Newsletter 59 – FERRARI SF-23

By Dee MunroFebruary 27, 2023Comments Off

The Ferrari SF-23

Ferrari’s 2023 Formula 1 Challenger may look like a natural development of the previous year’s fast but underperforming car, but the team describes it as a complete redesign. There are major aerodynamic and mechanical changes to improve performance and achieve the characteristics the team needs.

The new car is designed around more vertical downforce, adapting further to the new rules that came in last year, and also suspension changes that have been made to improve the aero and give the team more set-up options.

It’s impossible, at this stage, to say if Ferrari have achieved its objectives, but given the speed of last year’s car an improved version of its visually distinctive concept, combined with a reliable power unit package, it could be enough to make Ferrari a genuine Championship contender.

The Ferrari sf-23 follows the same aerodynamic template of the 2022 car, rather than going with the trend of others in copying Red Bull’s design. The radiator intake and the undercut at the front corner of the side pod have been optimized but have not significantly changed.

Ferrari has compacted the side pod under the radiator inlets and extended the upper shoulder, moving some of the radiator area upwards and rearwards to create that space.

All of that coupled with the vortex shedding front Wing slot Gap separators, suggests they are trying to feed the inlets more aggressively than before.

The radiator rearrangement is not so extensive however, as to require the rear exit cooling cannons, seen on Red Bull last year and many others this year.

The side pod front corner undercuts are a bit more aesthetically pleasing than last year. It’s not quite as vertical, which will be more sympathetic to airflow direction changes.

The SF-23 also retains a distinctive scallop shape of the top surface of the side pods. The top surface shape is not quite as dramatic as last year, the exit louvers just beyond the top section of the radiator will improve the efficiency of the cooling in this area.

The front suspension is a pushrod configuration, where the wishbone pickups mount to the chassis. There’s a small amount of anti-lift to help support the front of the car and reduce the ride height change, under braking loads. The steering track rod is low down Infront of, but slightly higher than the forward leg of the lower front Wishbone.

What also stands out is the amount of unpainted carbon fibre on a few of the surfaces, to save a few crucial grams of weight. That shows the 798-kilo minimum weight limit is still very difficult to hit.

Given last year’s engine problems, new Ferrari team principal Frederick Vasseur has declared reliability to be the top priority for 2023, above even strategic improvements and gains on tyre management.

Ferrari already had potentially the most potent engine in F1 last year. If its reliability problems have been solved it will finally be able to make the most of that performance, with an improved version of a concept that proved stunningly fast last year and better reliability, Ferrari could be a formidable team in 2023, that’s why there’s a real sense of optimism at Ferrari

If you enjoyed this article read our Formula 1 rant here.

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Buy a car with Cryptocurrency

By Dee MunroFebruary 8, 2023Comments Off

Buy a car with Cryptocurrency

The future is here! We live in a world that is digital and automated. Development in this sector shows no signs of slowing down, in fact, it is growing at a record pace. People are talking to automated bots more than their partners, demonstrated recently when Open AI’s ChatGPT registered 1 million users in 5 days, a feat that took Netflix, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram months to achieve. Savvy tech entrepreneurs understand the power of networks and the universal power of blockchain technology, and the term Bitcoin is amongst the top 100 Google searches for 2022.

We have all heard of “cryptocurrency” or “crypto” by now. Be it on the news, around the braai, or in a conversation with your local barista. If you have not, where have you been hiding? It is said that there is not one industry that Blockchain technology will not completely disrupt, or at least dramatically expand and enhance.
But, what is it? What problems will it solve? What are some of the real use cases, and how can it be used in the real world?
Can you realistically use it as a means of exchange? Perhaps even buy a car with cryptocurrency or some other tangible asset, and if so, what is the process?

Cryptocurrency is a term used to describe a form of “digital currency”. It relies on a combination of technologies for it to operate i.e. as a means of exchange, a reward, or store of value across the digital world.
Another word that gets thrown around is “decentralized”, meaning no central authorities like governments and banks can control cryptocurrency. Each cryptocurrency is built on its own peer-to-peer (P2P) network which means that the computers on the network follow a list of protocols on which transactions are validated and stored on a distributed ledger (the official term for this is the blockchain).
This allows people to have total control of their money with zero involvement from centralized authorities. It makes cryptocurrency borderless and permissionless. In certain countries, cryptocurrency is now considered a financial asset that is allowed to be held as an alternative investment.

This begs the question of a use case for crypto. Can you use crypto in the real world? The answer is yes, you can! Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto’s whitepaper for the cryptocurrency describes it as:

“…electronic cash that would allow online payments to be sent directly from one party to another without going through a financial institution.”

If we can translate that, it would mean:

“Allowing digital transactions using digital money around the world with another person without the need for a bank.”

Now that you can transact digitally using a digital currency, how do you do it? It’s as easy as downloading and registering a free crypto wallet on trading platforms such as Altcoin Trader, Luno or VALR, available on the App Store or Play Store. You will then need to sign up and follow a KYC/FICA process which will require you to send through some documentation. The next step would be to deposit any fiat value into your wallet. It can be done by electronic bank transfer or credit card payment. Once the funds reflect in your wallet, follow the instructions provided to purchase the amount of cryptocurrency you would like. This “crypto” will then be stored securely in your wallet.

