Newsletter 70 – THE SECRET FERRARI M3

By Dee Munro2024-12-13Comments Off

THE SECRET FERRARI M3

Meet the Forgotten Ferrari That Built a Legend

Every Ferrari has a story, but few are as intriguing—and as secretive—as the M3 prototype. While most recognize the Enzo as one of the greatest supercars of all time, its creation depended on a heavily modified Ferrari 348 nicknamed the M3. This one-off prototype served as Ferrari’s engineering playground in the late 1990s, quietly laying the groundwork for the technological marvel that would become the Ferrari Enzo.

Let’s take a deep dive into the hidden story of this fascinating car.

A Prototype Born from Necessity

By the late ’90s, Ferrari engineers were tasked with developing a successor to the Ferrari F50. Internally codenamed the FX project, this new supercar aimed to bring Formula 1 innovation to the streets. Ferrari envisioned a machine that would embody speed, power, and cutting-edge technology. To make it happen, they needed a test platform—a “mule” that could handle experimental components like the new V12 engine, suspension upgrades, and aerodynamic tweaks.

Instead of using the latest Ferrari chassis, they turned to the older Ferrari 348. Why? Its mid-engine layout, affordability, and availability in Ferrari’s garages made it an ideal candidate. Though it was already overshadowed by newer models like the F355 and 360 Modena, the 348 became the foundation for one of Ferrari’s most important experiments.

📸 Image source: https://flickr.com/photos/78919492@N00/

The Birth of the M3

Ferrari created three prototypes during the Enzo’s development: M1, M2, and M3. While M1 and M2 tested suspension and transmission systems, the M3 was tasked with the heavy lifting—housing the new 6.0L V12 engine. Dubbed the Tipo F140, this engine would later produce 651 horsepower in the production Enzo, but in the prototype phase, it needed to be extensively tested.

The modifications made to the 348 chassis were extreme. Engineers elongated the rear end to accommodate the larger V12 engine, reinforced the subframe, and redesigned body panels to improve cooling and aerodynamics. Larger side vents were added, along with a front-mounted radiator and a hood featuring a large grille to direct airflow. The result was a 348 like no other—more beast than beauty, but undeniably impressive.

Images credited to @ChrisVSCars ‘The Secret Ferrari M3 that built the legendary Enzo’

Power and Performance Testing

Under the hood, the M3’s V12 engine was mated to an automated manual transmission borrowed from the F355. To handle the increased power and weight, the prototype received suspension upgrades, brakes from the F355 Challenge, and wider BBS wheels for improved handling. Even the exhaust system was custom-built, prioritizing performance over noise reduction.

The M3 was a rolling thunderstorm, making nearly 650 horsepower at 7,800 RPM. For context, the original 348’s 3.4L V8 produced just 300 horsepower. This test mule wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a transformation.

📸 Image source: www.carswp.comferrari-enzo-prototype-m3-2000-pictures-13386

Turning Heads in Maranello

By late 2000, the M3 hit the roads of Maranello for testing. Its stretched rear and roaring V12 made it impossible to ignore. Enthusiasts and journalists began speculating about the mysterious 348-based car, with some wondering if it was a new production model. The media buzz eventually forced Ferrari to confirm the existence of the prototype and its connection to the Enzo project.

By 2002, the Enzo Ferrari was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, showcasing the fruits of the M3’s labor. With its carbon fiber bodywork, active aerodynamics, and ceramic composite brakes, the Enzo became an instant icon. But behind the scenes, the M3 prototype remained an unsung hero of its development.

📸 Image source: By Axion23 – Orange Enzo Ferrari, CC BY 2.0, https: commons.wikimedia.orgwindex.phpcurid=33856031

A Rare Survivor

Most test mules are destroyed after their job is done, but the M3 escaped this fate. In 2005, Ferrari auctioned it off alongside the 400th production Enzo, stipulating that the prototype would never be street legal. The car sold for just £195,000—a relative bargain for a one-of-a-kind piece of Ferrari history. Since then, it has passed through several private collections, a testament to its unique role in Ferrari’s legacy.

The Legacy of the M3

The story of the M3 prototype is a reminder of the craftsmanship and innovation that go into every Ferrari. While the Enzo stole the spotlight, it’s the unsung test mules like the M3 that make such engineering feats possible.

Whether you’re a Ferrari enthusiast or simply love a good underdog story, the M3 offers a fascinating glimpse into the process of building a supercar legend.

