 900SS is a very different machine than my GT1000. The same can be said for my son’s 996 (over which I drool every time I enter his garage). But along with these individual differences there is also an underlying similarity. And that is that they each display Italian Character.

For that matter, so does my wife.

I was born and raised in a Jewish home on Long Island. As a youth – until I was old enough to pick and choose my own friends – everyone close to me was Jewish. Indeed, although I have no religious faith per say, I, too, am “jewish.” I.e., I share much of the Jewish character. It shows in my love of words, of the arts and music. Also, perhaps, the joy I take in, um, shall I say “discussion.” But back to the subject…

When I was in my teens my world started to expand, as it does, indeed, for most of us. In my case the direct cause was my entry into the world of music making. For now a second group of people entered into my life: The Italians.

And what a different world these Italian friends and their families opened up for me! For while my own parents, and those of several of my Jewish co-musicians, were supportive of what we were doing, it was not like what we found in our Italian friend’s homes. There “support” was not merely providing a place to practice and a willingness to hear “Louie, Louie” 300 times in a row. No, it was passion and feeling. Perhaps even better: It was hot sausage sandwiches and big bowls of pasta, all served with feelings of love and friendship.

It didn’t take me very long to know that this was what I’d been yearning for all my life. And some day I knew that I’d marry an Italian.

Then in 1968 I met Jan. A Sicilian.

“Better watch how you treat her” my Italian manager told me when he heard I was getting married that weekend to a Sicilian girl. “She’ll have a knife in her boot and cut you through!”

And I have to admit that thought did enter my mind once or twice as I looked at my gorgeous bride to be taking her vows in that lovely mini-length wedding ‘gown’ and then as my eyes drifted down to the knee-high studded boots she was wearing below it.

No, no knife appeared during that glorious weekend. (Nor since for that matter.) But the warmth and passion I had hoped for from an Italian home certainly did. It was Jan who bought me my two Ducatis. The first as a 25th wedding anniversary gift. The second, the GT1000, for no ‘occasion,’ but just because she knew it stirred my heart. Ah, Italia!

But does this Italian difference influence motorcycle design? Or automobile design for that matter?

Of course it does! Is it a coincidence that Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maseratti all come from Italy? Could you see them being built by say, the French? How about by the English or the Germans?

On the other hand, could you see an Italian company ever making a car like the Citroen 2CV or any Citroen for that matter? Come on, could you?

But what exactly makes up “Italian Character?”

First of all passion. To that add love of beauty and the belief that these -- passion and beauty -- are the very foundations of life. And to Italians feelings are meant to be expressed, not denied or hidden.

Italians have always produced great art, as well as great engineering. Other peoples have too, of course. But in most cultures art and engineering have remained separate; indeed, they are often seen to be in conflict.

Germans, for example, have produced both great artists and great engineers. But great German Artist/Engineers? How many can you name?

Italians, OTOH, by both their nature and by custom see art and engineering as one. And that shows in those afore mentioned Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Maseratis and, yes, Ducati motorcycles.

Among the British the elements of nature (wind, rain, and cold) are to be endured. Among the Germans those elements of are to be tamed and controlled. But among Italians?

They just ignore them! And that’s easy for them to do because much of Italy is perpetually sunny, dry and warm.

Do you think this has not influenced the design of their cars and motorcycles? Where are the heated grips? The water proof-pannier cases? At best they are an afterthought.

Yes, Italian cars and motorcycles display Italian character. That is why I (we?) enjoy them so.

I could go on. And indeed, perhaps some time I will. But for now I'd prefer to ride.

Ciao!

-don

[shaunv]

very very true, great post

[B_Cebrian]

Thanks, great reading.

[mad]

...now I'll be daydreaming the rest of the day....

Think it's now time to take the 999 for a ride. Just finished giving her a carnuba massage.

[v8dave]

Quite a number of years ago, when I was dabbling in sports cars I read an editorial musing about the personalities of cars built in Europe. This is the kind of observation I'd expect Peter Egan to make today in one of his Cycle World columns. I'll paraphrase it here.

German cars are kind of like young prima donnas and can't decide what they want to be when they grow up. British cars are built to tinker with and have built in defects to keep their owners occupied through the British winter. French cars only need a horn to blow. Itialian cars are meant to live short, hard, glorious lives!

It's still true for motorcycles and cars.