FERRARI.
Two of our all time favorite cars are the Aston Martin and Ferrari. The Aston can sing a song, but the sound of the Ferrari is next level. The roar upon ignition gives you an indication of what it’s capable of before settling into a powerful rumble. Simply touch the gas pedal to test its potential.
The combined sound and vibration of the engine’s rev is at once like a jolt of electricity and a swift suckerpunch to the gut. If the obsession doesn’t stop there, lower the window so you can fully soak in the intimidating growl of the engine. The resulting rush is why we just can’t live without the Ferrari. If we could only pick one true luxury sports car, nothing comes close to the black stallion rearing its elegant head.
There are a number of emotions associated with getting your first Ferrari. There is the undeniable feeling of accomplishment for having succeeded enough to justify a six-digit investment in a longtime dream car. Clearly this decision isn’t made lightly, so it is also the culmination of a lot of research and a multitude of decisions on customization before pulling the trigger. There is likely a lot of daydreaming and anticipation of what lies ahead. How and where will you drive it? How will it feel?
Say the name "Ferrari" in front of any group of people and you will see their faces light up. Eyes sparkle and twinkle. Sometimes, people even become hysterical or show a hint of jealousy. A Ferrari is not just another car. Owning one opens a number of doors. It’s like joining a league and suddenly having an invitation to elite activities, meeting new people, doing new things. Owning a Ferrari is nothing less than immersive. It is the muse of many.
Ferrari's culture separates the company from other automakers in huge ways, affecting both its owners and the workers behind these beautiful machines. Although the company is highly successful, it cares about something more than just earning money: it’s about making special cars that offer a driving experience unlike any other.
When examining the company and its owners, it’s clear they’ve achieved the ultimate in producing an experiential product. It’s also not unusual for potential owners to go through a rigorous process that feels commensurate to a background check. According to the site Car Keys, the automaker won’t hesitate to request a customer’s history of purchases for review, making ownership feel even more exclusive.
Ferrari’s story is the kind you'd expect to find in a novel. At the beginning stands Enzo Ferrari, born near the Italian town of Modena on the 18th of February 1898. When he was ten, his father took him to a motor race in Bologna, and instantly Enzo knew he wanted to be a race car driver. After the First World War, Ferrari became a test and delivery driver for Turin truck company, Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionali. In 1919 he drove in his first motor race and seized fourth place straight off in an Italian mountain championship race. One year later, Alfa Romeo accepted him into its works team.
The formidable ruby-red cars soon found their flanks adorned with a black horse rearing up against a golden yellow background – the colour of Modena in northern Italy. This coat of arms was originally emblazoned on the cabin of a plane belonging to Francesco Baracca – an Italian aviator who died in combat on the 19th of June 1918. His mother, Countess Paolina Baracca, encouraged Enzo Ferrari to feature this emblem on his cars, which has become one of the most recognizable marquees of any automaker.
Enzo Ferrari founded Scuderia Ferrari on the 1st of December 1929 as the racing division of Alfa Romeo, winning multiple titles. Ferrari departed the company in September 1939 with an agreement to refrain from associating himself
with racing or the construction of automobiles for four years.After WWII, he began producing hand-finished road cars for private sale, as well as racing cars in Maranello, Italy.
In March 1947 he took the first official Ferrari car, the 125 S, out for a test drive. He knew immediately he had something special under his belt. Ferrari dominated the racing circuit in the 1950’s, from the Rome Grand Prix to Mille Miglia, Le Mans, the British Grand Prix, and ultimately the world racing championship in 1952 and 1953, cementing the brand as a pedigreed winner.
Ferraris are manufactured exclusively on the Maranello campus, where every “piece of the dream” is produced made-to-order with customizations performed by hand. Alongside the assembly line is the upholstery workshop, where 40 people cut and shape interior materials. If leather is your interior choice, approximately five hides are used for each vehicle: the shapes required are positioned around the hide like a game of Tetris, then cut with a knife (a laser might damage the edges). Although the engine manufacturing process involves the use of robots for production, all testing, final assembly, and installation are done by hand. As a result, the company produces approximately 10 to 12 cars a day.
As it pertains to vehicle exteriors, there are a bewildering array of customization options. However, the factory has the final say on whether a client's personal design is appropriate for the car. Even though you are a paying customer, ultimately Ferrari is still the boss!! Not many brands have that power. THE ultimate experience, for those who can afford to purchase a piece of dream, is to go to Italy and see your very own vehicle being made.
Ferraris are so much more than beautifully designed driving machines. If you are a lover of cars, it is a sense of knowing you own the very best, as well as a bit of self-affirmation that you have arrived. One doesn’t buy a Ferrari to be flashy. If you want to show off, buy a Lambo. If you have class and style, and want a pure driving experience unlike any other, buy the Prancing Horse.
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