+27 64 504 1406

Year: 2021

Newsletter 18: AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!

This is a Millennium 7, a South African designed and built a kit car that defies all you know about kit cars. Whilst you may be forgiven for thinking it’s a Lotus 7, it’s not. Yes, okay it does look like a Lotus  7 and you could use terms like “A Tribute to,” “A Nod To,” etc…. but this is a completely different animal.  

In true South African style, aeronautical engineers, Chris Carstens and Cobus van der Walt of SAA Technical, on the request of a  friend, set out to design and build a bespoke track-focused, but road legal, vehicle.  

They have produced numerous versions of this compact little  missile, all of them made to client specs, all of them light, quick, and constructed with the finest materials, but none of them  compare to the “Dragon Slayer.”

Of the 40 cars produced, this incarnation is, by far the most extreme produced to date. 

The standard offering of the power unit was the 2.0-liter Ford Duratec coupled to a Ford Type 9 gearbox. The Dragon Slayer Millennium 7 has been fitted with a turbocharged version of the 1.6-liter Renesis rotary engine seen on the Mazda RX-8.  

The “Slayer” is fitted with a carbon clutch,  BMW E30 3-Series rear differential, driveshafts, brakes and callipers. The windscreen is toughened glass, set at a 55-degree  rake, and the car has an overall weight of just 700kg’s (1543lbs), due to the space frame chassis, aluminium skin panels, and fibreglass body.

Millennium 7 Lotus Engine

Millennium 7 were lucky enough to get Alistair Gibson, former South African-born chief mechanic for the Honda F1 program, so you know it’s had some serious eyes on design and production. Let’s consider the facts!

The car weighs in at about the same as a Venter trailer full of Castle Light, the build process was consulted on by a Formula 1 mechanic and, get this……… the motor puts out 700 horse-power (currently detuned to about 400).  

This thing is insane! – Zero to 100 is about 5 minutes ago. At full tilt, your face will look like a bulldog chewing a wasp. This is the best fun you can have with your pants on! 

There’s not even a handful of this version of the Millennium 7 in existence, so they rarely come on to the market,  

but don’t despair……….. 

WE HAVE ONE FOR SALE!

MILLENNIUM 7 2016 

677 km’s 

OODLES OF FUN FOR 

R 549 000.00

CONTACT PAUL: +27 82 851 3300

Guess the Ferrari Competition Winner

Congratulations to Monique who won the Ferris Kit Bag valued at R1500 in the Ferris Guess the Ferrari Competition! 

Monique won after her father, Johan Van Niekerk, entered the competition on her behalf. He guessed all the Ferraris correctly and was the lucky winner in our draw. 

On contacting Johan, he explained to us that he entered for  Monique as she is the ultimate Ferrari Fan. Monique is an artist and applies her Ferrari paintings to clothing, such as the Ferrari 458  jacket she is wearing in the images below.  

Together with Johan, we then decided to surprise her with the  prize handover and a ride in a Ferrari 458 Spider! 

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition and showed  their support! It was a fantastic success!

Newsletter 17: FERRARI ICONS – DINO

In the mid-1960s, designer Sergio Pininfarina presented Enzo Ferrari with sketches he’d made of a small, swoopy, mid-engine sports car that he felt Enzo should build. Up to then, all Ferrari road cars were front-engined, but the automotive world was changing rapidly, most notably with the introduction of the Lamborghini Miura, the world’s first-ever mid-engined sports car. Enzo relented and agreed to build the car presented by Pininfarina, but only if it had a relatively small, less-powerful engine, Ferrari was afraid that his customers were not capable of handling a mid-engine car safely!

To power this car, Enzo chose a V-6 engine design that his son Alfredo (nickname Dino), had helped develop for racing. Alfredo had passed in 1956 from effects related to muscular dystrophy, but the engine he helped design had given Ferrari a Formula 1 world championship in 1958.

Enzo decreed the car would be called “Dino” in tribute to his late son and would bear no prancing horse, or the word Ferrari. Because Ferrari was required to mass-produce the engine for homologation and lacked the capacity to do so, he called on Fiat to cast and assemble the 2.0-liter V-6 in a partnership that saw Fiat able to produce its own front-engine Fiat Dino road cars.

Ferrari Dino Variations

Just 152 Dino 206 GT models were built before Ferrari decided to up the engine’s displacement to 2.4 liters, creating the 246 GT for the 1970 model year.  

While the five-speed manual transmission was retained, there were many changes, including a switch to steel for most bodywork and the engine’s bottom end (a push towards cost and production efficiency), a small lengthening of the wheelbase for more stable handling, and the introduction, in 1972, of a GTS model with a  removable Targa-style roof panel.  

Hand assembly of all Dino’s was carried out by Ferrari in the  Modena factory, on the same production lines as V-12 cars. The Dino has become iconic among Ferrari enthusiasts and collectors. Prices have risen dramatically over the years and good examples will always be a shrewd investment.