Newsletter 68 – THE FERRARI 348

By Dee Munro2024-08-08Comments Off

The Ferrari 348 outperformed its predecessor, the Ferrari 328, in every which way.

The Ferrari 348 boasted superior horsepower, with faster acceleration, and an impressive higher top speed. However, journalists often repeat the narrative that it had its flaws, and of course, the then-new CEO of Ferrari also criticized its performance.

Despite all of this, the F355 that followed was even faster while still maintaining most of the excellent body and coachwork.

Upon its introduction in 1989, the Ferrari 348 quickly became the highlight of European motor shows, with production continuing and being refined until 1995. The 348 premiered at the Frankfurt Auto Show in September 1989, where it was awarded ‘Best in Show.

The Ferrari 348 was the last V8 mid-engine model developed by Enzo Ferrari before his passing and is also considered the last of the analogue Ferraris. Its engine featured a dry-sump oil system to prevent oil starvation at high speeds and during hard cornering.

Weighing only 1370kg, the 348’s lightweight nature is partly due to the absence of power steering and airbags, setting it apart from modern cars loaded with sensors, chips, and computers. This is a purely analogue machine.

The electronics in the Ferrari 348 are focused on essential systems like ABS and twin Bosch engine computers. It also features a self-diagnostic air-conditioning system. However, the absence of modern technology has a significant advantage: enhanced reliability and fewer costly components to replace or maintain.

Without unnecessary lights, buttons, and gadgets, the first thing you notice when starting up a 348 is the sound. Unlike the rumble typical of Detroit engines, you hear a distinctive, Formula 1-inspired symphony. Between 4000rpm and the 7500rpm redline, the engine produces a unique note that only a Ferrari can achieve.

The styling of the ionic Ferrari 348 is nothing short of being absolutely brilliant.

It was designed by a Pininfarina stylist, Leonardo Fioravanti, and it takes all its cues from the legendary Testarossa. This is done by including the iconic horizontal strakes along the sides. The nose design echoes that of the F40, two of the most iconic Ferraris that were ever made.

It’s simply crazy to believe that some journalists have the nerve to suggest Fioravanti’s work on the 348 was not up to standard.

The 348 boasts an extremely low stance, comparable to the F355 and lower than the 360, 430, 458, and 488 that followed. Inside, the Connolly leather interior is clean, sleek, and retains a contemporary look even after more than 25 years.

In terms of performance, while a modern hot hatch might outpace it off the line, reaching 100km/h in about 5.3 seconds, the 348 shines at higher speeds. Its low mass and aerodynamic design allow it to reach 200km/h almost as quickly and continue accelerating up to 270km/h. At lower speeds, the 348 corners brilliantly, with steering that is both positive and precise.

AVAILABLE AT FERRIS
1990 348tb
Rosso Corsa with Tan interior
55,000km’s

348 TB middle console gear lever — 348 TB middle console gear leaver

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Contact Ferris Cars 082 851 3300

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We specialise in Ferrari but cater for all, high end, luxury, sports, classic and supercars.
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Newsletter 67 – FERRARI 308 GT4 DINO Icon or Imposter?

By Dee Munro2024-04-06Comments Off

This is about a much misunderstood car, the Ferrari Dino 308 GT4.
For years, many people have said that this is not a real Ferrari. They’ve said that because of issues with the badge, because of the engine and, most notably perhaps, because of the way it looks!
Is that justified at all?
We don’t think so………………

The differences of opinion started, mainly because the cars were not badged as Ferrari’s, as homage to Enzo’s son Dino, as was the case with the 246, this put a lot of customers off.
Consequently, they turned out to be a difficult sell and Ferrari sent all the dealers Ferrari badging. As a result, many of the cars available today have mixed badging, some parts Dino, some parts Ferrari, and in some cases, cars after 1975, are being passed of as “Dino’s” when they are just Gt4’s.
So, the Dino thing has become a bit of a curiosity, which, If anything, it adds to it’s appeal!
The most controversial part though is that the design was done by Bertone. It was actually Marcelo Gandini, who also penned the Lamborghini Countach and the Lancia Stratos, and indeed you can absolutely see echoes of the Stratos all over this car.

The 308 gt4 was launched at the 1973 Paris motor show and for Ferrari it was actually a car of many firsts. It was the first time they used a designer other than Pininfarina, it was Ferrari’s first v8, and it was one of only two mid-engine, 2+2 (The Mondial being the only other), so its in the rare Ferrari category.

