Why are means of transport refered to as

TheCatWoman said:

it feels sexist that these big boys toys are often named after women

That stems from not wanting to feel gay by holding a gearstick and stroking the steering wheel while pretending you are a racing driver.

These terms come from a much less accepting age.

TheCatWoman said:

A man can own and control a boat, a car or a plane and not a woman?

I've never heard it said that a woman cannot do this - in fact most racing films have hot female race drivers (even from your day - think of Penelope Pitstop). It was / is uncommon admittedly.

There are plenty of early women racing drivers to celebrate, including:

1897 - Racing driver Léa (or Léo) Lemoine, a French woman who competed in the Championnat des Chauffeuses, which was the first women's motor racing championship.  She, won all three editions in 1897, 1898, and 1899. She drove a De Dion-engined Clément tricycle.

1903 - Dorothy Levitt won her class at the Southport Speed Trials in 1903.

1958 - Maria Teresa de Filippis was the first woman to race in Formula One, competing in five races between 1958 and 1959.

I'd mention Michele Mouton in rallying, works Audi driver.

I'd mention Michele Mouton in rallying, works Audi driver.

I used to watch it on the 70s and 80s on TV, not watched much since Group B ended.

Used to go to rallycross at brands in the 90s. Was crazy.

Also, first president - FIA's Women in Motorsport Commission (2010), plus - FIA's manager in the World Rally Championship (2011) and Michèle serves on the - Rally Hall of Fame nomination committee (since 2012).

Are you a rally enthusiast? I used to be slightly involved through marshalling at rallies including the Circuit of Ireland, and participated a few times, in a class further down the ranking. 

Oh yes! I remember watching her years ago. She was fantastic!