Tube Light ...
 

How can I achieve the look of a tubular neon light reflected onto an object, like a car. As though the light were suspended in air and visible as a bright glowing reflection in the paint. What would be the best source for the light and the optimum way to set it up.

area light, choose the shape as a tube (cylinder) and ramp (radial from memory) it with black and white .., the black is because if you look at a fluro light you will see it gets darker near the ends.

sorry, just woke.., didnt realize you meant reflection only.., still on my first coffee.., ill think about it if you dont get a response.., good question :)

The bright white streaks in the vehicles paint are what I'm going for. This is a good example.

thats mental ray definitely.., again i just woke. thats a differant effect than i thought you meant. not a complicated set up for a render specialist but im not one..,

ill get back later.., ive done this.., errr.., once!!! memory has faded since then.., last wek that is.., but mental ray is sort of new to me.

obviously the metallic paint node (one way).., but im not sure what the over rides are.