| Author | Message | ||
| Jeremy Lawrence (F512m)
New member Username: F512m Post Number: 33 Registered: 1-2002 |
I just got back from Italy. We were there Tuesday and Wednesday before the San Marino G.P. I tried to talk my way into a tour, but was politely refused. No big deal though. We were lucky to see the team breaking in the F2002's for the race. Lots of Ferrari's in that town. Everywhere I looked I saw one. The best was a parade of 550's. About 10 in all. What a place!!! We should have a Ferrarichat trip over there. Maybe we can get on of the dealers to set us all up with a tour. Rob??? Jeremy | ||
| BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member Username: Bretm Post Number: 2361 Registered: 2-2001 |
I think the Lamborghini factory anyone can see. But Ferrari you need to have a car, and they do check. | ||
| Marcus Mayeux (Mmayeux73)
New member Username: Mmayeux73 Post Number: 31 Registered: 4-2002 |
Are non Ferrari/Lamborghini owners welcomed? Can you schedule through Ferrari/Lamborghini dealer? This is a life long dream of mine to see these factories. -Thanks Marcus | ||
| Andrew (Mrrou)
New member Username: Mrrou Post Number: 42 Registered: 3-2002 |
As Tim N Said, GM and Ford are very lazy with their cars, but they are factory made by machine, the very first person to actually cast his eyes on the car is the dealer when it is delivered, oh my how i love american cars | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 110 Registered: 4-2001 |
Hi Dom, We ran into each other a couple times while we were there, and stayed at the same hotel, with the cat... I think his name was Panda... What's the hap's in Jersey? | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 707 Registered: 6-2001 |
So they break the engines in before they are even in the car? I couldnt see them testing a brand new engine on a dyno without breaking it in first. It may be one of their tricks for making the rings wear out sooner, resulting in an expensive rebuild though. 120km is about 80miles right? thats about what they all come with. My friends camaro came with 6. GM doesnt really knock themselves out making sure each car is good, they are american and are lazy, just like me. | ||
| Dom Miliano (Dominick)
New member Username: Dominick Post Number: 1 Registered: 4-2002 |
I visited the Factory in 2000 for a tour and again in 2001 to test drive a 550 Maranello. The answer to the question "how hard do they drive the cars?" is PRETTY HARD! I was given a test car for a day for an article and a (hand drawn) map of the 120 Km route they use to test drive EVERY car. They drive up into the hills above Maranello and then out onto the Autostrada. This tests the brakes, shifter, motor, tranny and everything else. They listen for noises (wind, rattles, creaks, etc.) and any other failings before you see your car. This is all on top of the time each motor spends on the dyno. (I forget how long, but the engines are thoroughly tested.) All in all, I was very impressed with the process. | ||
| Joren Remans (J_remans)
New member Username: J_remans Post Number: 10 Registered: 2-2002 |
Maranello is probably scheduled for this summer again but I just came back from Milano. Guys, I have to tell you this, I was waiting at the border between Switzerland and Italia when suddenly a red F512M stopped by. There was kind of a parking spot you know, he had to wait like me for some formalities, but once that was done he ran of on such a way that all the border officials frooze on the spot. Drifting, spinning, full throttle, just crazy!!!!! A noise, damn, I couldn't even hear the diesel beat of my BMW anymore. I tried to follow him a little while but made no chance. Just wanted to share this with you guys, also here in Europe wheather is becoming better, actually it's very nice, and the Ferraris are coming out again!!!!! So are the donnas. Forza & Regards. | ||
| Paul Bennett (Paul_308)
New member Username: Paul_308 Post Number: 3 Registered: 2-2002 |
Americans are accustomed to talk their way into many venues and not accustomed to rules being adhered to...but here is a situation where the rule prevails. I certainly appreciated the factory tour during EuroHallett99 when 30+ listers took the tour. Advice - rather than get pissed off, learn to admit you can't win them all - especially when not playing in your own backyard. | ||
| Andrew (Enzo250gto)
New member Username: Enzo250gto Post Number: 26 Registered: 2-2002 |
Tom, I don't think that is what he wants to hear. | ||
| TomD (Tifosi)
Member Username: Tifosi Post Number: 443 Registered: 9-2001 |
paris to miami on AA???. Wasn't that the flight with the guy with the shoe bombs? Also Miami to BA was the flight that the guy wanted to break into the cockpit when he lost it. Good luck. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1137 Registered: 2-2001 |
