Dr. Rapaille is some piece of work, sort of a cross between "world's foremost authority" Prof. Irwin Corey (in looks) and _The Wind in the Willows_ character Toad of Toad Hall (in avid consumerism). As that NYT piece said:
"Dr. Rapaille, 63, wears a black velvet frock coat, starched collar and cravat rather than more standard daytime attire. He is doted upon by a white-gloved servant and a new bride half his age. His French accent makes his grandiose pronouncements sound whimsical and his hair flies every which way, mad-genius style.
"His hobbies, playing polo and painting portraits of his ancestors, signify privilege and mock it at the same time. His turn-of-the-last-century mansion here [in Tuxedo Park, NY], in a gated community an hour north of New York City, is a stage set for his personal choices as a consumer. The circular drive out front is crowded with two Rolls-Royces, a PT Cruiser, a Chrysler Prowler and a Porsche 911 (when it isn't in the shop). If he had more garage space, Dr. Rapaille said, he would add a Mini Cooper and a '64 Mustang convertible. Also on his wish list are an old Rolls-Royce Phantom limousine and the new limited edition Morgan Aero 8."
<http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/07/fashion/07CAR.html>
Clearly Dr. Rapaille has no fear of the marketplace.
Carl