CONGRATULATIONS! You are now part of the cool kids’ crypto club and have digital money to spend.

So how can we use this in the real world? As mass adoption of the technology occurs, many online retailers and brick-and-mortar stores now accept payments in crypto through payment service gateways and providers for their goods and services. This allows you to purchase anything from your weekly groceries, to space travel tickets and even the latest and greatest PC gaming computers. NEWS Flash, you can now even use it to buy tangible assets, like luxury watches, boats, cars and even property.

Luxury cars are a great example of how to spend your crypto profits in the real world. Buying a “Lambo” with crypto has become an internet meme across forums and social media.
In 2017, American Entrepreneur Peter Saddington became the first person ever to buy a $200,000 2015 Lamborghini Huracan for 45 bitcoins. Saddington stated that he bought the 45 bitcoins for $115 back in 2011. Ever since then, articles have been published across the internet about crypto holders using their profits to buy luxury cars.

But it is possible to buy a car with cryptocurrency in South Africa?

Ferris Cars are proud to be the first South African car dealership to publicly and directly accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment for a car.
In April 2021, Ferris Cars sold a 2012 Red Ferrari California for 2.08 bitcoins and has since helped numerous fintech-savvy crypto holders buy cars with digital currency.

Ferris Cars provide a facility that enables a crypto holder to purchase any physical asset through their crypto payment portal. The facility is FIC sanctioned, safe, secure and includes no transaction fees.
Ferris Cars currently accept BTC, USDT, xZAR, or any altcoin on the Ethereum blockchain.

The payment facility to buy a car with cryptocurrency includes a 3-step process.

Identify your dream car at Ferris Cars, or any other dealership or private seller.
Request a written quotation/OTP from the salesperson. Email this quotation/OTP to info@ferriscars.com along with your invoicing details.
Go to www.ferriscars.com/cryptopayments. Identify the cryptocurrency that you want to use. Speak to a Ferris Cars representative to verify the correct ZAR transaction value. Send the equivalent cryptocurrency value to the wallet address provided.

Once the payment is verified on the blockchain, take delivery and drive away in your next car, bought with crypto.

This facility allows you to purchase any vehicle or luxury asset in South Africa, or even from anywhere in the world as long as the correct commercial documentation is in place. From boats, planes, cars, bakkies and just about any tangible assets from any dealership, broker or private seller.Ferris Cars have been successful at helping numerous fintech-savvy investors and crypto holders to buy a car with cryptocurrency.

With more and more businesses accepting crypto for goods and services, there is more confidence in digital currency. The future is here, and it consists of a digital and decentralized world where potential is only limited by your imagination.

monkeys

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Newsletter 56: FERRARI RED BOOKS

By Dee MunroJanuary 18, 2023Comments Off

FERRARI RED BOOKS,
WHY DO THEY EXIST AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?

So, you’ve found a Ferrari. But wait, how do you know that this particular car is the real deal? How can you tell what the history is without someone telling you or you doing hours of research? These are challenging questions to address.

You’ll have to go back to the source, Ferrari, and it’s not cheap, like anything with a prancing horse on it.

Ferrari can certify that your vehicle and all of its elements fit the original specifications from the time it left the factory. And if it does, they will issue you a ‘Certificate of Authenticity,’ also known as ‘The Red Book.’

Ferrari first used the Red Book process in 2016. And they have a dedicated division called the Classiche that is in charge of providing it. This division operates through a global network of centers based at various Ferrari dealerships worldwide.

A professional committee in Maranello inspects your car and decides whether it deserves to gain the prestigious certification. If it fails, they can organise for your automobile to be fully restored to its original factory default settings. Specialist engineers will send your car through a time machine and return it to the day it rolled off the assembly line.If necessary, they will disassemble the car and replace all non-authentic parts. And if the components are no longer in existence, they can re-manufacture them for you.

If necessary, they will disassemble the car and replace all non-authentic parts. And if the components are no longer in existence, they can re-manufacture them for you.

According to Ferrari, “the goal of any restoration is to keep as much of the version of the car and its parts as possible, even if this is usually not the best cost-effective alternative.”

Since the procedure began, Ferrari has rebuilt over 120 cars and certified roughly 5,000. According to Italian reports, there is a long waitlist for what is most likely an incredibly expensive service.

They’ve also implemented a passport system, in which they’ll re-inspect your vehicle regularly to guarantee that the certification remains relevant.

As you can imagine, only a limited number of Ferrari vehicles have ever been issued with the Red Book. If you’re in the market to purchase a certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle, you’ll soon learn that the Red Book is just as important as a panel tool.

Why?

Owning a Ferrari is quite the accomplishment, and because classic Ferrari purchasers are parting with eye-watering amounts of money, which may reach seven figures, for an old Italian supercar, they need it to be just perfect, if not flawless.

Top-tier purchasers want total peace of mind, the finest, and are prepared to pay for it. Excellence always has a cost.

So, someday, if you want to sell that gorgeous classic car in your driveway for premium prices, you may need to make a significant investment. Alternatively, you might simply enjoy it for exactly what it is: a high-performance car worthy of driving.

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Newsletter 54: FERRARI ICONS – F50

By Dee MunroSeptember 27, 202294 Comments

With Ferrari’s F40 regarded as one of the most iconic cars ever made, it often overshadows its anniversary successor, the F50, despite the latter being a much rarer machine, with just 349 made, against the F40s 1315, and an F50 is worth about three times as much!