Good thing I left Italia today, In Paris now, Miami tomorrow, BA the next day, American Airlines loves me  | ||
| Mark C. Gordon (Markg)
Junior Member Username: Markg Post Number: 150 Registered: 2-2001 |
I see CNN breaking news - State Dept has ordered an advisory for all Americans in Italy...no details yet | ||
| Joren Remans (J_remans)
New member Username: J_remans Post Number: 7 Registered: 2-2002 |
Certainly don't forget to check out some superb workshops in Maranello. Close to the main entrance of the Fiorano track you find "Carrozzeria Zanassi". I believe it's also the meeting place of the local Ferrari club. When you ask they let you in, great service area, enter through the front gate, once inside immediately on the left kind of an inside parking lot, looks like Ferraris are just trown in!!! "Carrozzeria Tony" is located on the same street as the Factory, drive towards the bridge, then on your left side. Collectors from all over the world send their cars to this place. Last time there was a 250LM, California, 275, 330's, several Dino's, etc.... There's also a way to go to the rearside of the Factory. You can look through the fences and see all the prototypos lined up!!! Regards. | ||
| Leonardo Soccolich (Lens)
Junior Member Username: Lens Post Number: 181 Registered: 3-2001 |
Going to the factory in September, and then Monza. Can?t wait! | ||
| Mitchel DeFrancis (4re308)
Member Username: 4re308 Post Number: 462 Registered: 6-2001 |
I was at the factory on my 18th birthday August 5 1989 with my family. We had lunch at Cavallino with all the factory employees. The parking lot had a GTB Turbo, a F40 and a 275! I was in heaven. I am planning on going back now that I am an owner. I'd love to meet Piero Lardi. You know, I was surprised that Ferrari took us in and showed my family around! We were not present owners at the time, although my old man had a Lusso before I was born. I have photos of me standing with my arm resting on the 815 and the GTO Evolution car, that were in the showroom at the time. Boy did that ever plant the seed of Ferrari madness for me! | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1135 Registered: 2-2001 |
Audi owns Lmabo now which is a good thing since VW-AUdi have a lot of $ & AUdi has a very rich racing history | ||
| Andrew (Enzo250gto)
New member Username: Enzo250gto Post Number: 25 Registered: 2-2002 |
I was there Thurs, then Lamborghini on friday. They have the 575 & 360s on the production line now. They r rather snooty & almost rude at Ferrai while, the people at Lambo were much friendlier we even got to talk to the President of Lambo. Makes me seriously think about buying a Murcielago Tuesday we go visit Pagani & I have pics of the whole tour I will post when I get home William, I've often thought of this too. Lamborghini is a much smaller car maker, and I forget which company owns them now, it was Ford but I think maybe BMW picked them up? Anyone know? Also I think you comment if funny because the reason Lamborghini started making cars was because Ferrari was rude to him. I love Ferraris but Lamborghinis are in a class by themselves. Pininfarina does know how to design a car, but the Diablo and new Murcielago will turn more heads than Ferraris in my opinion. But this is not why you should buy a car, its about the driving. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 114 Registered: 2-2002 |
Tim.... the emphasis being on YOUNG enthusiasts!!!! | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 585 Registered: 6-2001 |
Manu, if i was you i would be like 40 years old because i would have 4 to 5 birthdays a year. | ||
| Parker (Fletch)
New member Username: Fletch Post Number: 1 Registered: 3-2002 |
I was able to take a factory tour in September of 2000 and I found the Ferrari tour guides to be very friendly. We were able to walk right up to the cars being built and talk to some of the workers. We got a tour of the main assembly area (they had 360 spiders on the line and this was before they had been introduced in the US) and we also got to tour the engine assembly area. After the official tour we looked at the Fiorano track (through the fence!), the museum, and then ate at the Cavallino restaurant . It was a very memorable day and I hope to do it again soon. The tour was very easy to schedule, all it took was one phone call to my local dealer and they did the rest. A few weeks later a Fed-ex envelope arrived from FNA with my tour date. I definately recommend taking a tour if you ever find yourself over in Italy. | ||
| Manu Sachdeva (Manu)
Junior Member Username: Manu Post Number: 111 Registered: 2-2002 |
I heard a story about the Maranello Sales dealership in the UK giving out free Birthday Rides for young enthusiasts... apparently they get a load of requests and end up doing about 2 per week. That really is very nice of them! How sweet! | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