The gt4 is longer than the original Dino (246), by 21cm and by having the engine transverse, with the gearbox underneath, meant that the space for the rear seats was easily attainable.
This really set the trend for small, mid-engine Ferraris that followed and made the gt4 a significant car.
At the time, people said “it doesn’t look like a Ferrari, it’s a wedge shape, it’s too much like a Lamborghini”, “It was done by a Lamborghini designer”, “It’s a junior Ferrari”, “It doesn’t have a v12”, and so it was kind of pillory.
The 246 also only had a six cylinder rather than a 12 but, probably because of its beauty, it was somewhat immune from all the criticism.

Another controversial thing about the gt4 was the looks, very wedge shaped, but when you consider it’s a 2+2 and what they had to work with, its fantastic. The quintessential 70’s sports car shape.
The gt4’s was really designed as gt car, and when you get to the inside, you find it airy with plenty of space and all-round good vision from all the windows.
There is surprisingly good space in the back seats too, mainly because, in the driving seat you are sitting quite far forward and you can literally only just see the very start of the bonnet which, makes you feel like you’re sort of on top of it and quite in command of the way it’s going to turn.
The pedals are offset to the center, but it doesn’t feel unnatural at all, it sort of pivots you a little bit towards the center line of the car, which works pretty well.
The gt4 has a lot of structural rigidity and it turns with a natural feel, it doesn’t load up in the corners, and is perfectly balanced. So, once you’re running, although it’s not assisted, the steering is really quite delicate.
The gear box is smooth and, of course, has the famous gated shifter which as now become iconic.

The dash layout is amazing, the way it sort of wraps around, all the instrumentation, everything you need is in front of you. A few switches are set out of your eye line, but they are the de-mister, choke and ventilation controls. In terms of lay-out, it is ergonomically miles ahead of a 308 or 328.

For a car from the 70’s, the gt4 has a pretty respectable 0-100 time of just under 7 seconds and a top speed of 240kmh
Is this a real Ferrari? …………………………. Absolutely, its as Ferrari as they come, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!!

1975
Ferrari 308 Dino gt4
52,000Km’s
Rosso Corsa / Black Interior
P.O.A.
AVAILABLE NOW

Enquiries: PAUL – 082 851 3300

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Newsletter 66 – FERRARI ICONS : 360 Challenge Stradale

By Dee Munro2024-02-26Comments Off

360 Challenge Stradale
(One of the greatest Ferrari’s ever?)

This is the 360 Challenge Stradale, one of Ferrari’s absolute best mid-engined V8, “race cars for the road”

This car could not be more different than the standard360 Modena. The Stradale is the one to have, it’s more purposeful, it’s got a stunning stance, its a lot more useable than you might think, but its still a full-on race car with just enough comfort for you to be able to enjoy driving it on the road.

This is a 2004 car, so that’s 20 years old and yet it’s still one of the absolute best Ferrari’s you can buy.

Like the F40, this car has no carpets no real luxuries of any kind, you can see the welds in the floor of the interior, its lightweight race engineering at its finest. Weighing in at 1,400kg’s its 3.6L Naturally Aspirated V8 chucks out 425 hp @ 8,500 rpm and Torque of 275 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm.

All this gives this stallion is a top speed of 280kmh and a zero to 100 time of just on 4 seconds, so its pretty light on its feet!

On the open highway you can feel every single bump and undulation in the road, the steering is just perfect, it’s so light and there is so much feedback.

The fact that the steering wheel is not festooned in any way with any controls is refreshing, its just a tool for turning the car, like it should be.

Feedback from the steering wheel tells you everything you need to know about the surface you’re on, how much grip you’ve got how hard you can push. Although hugely supple, there is little suspension travel, keeping the car planted in almost every situation.

There is no finer noise than a V8 Ferrari powerhouse, it’s like a symphony, one of the all-time great Ferrari engines, one of the top three exhaust notes and engine sounds in the world.

So, what makes it so special?

Visually, from the outside it’s a lot meaner and more purposeful than the 360 Modena, it sits slightly more forward and lower at the front than the rear.

The wheels fill the arches far more effectively.

There are carbon-fibre door mirrors, ceramic brakes as standard (as used on the Enzo), which explains why they’re so fantastically good at stopping the car.

This is a track racer, not an outright speed machine.

There are many Ferrari’s that are much faster than this, but the Challenge Stradale is all about handling and it’s all about the corners, its all about the smile it puts on your face.