Both the F40 and F50 are of course anniversary models, with the F40 coming exactly 40 years after the first Ferrari badged car was built in 1947, whilst the F50 jumped the gun by a couple of years. Not that a couple of years matter when you start to soak up the detail of a car created to give a lucky owner as close an experience to driving a grand prix car as is possible to get.
The big difference to the F40 is, whilst that has all the huff and puff and whoosh and wheeze of a turbocharged engine, the F50 has got the rapturous harmony of a glorious, naturally aspirated V12.

It sounds fantastic and is the same 65 degree, V12 block that powered the 3.5 ltr ferrari 641 Formula 1 Grand Prix car, in which Alain Prost took five wins and Nigel Mansell took one, back in 1990.
The engine was then stretched to 4 ltrs for use in their 333 sports prototype and then stretched even further, to 4.7 ltrs for the F50, pumping out a full 520 horsepower, albeit 230 less than the very high revving formula 1 engine, it will still launch you to 62mph in just 3.9 seconds, and whisk you effortlessly to 202 mph.
Model Year
Ferrari said they wanted to give the driver the full grand prix experience, so they created a carbon monocoque. They literally bolted the V12 to the back of the chassis, the same as an F1 car.
The engine is a stressed member of the whole construction, and the rear suspension hangs out on the back of the gearbox. Doing that, of course, means there is very little insulation from all the vibrations of the engine coming through the chassis, and that’s part of the unique sensation of the F50. You not only hear the engine, but you also feel it through your body.
Once you start winding it up, the sensation just gets greater and greater, to the point where you start to imagine you are Alain Prost!

The only thing that doesn’t give the same experience as Prost’s 641, is the gearbox.
The F50 doesn’t have the flappy paddles, they were in the early segment development when the F50 was built and it was a bit too complicated to fit them, which most owners are delighted with, because instead, there’s the classic gated ferrari gearshift, leaving the steering wheel completely uncluttered, no paddles, no switches, nothing but a neat round steering wheel.
The F50’s not quite so simple on the outside, with ducts and intakes appearing across the carbon fibre body work, along with that iconic wing moulded into the rear corners of the car.

The styling created a lot of debate when it first came out. It looks great from some angles but not so great from others, Clarkson even going so far as to call it ugly, which is a bit harsh.

The F50 weighs in at a quite high 1,397Kg’s, and with 42% of that weight on the front wheels and 58% on the rear, unlike the perfect 50 50 split so many people talk about, Ferrari made a definite decision with the balance. After all, you need slightly more weight on the rear to get all the available power on the road.
Handling wise, the F40 is very much the rough and tough racing car, ready to dance to whatever tune you play, with instant oversteer available on tap to put a smile on your face.
In contrast, the F50 has a much more smooth and refined approach, the power curve is consistent throughout the rev range, and it has a mild understeer, so some thought is required before you pitch it into the corners. All of this ads to the uniqueness of this car, it’s a true drivers car!
The secret to this being a sensational car is mostly in the steering. It has the most amazingly well sorted weight. At slow speed, it’s quite heavy, trying to just do a three-point turn, but as soon as you’re over about 10mph, it just comes alive in your hands, guiding you into a corner, kissing the apex, and then firing you out the other side.

Ferrari intended to use the F50 to go racing, and produce three F50 GT prototypes, but the regulations changed, and they cancelled the program.

So, while the F50 never actually got to be a racing car, it really is the closest you’ll ever get to driving a Grand Prix car on the road!

You can read about another great Ferrari Icon here.

We are actively looking to buy stock.We are also keen to consign the right caliber of stock.

We specialise in Ferrari but all high end, luxury, sports and super cars welcome.

Contact Paul 082 851 3300

paul@ferriscars.com

info@ferriscars.com

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Newsletter 53: FERRARI FORMULA 1 – A RANT!

By Dee MunroSeptember 7, 2022107 Comments

Formula one is about to resume racing after the summer break, and you know what that means……… Ferrari have not been able to F*&#K anything up for at least four weeks. But at least they went out on a big one at the Hungarian grand prix, the final race before the break.

If they were going to keep their championship hopes alive, they needed Charles Leclerc to win and something to go wrong for Max Verstappen, and that’s exactly what they got……… almost!

Ferrari lined up second and third on the grid, behind George Russell. Max Verstappen was down in tenth, after a problem in qualifying and by lap thirty nine, Leclerc had overtaken Russell for the lead of the race, pulled a gap on the field and was the fastest man on track. Finally Ferrari were going to take some points away from Max Verstappen………………………but wait……………………………..

Max Verstappen comes home in first place, from tenth on the grid, then Sainz, then Perez, ahead of Leclerc in sixth!

How is that even possible????

Yet again, Charles was in the lead of the race, and it was ruined. But why was it ruined? Well, to find out we’re going to play a game of who wants to be an Italian disgrace?

First question, for zero dollars……..Wow, how many of you guessed it? ……………………. It’s B, of course its B, its always B!!

Yes, once again Ferrari made a complete arse of the strategy. We’ve seen them do it a thousand times………………. and that’s just this season.

So, who are the people who make these stupid decisions?

Firstly, there’s this man: Mattia Binotto – He’s the Team Principle.