Ferrari Dino Variations 2

Specifications

Ferrari Dino 206 GT

Ferrari Dino 206 GT

• 0–60: 8.0 sec
• Top speed: 135 mph
• Power: 180 bhp
• Torque: 138 lb ft
• Weight: 1070 kg
• Cylinders: V6
• Engine capacity: 1987 cc
• Layout: Mid Engine
• Transmission: 5 x Manual

Ferrari Dino 246 GT

Ferrari Dino 246 GT

• 0–60: 7.1 sec
• Top speed: 143 mph
• Power: 195 bhp
• Torque: 166 lb ft
• Weight: 1070 kg
• Cylinders: V6
• Engine capacity: 2418 cc
• Layout: Mid Engine
• Transmission: 5 x Manual

Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

Ferrari Dino 246 GTS

• 0–60 7.1 s
• Top speed 143 mph
• Power 195 bhp
• Torque 166 lb ft
• Weight 1100 kg
• Cylinders V6
• Engine capacity 2418 cc
• Layout Mid Engine
• Transmission 5 x Manual

FERRIS CARS IS PRIVILEGED TO BE ABLE TO OFFER THIS
1970 (L SERIES) FERRARI 246 DINO GT


Meticulously cared for, this matching numbers car is a fine example of this iconic mid-engine collectible.
P.O.A.

Newsletter 16: FERRARI, STILL THE MOST SUCCESSFUL FORMULA 1 TEAM!

Despite the recent domination of Formula 1 by the Mercedes F1 team and prior to that Red Bull, Ferrari is still the most successful team in F1 history. 

Ferrari is the only team to have competed in every Grand Prix since it’s inception in 1950. 

In a conversation about Ferrari, both road and track, it is difficult for the hairs on the back of the neck not to stand up, never mind the goosebumps. 

Such names as Michael Schumacher, Phil Hill, Juan Manuel Fangio, Jean  Alesi, Nikki Lauda, Gilles Villeneuve, John Surtees, and of course our very own Jody Scheckter, evoke passion and emotion, something that Ferrari was built on by its illustrious founder Enzo back in 1929 when, still under contract to Alfa Romeo, he formed Scuderia Ferrari. 

Although Enzo designed and built his first racing car in 1937, it was whilst under contract with Alfa Romeo. It was only once his contractual obligations ended in 1939, that he was able to establish his own company,  Ferrari SpA, however, due to the war effort, he was only able to start producing racing cars from 1946.

Since then Ferrari has been responsible for building some of the greatest machines ever to compete in motorsport, for creating some of the most memorable moments ever seen in motorsport, and for elevating some of the finest drivers to a level of stardom usually reserved for movie stars. 

Ferrari’s history is not without its sadness however, many lives have been lost in the pursuit of motoring excellence, but despite this, Ferrari has always been the team that everyone wants to drive for. 

No other racing team or car manufacturer conjures up the same poignant, fervent, and sometimes obsessive feelings as Ferrari. 

Their past is indelibly etched in the history books, and the adoration of many grows stronger as time passes.

Ferrari Formula 1 racing team

Here’s how Ferrari stacks up to the top five  successful F1 teams:

1. Ferrari 16 Constructors’ titles, 15 Driver titles: Constructors’ wins: 1961, 1964, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1982,  1983, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008. Drivers’ wins: 1952, 1953, 1956, 1958, 1961, 1964, 1975, 1977,  1979, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2007. 

2. Williams 9 Constructors’ titles, 7 Driver titles: Constructors’ wins: 1980, 1981, 1986, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994,  1996, 1997. Drivers’ wins: 1980, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997. 

3. McLaren 8 Constructors’ titles, 12 Driver titles: Constructors’ wins: 1974, 1984, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991,  1998. Drivers’ wins: 1974, 1976, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1990,  1991, 1998, 1999, 2008. 

4. Mercedes – 7 Constructors’ titles, 9 Driver titles: Constructors’ wins: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020. Drivers’ wins: 1954, 1955, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019,  2020. 

5. Lotus – 7 Constructors’ titles, 6 Driver titles: Constructors’ wins: 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1978. Drivers’ wins: 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1978.

Ferrari fans, collectively known as “The Tifosi,” are passionate about their team, win or lose, the Tifosi are steadfast in their support and adoration of the Scuderia. 

Ferrari is a religion in Italy, speaking of which, when Enzo Ferrari had an audience with the Pope, Enzo was not well enough to travel to Rome, so the pontiff went to Enzo! Such was the magnitude, influence, and reputation of the great man and what he has built. 

Anyone who owns a Ferrari, supports the team, or collects memorabilia will tell you it is an illness, an indefinable “thing” that draws you in, almost like a  drug, once you have tasted it, you want more. It is no wonder that Ferrari ended up being the Most Successful Formula 1 Team.