Member Username: Racernika Post Number: 347 Registered: 12-2001 |
at what? On second thought Martin - DON'T ANSWER THAT!!!!! LMAO | ||
| Martin (Miami348ts)
Intermediate Member Username: Miami348ts Post Number: 1626 Registered: 5-2001 |
If I were the president I would have let you take a peek...  | ||
| Nika (Racernika)
Member Username: Racernika Post Number: 346 Registered: 12-2001 |
I toured in 1998 - and just LOVED it. Shook hands with some workers.....met some wonderful people. Treated kindly - had a wonderful lunch at Cavalino restaurant (saved the bill even!) I want to go back again.....(sigh) PS - My tour guide did mention how "rare" it was for a female to be such an enthusiast. Tried to beg to see the new aerodynamics lab but was politely refused | ||
| David Albright (Dalbright)
Member Username: Dalbright Post Number: 287 Registered: 2-2001 |
Forget the Murcielago....get the Pagani ZondaS....what awesome car. | ||
| Jim E (Jimpo1)
Member Username: Jimpo1 Post Number: 307 Registered: 7-2001 |
I spoke at length with the new Dallas Lambo dealer at the Dallas auto show, and he told me he could have a Murcielago delivered in about 60 days. Thats a hell of a lot faster than the 3 year wait for a 360. | ||
| Tim N (Timn88)
Member Username: Timn88 Post Number: 568 Registered: 6-2001 |
William, i cant wait to see trhe pics. How hard to they test drive each car? If its new you dont want to redline it, that will make the engine wear out faster. Thats just more $ for dealers though. Go for the murcielago. What did they show you on the tours? I saw one at miller a few weeks ago, kenny would have seen it if he didnt leave so early. It was such a nice car. It was yellow with sort of a pearl effect. | ||
| Carl Gustaf Landin (Gustaf)
New member Username: Gustaf Post Number: 31 Registered: 9-2001 |
Maybe being "pissed off" was a exaggeration and I understand that they can not take everyone on a tour. I was just trying to emphasise the difference in attitude between the Lamborghini and Ferrari plants. Plus I was almost sure I would get a no when I asked eventhough the tour that was about to start was for around twenty people. But still, point taken. | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1126 Registered: 2-2001 |
actually we saw 3 Murcielagos being test driven while we were there 1 of the guys on our tour is friends with Piero Lardi & him & his friend have purchased many Ferraris from Ferrari of Beverly Hills. Ironically he had a letter from FNA but they were giving him a hard time till he got pissed & told them how many Ferraris he owned. They woulndt even call up to Piero. Morons I didnt have a letter but my dealer, Shelton, had called on I was on their list | ||
| David Jones (Dave)
Junior Member Username: Dave Post Number: 80 Registered: 4-2001 |
When I visited the factory I was shown only respect, and never treated in a snooty fashion. I of course made a reservation for my family's factory visit... By the way Gustaf, do you have any idea how many people show up at the Ferrari factory unannounced and want a tour? That is why they laughed at you. If someone makes a reservation at a restaurant do you ask if you can eat with them when the waiter calls their name... Sorry to sound a little pissed, but some folks did the same thing to my family, and wanted to cut in on our tour which we had been anticipating for a couple months. So try looking at it with the shoe on the other foot. William, I guess you found out in your tours of the plants, that Ferrari "still" test drives each car to make sure it's up to snuff, while Lamborghini "no longer" does so. | ||
| Carl Gustaf Landin (Gustaf)
New member Username: Gustaf Post Number: 30 Registered: 9-2001 |
I'm sorry to be forced to agree with you about Ferrari being snooty at the factory. I was there last summer with my father and visited the museum and saw the Fiorano test track. When I entered the lobby of the factory to check out the F310 B that stood there I just had to ask if I could join a factory tour that was just about to start. The reply was a laugh. That kind of pissed me off. I have friends that have visited the Lamborghini factory unannounced and they were taken on test drives in a Diablo 6.0 VT!! | ||
| William H (Countachxx)
Intermediate Member Username: Countachxx Post Number: 1125 Registered: 2-2001 |
I was there Thurs, then Lamborghini on friday. They have the 575 & 360s on the production line now. They r rather snooty & almost rude at Ferrai while, the people at Lambo were much friendlier we even got to talk to the President of Lambo. Makes me seriously think about buying a Murcielago Tuesday we go visit Pagani & I have pics of the whole tour I will post when I get home |