(Also know in Italy as “€50,000 Dead or Alive”)

Then there’s this guy: Riccardo Adami – Carlos race engineer

He’s the man that tells Carlos Sainz, “Everything looks fine on the data”, while Carlos is busy burning to death!

Then we have this man: Xavier Marcos – Charles race engineer

He’s the guy that tells Charles, in Monaco, to “Stay out, Stay out” as Charles is busy driving down the pit lane!

Last but not least, there’s this dude: Inaki Rueda – Chief Strategist

He’s the first ever blind, deaf and schizophrenic person to work in Formula 1

Even with this team of crack engineers Ferrari has ended up NINETY SEVEN points behind Red Bull.

The Ferrari pit wall has become more of a meme than a team this season, thanks to some of their questionable strategy Decisions.

We all know the details by now, missed pit stops and bad tyre selection, coupled with an engine that would prefer to destroy itself than see the checkered flag more than twice.

Ferrari’s season is a story of disappointment and missed Opportunity.

So how are they, and more importantly, are they going to resolve the situation?

It’s fair to say that this season is almost certainly lost. Red Bull would have to have some major disasters in the second half and don’t forget, Mercedes is on a resurgence.

Ferrari are not going to win another championship until someone gets in there and slaps everyone around a bit!

@Jeremy Clarkson

“As abuse is no longer allowed when we speak about F1, I’m forced to say Ferrari’s strategists are brilliant”

Rant over!

RECENTLY SPOTTED IN MARANELLO.

Purosangue – Ferrari’s new FUV, spotted outside the factory two weeks ago. Eagle eyed will notice that this is actually a camouflaged Maserati Levante. The Maserati is used as a test mule for the Purosangue’s V12, so, despite the camouflage, the Purosangue won’t actually look anything like this!

Roma Spider – Despite Ferrari denying that they would be producing a spider version, this one was spotted, at 4 o’clock in the morning, testing on the streets outside the factory and another spotted at the back of the factory during the day!

The new Ferrari LMP1 – Testing at Fiorano.

As we know, Ferrari will be entering the Le Man’s series next year, as a works team. The new car has been spotted quite frequently zipping around Ferrari’s bespoke test track.

As always, we are looking for stock to buy or consign.

We specialise in Ferrari but all, high end, luxury, sports and supercars welcome.

Contact Paul 082 851 3300

paul@ferriscars.com

info@ferriscars.com

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Newsletter 46: THE FERRARI NUMBERING SYSTEM

By Dee MunroApril 12, 202269 Comments

HERE’S HOW…………. WHY!

First, let’s take a look at how it all began in the car industry.

The first-ever car was called the ‘’Benz Patent-Motorwagen’’. Karl Benz, the founder of Mercedes-Benz, applied for the patent of the automobile on the 29th of January 1886, it was, therefore, a logical choice to name it after himself and his patent. He revealed it to the public in July of that year.

When Ford began production in 1903, it started with Model A. Model B and C followed and the next production Ford was the Model K. Henry Ford mainly used lettering designations between C and K for development and prototypes. Model N, R and S were also production cars. In 1908 the Model T was revealed.

The reason why manufacturers use certain methods is to keep the bloodline quite simple.

Because of the innovations in every Ferrari, the names are easy to create but there are no real rules when it comes to numbers.

The moment you discover a pattern or method, it’ll change to a new or an old one.

The first Ferrari, the 125 S, was named after its engine (a 1500 cc V12): if you divide 1500 cc by 12 you’ll get 125, but the V12 cars were not the only ones designated by this method. The first four-cylinder Ferrari, the 500 Mondial, featured a 1985 cc 4-cylinder. You can do the math.

Slightly unusual, but this type of designation was used until the Ferrari 456 (5473 cc / 12-cylinders = 456) was replaced by the 612 in 2003.

Most of the rounded designations, such as the 400 Superamerica and 500 Superfast received their name after the engine capacity was divided by ten. The 550 and 575 also received their name after the Italians grabbed their calculator and divided their engine capacity (5500 cc and 5750 cc respectively) by ten. The 599 features a 5999 cc V12, hence its name.

Although you have to do some math, this method was all fine when Ferrari primarily produced race cars. The designation was to name the cars but was not created from a marketing point of view. However, when Ferrari started building more road cars and they needed to market them, a new system had to be designed.

This new method still consisted of three numbers, but the first two represented the engine capacity and the third represented the number of cylinders.

The first production mid-engine Ferrari featured a 2.0-L V6 and was therefore named the Dino 206 GT.

This method continued until the Ferrari 348 and was also used for the 512 BB (5.0-L flat-12).

When the successor of the 348 arrived, called the 355, a new method arrived as well: the first two numbers refer to the capacity of the engine (3500 cc), but the second 5 refer to the number of valves per cylinder.

Its successors, the 360 and 430, were named after their capacity was divided by ten.

The 458 was named after its engine capacity + the number of cylinders and the 488 received its name from the capacity of one cylinder (488 cc).

Ferrari cheated a little with the 612 Scaglietti. You would assume it’s powered by a 6.0-L V12, which it isn’t because it has a 5.8-L V12. The reason why Ferrari named it 612 is simply because they rounded it up a bit higher than usual, must have been one of those “Isa fiva pointe aita, isa nearly a sixa, shudupa your face” moments!