Become part of the Tifosi, show your passion and get your fix!

Visit the Grand Prix Store at Ferris!

Ferrari Formula 1 racing team

In addition to the great offerings in the GP Store, Ferris have produced a range of kit bags, in canvas or leather, as tributes to some of the legendary names in motorsport such as, Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, etc.

Ferris Cars Grand Prix Store

Newsletter 15: FIRST CAR SOLD WITH BITCOIN!

Last week, Thursday 15th, was a historic landmark in the Ferris Cars journey, the official launch party of our Bitcoin enterprise. The event, hosted by Ferris and our Crypto partners AltCoinTrader, was an outstanding success and witnessed the first car sold with bitcoin. Guests also enjoyed a comprehensive rundown of the pros and cons, ins and outs, and procedures for paying with Bitcoin. 

We concluded our first Bitcoin purchase on the night, live on screen. In a matter of seconds, and the proud owner (who now holds the title of owning the first Car Sold with Bitcoin), drove his sparkling red Ferrari California away at the end of the event.

The beauty of the system we have implemented is that using this method, clients can buy almost anything with Bitcoin, and other cryptocurrencies, utilising the platform set up for us by AltCoinTrader.

Another benefit is that we can facilitate other dealers who wish to take advantage of the platform (for an agreed commission), to sell vehicles from their own stock.

GP STORE OPENS AT FERRIS!

We are very excited to announce the first GP Store in the Fourways area has opened at the Ferris Cars showroom. 

Shirts, caps, watches, jackets, and many other items are in stock, as well as a selection of tribute bags, designed and created to commemorate such great names as Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and many others. 

The GP Store also offers online purchases at: www.grandprixstore.co.za Purchases can be made online and collected from our showroom.

Please feel free to pop in for a coffee and browse the new shop.

 

Ferris Familia

The Ferris Familia Club is an exclusive platform for Ferris clients and like-minded motoring enthusiasts to gain access to a myriad of special offers and lifestyle events around the exotic car industry.

We invite all Ferris Cars owners to join the Ferris Familia, which is a Ferris Community for local, regional and international driving and social events where we appreciate all things Ferrari. Our Ferris Familia aims to uphold the standards associated with the Ferrari brand and share the passion for the Cavallino (and some times other brands too).

While our showroom makes for a great meeting spot for Ferrari enthusiasts, our sole aim is to provide social activities, for young and old, who have one common passion – Ferrari.

The event calendar will be designed to offer something for every type of Ferrari enthusiast. Participation in these events allows Ferrari owners and drivers to enjoy their vehicles and the lifestyles that are associated, in a safe and controlled environment.

 

FERRIS BITCOIN LAUNCH

Ferris Bitcoin Launch – A complete guide to purchasing high-end cars using cryptocurrency.
Including a live demonstration.

Thursday 15 April 2021
18:00 – 20:30
Shop 41, Broadacres Shopping Centre Cedar Road.
Dress Code: Smart Casual
Partners are welcome.

RSVP Essential (Exclusive Event, Seating is Limited).
[email protected]; 064 504 1406

Covid-19 Protocols will be observed.

Ferris Bitcoin Launch

Newsletter 14: IS THE 348 THE WORST CAR FERRARI EVER MADE?

So is the 348 the worst car Ferrari ever made? Nope!………. is the quick answer. Sure there are numerous articles, blogs and videos complaining about how twitchy at high speed it is, how ugly it is,  how it doesn’t compare to the 355 etc. etc. Equally, there are as many articles about how good it is, how competent, user friendly and reliable it is. 

The Ferrari 348 was the replacement for the 328 in 1989 and remained in production until 1995. It was the final V8 model developed under the direction of Enzo Ferrari before his death and commissioned to production posthumously. 

The 348 revs to 7500 and produces 300hp, with a 0 to 100km time of 5.5 seconds, no mean feat when you consider its closest rival, at the time, was the Honda NSX.

Here’s the comparison:

Comparison: Honda NSX vs Ferrari 348 acceleration

The 348 was designed by Leonardo Fioravanti, from the Pininfarina stable,  the same guy responsible for the 308, F40, 288 GTO, 512 BB and many others. The 348 was also manufactured by hand, no robotic production lines churning out thousands of cars a minute, no mass-produced plastic interior bits, the 348 was designed, developed and manufactured using something that other carmakers seem to lack, passion!

DRIVABILITY: 

Some say that the 348 is unstable at high speed, twitchy and unpredictable,  well………. easy fix, put a 10mm spacer on the rear wheels and the track  becomes exactly the same as a 355, problem solved! 

What people don’t tell you is that the steering is better than a 355, more precise. The running costs are also generally less. 

