Walking along you spot something intriguing in the corner of your eye. To avoid embarrassing yourself for turning your head for something that you mistakenly took for a GT3, you spend a couple of seconds contemplating what it could be, and then it it hits you. It isn't just another C-class, its a C63 and therefore is probably worth a quick look after all. You may even try to get a glimpse of the driver, just to ensure you needn't be jealous, since you got the looks instead. The driver may have noticed you checking out his wheels. There may be some appreciative nodding going on, maybe just a silent stare. But the non-verbal communication is pretty clear. While you may be living an illusion of having better looks, he does drive a nicer car than you, and as a petrol head, you can appreciate that fact and just enjoy the sight and sound as he cruises past. The driver then makes a mental note of your perceived appreciation and continues on feeling quite smug about himself.

We've all experienced it. What though, if your glimpse and contemplation goes wrong and you turn your head for some guy driving a Peugeot 306 convertible, or a Smart or a baby blue New Beetle? The guy may be over the moon with his latest purchase, totally oblivious to the fact that he is not only making himself a laughing stock, but that his whip is just plain rude and offensive to a proper petrol head like yourself. Yet, there you are, giving him the attention and appreciation (so he thinks) he was looking for. What now? Since you are holding your daughters hand, shouting 'w@nker' would certainly not rank very highly on a socially acceptable scale, nor would any rude gestures involving one or two fingers. Everything is lost at this very moment. Your petrol head status just dissolved, right there out on the street. Disaster.