Both the GTC4Lusso and GTC4Lusso T, just have one number referring to the number of seats. The F in F12 refers to Ferrari and 12 refers to the number of cylinders. The 812 Superfast is named after its rounded power output (789 bhp became 800) and the number of cylinders.

Ferrari revealed the Ferrari 275 GTB with a four camshaft engine in the late 1960s and it became known as the 275 GTB/4, 275 refers to the capacity of one cylinder (275 cc) and 4 refers to the more powerful 4 cam engine.

Both the F40 (1987) and F50 (1995) refer to the 40th and 50th anniversary, respectively. The reason why Ferrari celebrated their 50th anniversary earlier was that the US emission laws were scheduled to be overhauled and tightened in 1996/7.

The Enzo was revealed in 2002 and wasn’t called the F60 because there was much too early for the 60th Anniversary (2007).

The F60 name was used for a Formula 1 car, although it was two years after the 60th Anniversary (in 2009), and for the F60 America (2014), which celebrates the 60th anniversary of Ferrari’s presence in America.

So, there you have it. Just about all you need to know about the various Ferrari numbering systems.

In any event, it will no doubt change again, when the boffins in the design studio get bored or have too much cappuccino and pizza!

With Thanks: Max Lammers

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Newsletter 45: FIORANO, NOPE, NOT THE CAR, NOT THE TOWN, THE TEST TRACK!

By Dee MunroMarch 29, 202269 Comments

BRAVO, BRAVO, SCUDERIA FERRARI!!!

As we are all probably aware, The Scuderia got off to a blistering start at the Bahrain Grand Prix circuit last weekend with a 1-2 finish.

Congratulations to them!

This weekend is the Saudi Arabian GP, and all the signs are there to be fighting for a similar result.

Let’s all wish them the best for Sunday!!

FIORANO,
NOPE, NOT THE CAR, NOT THE TOWN,
THE TEST TRACK!

Enzo Ferrari commonly used the Modena Auto-drome for testing his cars throughout the 1960s, however, with the ever-growing regulations at the Auto-drome hindering Ferrari’s testing, Enzo took the decision to build his own test facility.

It was an idea that would allow Ferrari to extensively test any production or racing models the company conceived, straight from the factory and without disruption.

The circuit was constructed on a piece of land already owned by Ferrari, near the factory in Maranello, and adjacent to the town of Fiorano Modenese.

Construction started on the circuit in 1971 and was opened and ready for use on the 8th of April, 1972.

The length of the initial layout was 3 kilometres, with a maximum circuit width 8.40 metres.

The circuit is based on some of the most renowned corners from that period of F1, including the Tarzan corner at Zandvoort, the Brunnchen jump at the Nurburgring and the Gasometer corner from Monaco, more commonly known today as La Rascasse.

The track stayed relatively the same until the introduction of a chicane in 1992, as well as a chicane in 1996 thanks to the input of then-new Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher. He asked for the use of a possible hairpin upon the circuit’s renovation the same year.

The renovations made in 1996 saw the circuit being shortened by 24 meters to a total length of 2.997 kilometres. A new corner was also introduced during the circuit’s revision, a faster first corner at the end of the pit straight to replace the sharper corner that was originally in place.

In 2001, a skid pan was introduced at the circuit as well as an irrigation system to allow the simulation of a wet circuit and wet tyre testing. Further on-site improvements included the installation of a telemetry system, which allowed for the capturing and recording of data from cars on the circuit.

Thanks to the technical, challenging layout of the circuit, it has also proved valuable to various Ferrari drivers through the years as a practice and testing area for coming seasons.

The lap record at Fiorano is currently held by Michael Schumacher, who, in 2004, set a lap of 0:55.999 in that year’s F1 car, the Ferrari F2004.

Andrea Bartolini holds the fastest racecar time with the Maserati MC12 Competizione with a 1:11.711, while the fastest road car is the 2019 Ferrari SF90 Stradale, with a time of 1:19.000.

Il Commendatore’s old quarters, a whitewash-walled former farmhouse, sits within the track’s confines, not far from the modern-day pitlane.

Spookily, his old office has been preserved more or less as he left it, right down to the black and white TV he used to watch F1 Grands Prix on when he was no longer able to attend the races in person.

Today, certain valued clients are invited to stay in the house overnight when visiting Ferrari, and well-heeled members of the public can do the same, for a few thousand Euros….. Sacrilege! Seems there’s nothing at modern-day Ferrari that can’t be turned into merchandise, even Old Man Ferrari’s own pad.

Many of the streets around Ferrari’s base are named after the F1 team’s former drivers. but five-time Ferrari drivers champion, Michael Schumacher, gets an entire Piazza.

It’s the space in front of Enzo’s house, flanked by the red-doored, rustic-bricked farm building used as garages in the ’60s, and a former barn opposite that’s now used as a briefing room for track clients and V.I.P’s.

Back in his days testing for Ferrari, Schumacher used to base himself in Ferrari’s former house, converting the top floor into a gym and reputedly playing football with the mechanics outside in the evenings.

With the circuit being situated right beside Enzo Ferrari’s house, it is well known that, from the construction of the circuit, till his death in 1988, he would often sit in his house or even out by the track to watch and listen to his beloved cars.

