I was one of those people who started seeing one or two on the roads and thought "That's beautiful - what is that? ". I had always been a fan of the Stingray coupe and the E-Type coupe and I fell in love with the Xfire's much-maligned rear end.
For the next five years it was just another "car I would never have" until I went out to replace my 12-year-old Cirrus. I couldn't believe how affordable the Xfires were used but, still, I could now buy another "practical" car for little more than half the price. I drove an '04 Graphite and, while it had some issues with bearings (and probably economy gas for quite some time), I felt the potential.
When I got home from shopping my wife asked me if I saw anything I liked and I said yes, but nothing I would ever buy. She asked why and I went into the list of two-seater sports car, summer only, impractical, no trips to the Home Depot, etc. All she said was " You only live once - I think you should buy one". Although I did check out over the next few days if she was really serious, I didn't really have to be told twice - the hunt was on! Once we both saw the spotless, red '05 there was no other choice!
Now I have a great wife and a great car!