Épater la bourgeoisie

Walking back to my house from the mailbox a few minutes ago, I glanced through the usual detritus-to-be and whatnot and espied the new issue of The Economist (above).

The cover crystallized a thought that occurred to me last week, when I read an article about how Rolls-Royce sales in the U.S. — where they start at $380,000 — haven't been affected at all by the economic downturn.

But as the collapse continues and should it become a steady state sort of affair, à la Japan for the past 20 years — I still find it nearly unbelievable that the Nikkei average remains at about one-fifth of its record 1989 high (below) —

the time may come when driving or parking a flash car in many places will expose the owner to real danger to person and/or property.

I foresee a promising market in luxury car conversions that render the vehicles unremarkable from the outside such that only the occupant(s) are aware of the ultra-luxe technology and features inside.

A good first step would be retractable opaque shields outside the windows (including the windshield), making the vehicle visually impenetrable.

Wouldn't hurt in terms of security for items left inside, either.