Driving it is an event, there’s drama, it talks to you, it wants you to play, it wants you to have fun and it rewards you like no other!

Of the 1288 cars produced, just over 200 of these cars were right-hand-drive making it quite a rare car.

Even though it doesn’t have a V12, or the presence and stance of something like an Enzo or an F40, it still has the power to turn heads. It’s also one of those cars that attracts real motoring and Ferrari connoisseurs, and a lot of serious collectors favour the Challenge Stradale ………. no surprise there!!

2004

Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

33,000 Km’s

Rosso Corsa

P.O.A.

AVAILABLE NOW

Enquiries: PAUL – 082 851 3300

Crypto currency is coming on in leaps and bounds.

Whether it’s a car, plane, watch, house,whiskey collection, it matters not!

You can buy anything using your crypto currency.

We facilitate the purchase because 99.9% of retail outlets don’t accept crypto, no problem, we’ll get it done for you!

We have spent the last year optimizing our system to ensure it is

A) 100% safe

B) 100% Legitimate

Contact: Tommy 082 929 2227

If you would like to explore the numerous possibilities and advantages of using your crypto power!!

Our Luxury Vehicle Warranty, offers extended cover for luxury and classic cars, regardless of make or model, up to 30 years and under 120 000 km.

Own your classic car with confidence. We offer a perfect protection plan and extended warranty, tailored to your needs and budget. Choose from flexible terms and coverage options, ensuring peace of mind for one or two years.

Currently we are the only car dealership in South Africa that offers this warranty, and if you are a buyer of a luxury car, it can be the safety net that encourages you to take that leap. Even if you already have a vehicle, its not too late to get that peace of mind.

Making a big investment is a huge deal, you want to make sure you are purchasing a top class product. A Warranty Agreement can be a vote of confidence that benefits the buyer/owner. Under our warranty you will be covered for the most vital components on your vehicle including towing should you find yourself stranded.

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Contact Ferris Cars 082 851 3300

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Newsletter 65 – INVESTING WITH CRYPTOCURRENCY

By Dee Munro2024-02-08Comments Off

Investing with cryptocurrency and why it makes sound financial sense

Hold onto Luxury

Forget Paper Gains, Drive Real Returns: Buy Cars, Bikes, Boats and Planes with Crypto at Ferris!

South African crypto heroes, tired of watching the market roller coaster?

Blaze a trail into a world of real-world luxury with Ferris! We’re not just your gateway to the hottest supercars (we have the finest Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and more); we’re your South African crypto concierge, unlocking a life of unparalleled experiences, fueled by the power of digital currency.

Invest in adventures that last:

Embrace the open road on a Harley-Davidson, powered by your Litecoin. ️
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With Ferris, the possibilities are as endless as the South African coastline. We’re your trusted crypto car dealer, offering a seamless and secure way to transform your digital assets into tangible luxury. No hidden fees, no complicated processes, just pure driving (or sailing, or flying) pleasure.

Why Choose Ferris?

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Contact Ferris today and discover a world of luxury, waiting to be unlocked with your digital key.

Learn more about Ferris and Crypto

Year: 2024

Newsletter 70 – THE SECRET FERRARI M3

Newsletter 68 – THE FERRARI 348

The Ferrari 348 outperformed its predecessor, the Ferrari 328, in every which way.

Crypto currency is coming on in leaps and bounds.

Newsletter 67 – FERRARI 308 GT4 DINO Icon or Imposter?

1975 Ferrari 308 Dino gt4 52,000Km’s Rosso Corsa / Black Interior P.O.A. AVAILABLE NOW

Enquiries: PAUL – 082 851 3300

Cryptocurrency is coming on in leaps and bounds.

Newsletter 66 – FERRARI ICONS : 360 Challenge Stradale

360 Challenge Stradale (One of the greatest Ferrari’s ever?)

Crypto currency is coming on in leaps and bounds.

We have spent the last year optimizing our system to ensure it is

Newsletter 65 – INVESTING WITH CRYPTOCURRENCY

Investing with cryptocurrency and why it makes sound financial sense

Hold onto Luxury

South African crypto heroes, tired of watching the market roller coaster?

Invest in adventures that last:

Why Choose Ferris?

Buy any car with crypto:

Crypto payments made easy:

Unmatched selection:

Expert guidance:

1975
Ferrari 308 Dino gt4
52,000Km’s
Rosso Corsa / Black Interior
P.O.A.
AVAILABLE NOW

360 Challenge Stradale
(One of the greatest Ferrari’s ever?)