The 348 is the last real drivers Ferrari. None of the electronic nonsense that  always fails at some point, no computer suspension, no power steering, no  cruise control. It is a seat of the pants car. It’s a relatively inexpensive entry  into the Ferrari lifestyle and after all, it’s a Ferrari, a good looking Ferrari!

The fear with buying anything old, and especially Italian, is that it will grenade its engine the first time you take it out, instantly rendering your investment worthless.  

But the truth is, if you buy sensibly, don’t drive it to death and you stay on  top of the routine maintenance, then that’s an unlikely scenario.  

Beyond the big jobs – cambelt, brakes, clutch, – running costs shouldn’t be  too crippling either. 

CONCLUSION: 

This is definitely not the worst car Ferrari ever made. Mostly the 348 has had a  bad rap, brought about by people perpetuating the unsavoury ramblings of the few misguided individuals who don’t really understand what this car is. 

The value of the 348 has risen steadily over the past few years and is a sound, reliable, driveable investment.

Newsletter 13: SHOULD FERRARI V8’S GO ON A DIET?

 

Ferrari made a 208 turbo road car in 1982. The reason was to circumvent the tax laws in place at the time. Heavy taxes were imposed for cars with more than a 2.0-litre capacity. To avoid the tax, Ferrari produced a 1991cc engine and slapped a KKK turbo on it to compensate for the lack of power. 

The next turbo production car was the legendary F40, lauded by many as the best supercar ever made. The trouble with turbo’s in those days …….. ………. the lag!! Accelerating the F40 would start with nothing, continue with nothing, and then….. 3500 revs and…… Bang…… all you see in front of you is hedge, road, hedge, road…. Ambulance! 

It would be over two decades before Ferrari would make another  production turbo, the California T.  

By then, having lived through the Formula 1 turbo era, Ferrari had mastered the turbo. The California T had a smooth, consistent power curve, from zero to a hundred and plenty. Gone were the days of “put you in the hedge” surprises.

Like most modern cars, Ferrari V8’s have gotten bigger and heavier over the years, with each new model gaining a few kilo’s and a few cm’s.

The 355, in 1994, weighed in at 1,497kg’s,

The 360 Modena, at 1,493kg’s, 

The F430, at 1,517kg’s,

The 458, at 1,565kg’s,

Right up to the new Hybrid SF90, in 2020, at 1,570kg’s.

Surprisingly, the only newish model to buck the trend is the 488, weighing in at 1,525kg’s, only 48kg’s heavier than a 458, but 45kg’s lighter than an  SF90.

Better performing engines, turbo’s and lighter materials obviously compensate for heavier vehicles but, as the weights (and sizes) have increased the 0 – 100 times, top speeds and general performance figures have increased exponentially. 

We should also embrace the modern turbo era, it’s here to stay and Ferrari have worked hard to bring the visceral, emotive and engaging experience of the normally aspirated cars back, there doing a grand job! 

So NO……. Ferrari V8’s don’t need to go on a diet!

Ferrari V8’s in red

Newsletter 12: 3.1 SECONDS FASTER, RARER, AND A FRACTION OF THE COST OF AN F40

The Fiorano test track lap record for a Ferrari F40 is 1m 29.6sec. The lap record for a  Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale is 1m 26.5sec.  

Ferrari made 1,315 F40’s and 1,288 Challenge Stradale’s. 

A Ferrari F40 can cost R20 million plus, yet a Challenge Stradale will set you back  about R5 million. 

The Ferrari F40 is widely regarded as the ultimate supercar, and if you look at it, hear it and/or drive it, you’ll probably agree. Trouble is, very few of us are able to swim in the F40 owners’ pond, however, all is not lost, the 360 Challenge Stradale is a fantastic alternative. 

Its mid-mounted V8 powerplant revs to 8,700 rpm and throws out 420 horsepower.  The CS will top 190 mph, and shoots from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, just enough to slam your internal organs into the back of the seat and change your expression to that of a constipated smurf.

As with all supercars, we know that they all look great, they all sound great and they all go biblically quick, but that’s a given, it’s what you’re paying for. The big question is how is all of that delivered to you as a driver?  

The CS is visceral, engaging, dynamic and capable. It’s also very analogue, there are no fancy computers to help you out when you get it wrong. Just a go and stop pedal, a  steering wheel and you! 

The aero upgrades, from the 360 Modena, include front bumper mods that extend the lower fascia below the air intakes, adding load to the front end without interrupting airflow to the rear. To balance things out, the rear height was increased slightly plus new longitudinal diffuser fins. Overall the improvements increase the Stradale’s downforce by a staggering 50 percent.  The modifications make the ride more rigid than the regular 360, improving performance and delivering a spectacular track experience.

We are proud to be able to offer this exceptional example for sale. 2004 model with 17,000 Kilometres on the clock 

Immaculate condition 

Full Service History 

Enquiries welcome: Paul 082 851 3300

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