The circuit itself is closed to the public, but customers are often invited to test their newly-purchased models on the track. Various Tifosi are also known to watch from the roadside when Ferrari are testing, particularly any F1 testing.

Multiple drivers have expressed their love for the circuit through the years, including Niki Lauda, Gilles Villeneuve and Michael Schumacher, to name a few.

The circuit has seen the debut of many famous names in F1, the latest being Charles LeClerc and Carlos Sainz, as the Fiorano circuit gave them their first taste of F1 with the Scuderia

There are still spaces available for the Finali Mondiali Tour in October.

If you are interested in going, please send an email to:

info@ferriscars.com

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Newsletter 44: FERRARI’S NAMED AFTER PLACES

By Dee MunroMarch 14, 202274 Comments

FERRARI’S NAMED AFTER PLACES

We can all name a couple of Ferrari’s which were named after places, but it turns out there are a few more than we thought!

AMERICA/SUPERAMERICA

The Ferrari America and Superamerica were a series of cars built in the 1950s and 1960s primarily intended for the US market. The cars were fitted with large V12 engines and often had custom bodywork by the likes of Vignale, Pinin Farina, Boano and Ghia.
In later years, the America name came back, primarily on limited cars or special projects. Both the Superamerica 45 and SP America were for American clients, and in 2014, just 10 examples of the F60 America were made, also only for the US market.
All Ferrari America/Superamerica models:
1950 Ferrari 340 America, 1951 Ferrari 342 America, 1953 Ferrari 375 America, 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica, 1960 Ferrari 400 Superamerica, 2005 Ferrari 575 Superamerica, 2011 Ferrari Superamerica 45, 2014 Ferrari SP America, 2014 Ferrari F60 America.

CALIFORNIA

Ferrari introduced the 250 GT California Spider in 1957. The California name came from the fact it was designed for export to North America. About a decade later, the California badge came back with the introduction of the 365 California. In recent years, we’ve had both the California and California T. The philosophy behind the name is the “sublime elegance, sportiness, versatility and exclusivity” of the Spider concept.
All Ferrari California models:
1957 Ferrari 250 GT California Spider,
1966 Ferrari 365 California,
2008 Ferrari California,
2014 Ferrari California T

EUROPA

Ferraris named after the continent were designated only for sales in Europe.
The 1969 212 E was named after Europe because of its participation in the “European Montagna” Championship. Driven by Peter Schetty, the car dominated the 1969 European Hill Climb Championship, placing first in every race it entered and setting many course records.
All Ferrari Europa models:
1953 Ferrari 250 Europa
1954 Ferrari 250 Europa GT
1969 Ferrari 212 E

FIORANO

A magical place for fans of the brand, Pista di Fiorano is Ferrari’s very own test track in Maranello, Italy. Enzo Ferrari unveiled the circuit in 1972 and told the press: “From this moment on, I don’t want any Ferrari to tackle the track or address mass-production without passing the Fiorano test with flying colours.” And in 2006, the 599 GTB Fiorano became the first and only car named after the legendary circuit.

NAMED AFTER ITALY

Place of origin. Ferrari named the 2009, 458 and 2011, F1 car after the country.
All Ferrari Italy models:
2009 Ferrari 458 Italia
2011 Ferrari 150 Italia (F1)

LE MANS

Cars with the LM name competed in the iconic Le Mans 24hr race. Both the 330 LM and 250 LM managed to win, in 1962 and 1965 respectively.
The last Maranello-produced car to receive the LM designation was the F40 LM, though it didn’t have any successes in the race.
All Ferrari Le Mans models:
1955 Ferrari 735 LM
1956 Ferrari 625 LM
1962 Ferrari 330 LM
1963 Ferrari 250 LM
1978 Ferrari 512 BB LM
1989 Ferrari F40 LM ‘IMSA GTO’
1994 Ferrari F40 LM

MARANELLO

The place where it all began in 1947. Maranello is a relatively small town in Northern Italy and home to both the Ferrari Factory and the Scuderia Ferrari Racing teams. It’s surprising that the name was only first used in the late 1990s.
All Ferrari Maranello models:
1996 Ferrari 550 Maranello
2002 Ferrari 575M Maranello

MEXICO

The Ferrari 340 Mexico was unveiled in 1952 and competed in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana, which took place in Mexico. It used a 4.1-L V12 producing around 280 bhp and had a mind-boggling maximum speed of 280 kph (174 mph). Just four Vignale bodies were made – three Berlinettas and one Spider. All were designed by Giovanni Michelotti, and Chinetti and Lucas finished the race in third place.

MODENA

The Ferrari 360 Modena, which debuted in 1999, was also named after places, the town of Modena – the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari.

PORTOFINO

Named after a charming village in the Italian Riviera, the 2017 Ferrari Portofino is the successor to the California and California T. Portofino is an Italian fishing village and luxury holiday resort famous for its picturesque harbour, great seafood and rich history.

MONZA

The Monza-named Ferraris were racing cars in the 1950s and named after the town of Monza, in Northern Italy. The city is home to one of the most iconic racing tracks: the Autodromo Nazionale Monza Circuit. Through Ferrari’s Icona Series, the name made its reappearance in 2018 with the introduction of the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2.
All Ferrari Monza models:
1954 Ferrari 750 Monza, 1954 Ferrari 250 Monza,
1956 Ferrari 860 Monza, 2018 Ferrari Monza SP1,
2018 Ferrari Monza SP2

ROMA

Named after the capital of Italy, the 2019 Ferrari Roma is a grand touring sports car associated with the ‘pleasurable way of life’ (La Nuova Dolce Vita). The shapely coupe brings to mind iconic mid-century Ferraris, but packed with cutting-edge tech and a 611-hp turbocharged V-8.

NAMED AFTER VENICE

Venice, the famous Italian city of romantic canals, inspired the name of one Ferrari: the 456 GT Venice, which debuted in 1996. The Venice was a 5-door station wagon based on the Ferrari 456 and commissioned by Prince Jefri Bolkiah of Brunei. Only seven examples were made. After Pininfarina designed and built them, the prince only purchased six and the remaining car was sold to a private collector in the United Kingdom.

So could you imagine that there were many Ferrari’s named after places?

News

Newsletter 43: Ferrari F1-75

By Dee MunroFebruary 21, 202290 Comments

The Ferrari F1-75 was revealed on Thursday afternoon and first impressions are good………. it looks fantastic! There was a hint, from the teamwear colours released earlier this year, that the car would have more black incorporated into the livery, and that is what has happened with the black covering the front and rear wing while the rest of the car is draped in traditional red.

The current colour scheme harks back to the type of livery the Scuderia used in the 1990’s. Since then we have seen the team go for a red and white theme and in more recent times a red and green type look, which many were not fans of.

The eagle-eyed among you will notice no “mission winnow” on the car.

This was a Philip Morris (Marlboro) initiative and, as some of you may be aware, Philip Morris ended their partnership with Ferrari at the end of last year.

The ending of this partnership would also explain the colour scheme change. Previous colour schemes were dictated by the corporate identity of Malboro, as they were the primary sponsor.

The biggest change in the new F1-75 is engine related, and there’s not too much info in the ether on that.

We do know however, that in 2021 the team made a leap forward, despite spending most of the year focusing on 2022.

The rules around the power unit are not changing this year, so, 2022 represents the final opportunity for the power unit manufacturers to make an impact in this department before an engine development freeze comes into play at the end of 2025.

Ferrari have interpreted the new rules in some very innovative ways.

Starting at the front of the car, the wing is pretty much indistinguishable from all the other teams, but that’s where the similarities end.

The centre section of the car, and in particular the side pods and the big undercut in the middle, are in stark contrast to what has been seen so far.

The genius of this design is, instead of trying to manage airflow from around the sides of the F1-75 (very turbulent), Ferrari is directing air from the from wing, into the undercut (1), the air box (2), and then through the internal valley in the side pod (3).

This means the airflow is much more manageable and should result in a much more slippery car.

The turning vanes, attached to the outer edge of the floor are designed to control the flow of wake created by the front wheels.

In addition, Ferrari has an upturned vane on the leading edge of the undercut, to direct airflow along the underside of the side pod, utilising the turning vane and keeping the flow controlled along the length of the undercut section.

The rear suspension is vastly different from recent Ferrari configurations.
The upper wishbones are a lot wider and flatter, have a much more pronounced angle and are extended further forward.
This helps with the airflow created by the side pod configuration and enables a smoother transition towards the rear wing.

The idea behind this layout is to energise the rear wing and make it perform to its maximum.

The entire objective of any race car is to make it as aerodynamic as possible.
The new rules have put much more emphasis on downforce and ground effect than has been seen since the 1970’s.
The aim is to channel the air along the car, through the various vanes, valleys and wings, and forcing it upwards at the rear, away from the cars following, thus enabling closer racing.

Ferrari have been extremely aggressive with their approach to the 2022 design and have come up with some very elegant solutions for the F1-75.
Lets hope that this will be the change that we have been hoping for!!!

News

Newsletter 41: FERRARI ICONS 250 GT LUSSO

By Dee MunroJanuary 24, 202248 Comments

WELCOME TO 2022

Ferris Cars has some exciting things lined up for the year ahead.
More events.
Some exciting social media content.
Revolutionary new cryptocurrency options.
More fun Rhino stuff.
Watch this space!
In the meantime, you know you are always welcome, so pop in for a coffee and a chat ………….even if it is just to talk about cars and shit!!!!

FERRARI ICONS: 250 GT LUSSO

When it made its debut at the 1962 Paris Salon, the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso was unveiled as the final iteration of the 250 GT series of cars.
The Lusso, which means “Luxury” in Italian, was positioned between the more hardcore racing models and ultra-luxury variants within the Ferrari lineup.
It aimed to offer the experience of top-tier Ferrari sports car performance while being well-appointed with an arsenal to combat the demands of daily use.

The 250 Lusso is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful cars to be adorned with the prancing horse badge.
Its sporty nature is derived from the use of a Short Wheel Base (SWB) chassis, shared with some of the previous competition cars, and a V12 engine fueled by three Weber carburettors.
The overall design elements of the car were ground-breaking for their time, and the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso would soon become one of the most recognisable automobiles in the world.
Exquisitely proportioned, the GT/L had an elegant silhouette which comprised of its elongated profile, curvy fenders, slim pillars, truncated rear and charismatic three-piece front bumper.

The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso was imagined by Pininfarina and brought to life by Carrozzeria Scaglietti under the direction of Enzo Ferrari.
While the GT/L was intended to be a road-going grand tourer in every sense of those words put together, many owners ended up outfitting their cars for racing anyway. This is because the GT/L inherently possessed race car DNA, which is shared with the 250 GTO, including its SWB, disc brakes, suspension, and engine, making it a viable track toy when the latter was not an option.

Though well-received and sought after, the GT/L would ultimately have a brief production run spanning just 18 months, between the years 1962 and 1964, with only 350 examples made. At the tail end of 1964, the Ferrari 250 GT Lusso, and by extension, the entire 250 GT line, would be succeeded by the incoming Ferrari 275 GTB.
This would by no means signify the end for the GT/L, as it has become a hot collector’s item in recent times.

The Ferrari 250 GT Lusso is the quintessential 60’s sports car.
Driving any Ferrari from the same era is a tremendously special experience, of which few of us have had the privilege.
The 250 is rare, expensive and highly collectable, but its value is based on the engineering, remarkable style and elegance, coupled with the exceptional performance and handling of that particular era, all of which made it ahead of its time when the car was launched in 1962.

THE FERRIS CLINIC IS NOW OPEN FOR 2022, AND
THE DOCTOR IS READY TO HELP!

We don’t have a PhD, nor any formal medical training, but we do have a vast experience and understanding of your condition.
The bad news is that your illness is not curable, not terminal, but not curable, and is something you are going to have to live with ……….. probably for the rest of your life.
Some of our clients claim different ailments related to their illness. Some speak of a feeling of petrol running through their veins. Some talk of sweaty palms and accelerated heartbeat when visualising or being in close proximity to certain items of a mechanical nature.
Some patients, who are currently being treated, claim to have a much more fulfilling life, a sense of contentment and, in some cases, a better sex life, all due to the therapy and treatment we have prescribed.

Ferrari driving in the Sunset — **Some of our patients enjoying their therapy!**

This illness, unlike many others, has taken on various names over the years.
An extreme case is called, “Mechanophilia”. The most common is called, “Paraphilia”.
Locally, the most common term for this illness is
“Motor” or “Petrol” Head.
The best news of all is that our mission is to make living with your illness, as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.
Over the years we have developed some proven therapies to help alleviate the many varied symptoms.
If you think you may be experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t delay, call Ferris immediately, and get professional help in dealing with this terrible illness.

Did you enjoy reading about this Ferrari Icon? Read about another one here.

News

Events

Tag: ferrari

Newsletter 59 – FERRARI SF-23

The Ferrari SF-23

Buy a car with Cryptocurrency

Buy a car with Cryptocurrency

Newsletter 56: FERRARI RED BOOKS

FERRARI RED BOOKS,
WHY DO THEY EXIST AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?

Newsletter 54: FERRARI ICONS – F50

Newsletter 53: FERRARI FORMULA 1 – A RANT!

Rant over!

RECENTLY SPOTTED IN MARANELLO.

Newsletter 46: THE FERRARI NUMBERING SYSTEM

HERE’S HOW…………. WHY!

Newsletter 45: FIORANO, NOPE, NOT THE CAR, NOT THE TOWN, THE TEST TRACK!

BRAVO, BRAVO, SCUDERIA FERRARI!!!

FIORANO,
NOPE, NOT THE CAR, NOT THE TOWN,
THE TEST TRACK!

Newsletter 44: FERRARI’S NAMED AFTER PLACES

FERRARI’S NAMED AFTER PLACES

AMERICA/SUPERAMERICA

CALIFORNIA

EUROPA

FIORANO

NAMED AFTER ITALY

LE MANS

MARANELLO

MEXICO

MODENA

PORTOFINO

MONZA

ROMA

NAMED AFTER VENICE

Newsletter 43: Ferrari F1-75

Newsletter 41: FERRARI ICONS 250 GT LUSSO

WELCOME TO 2022

FERRARI ICONS: 250 GT LUSSO

THE FERRIS CLINIC IS NOW OPEN FOR 2022, AND
THE DOCTOR IS READY TO HELP!

Tag: ferrari

The Ferrari SF-23

Buy a car with Cryptocurrency

FERRARI RED BOOKS, WHY DO THEY EXIST AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?

Rant over!

RECENTLY SPOTTED IN MARANELLO.

HERE’S HOW…………. WHY!

BRAVO, BRAVO, SCUDERIA FERRARI!!!

FIORANO, NOPE, NOT THE CAR, NOT THE TOWN, THE TEST TRACK!

FERRARI’S NAMED AFTER PLACES

AMERICA/SUPERAMERICA

CALIFORNIA

EUROPA

FIORANO

NAMED AFTER ITALY

LE MANS

MARANELLO

MEXICO

MODENA

PORTOFINO

MONZA

ROMA

NAMED AFTER VENICE

WELCOME TO 2022

FERRARI ICONS: 250 GT LUSSO

THE FERRIS CLINIC IS NOW OPEN FOR 2022, ANDTHE DOCTOR IS READY TO HELP!

FERRARI RED BOOKS,
WHY DO THEY EXIST AND WHERE CAN I FIND THEM?

FIORANO,
NOPE, NOT THE CAR, NOT THE TOWN,
THE TEST TRACK!

THE FERRIS CLINIC IS NOW OPEN FOR 2022, AND
THE DOCTOR IS READY TO HELP!