The tale of an Enzo and a Stradale!

As an avid Stradale fan (having owned four and still own one) I’ve always had great respect for the car and the inspiration behind its conception. It was born to be a raw race inspired street version of its counterpart – the 360 Modena. To that degree it hit its mark right on target. Unfortunately, many of the initial owners felt that the car was too raw and too edgy. “Who wants to hear stones hitting the inside of the wheel well? Why are the welds visible? Where’s the carpet?” And on and one went the complaints. Therein lies the reason that the Stradale’s successor – the Scuderia – while raw in its own right is still more refined than was the Stradale.

While I admire and love the Scuderia I still believe that the Stradale is a very special car. This fact was made more apparent to me when I recently took delivery of an Enzo. You have to remember that the Enzo and Stradale were released in the same year – 2003 (when Euro Stradales were released). The same engineers, designers, craftsmen, painters, assembly crews, mechanics and the overall heart and soul of Ferrari in the early part of this decade created both cars. They ARE siblings! My first impression of driving the Enzo was – “Wow … this is a Stradale on steroids (albeit ALOT of steroids)!!” I remember someone referring to the Stradale as a “baby Enzo.” I always thought – how could that be? You can’t compare a Stradale to an Enzo? Or can you?

If there were ever two cars that were so different yet so alike – the Stradale and the Enzo would be them. They are brothers - one big and strong and one a little less so – but nevertheless still siblings. Whereas I've always had great respect for the Stradale - that respect is even more so today! In its soul flows the same blood, sweat and tears that created an Enzo. It really is a "baby Enzo!" So for those of you who own a Stradale – you own a very special car! For those of you thinking of buying one – buy it. Short of owning an Enzo the Stradale is the next best thing to experiencing some of the soul and character that lives in its bigger brother. It's truly a special car!

 

I'm smiling, thank you very much for sharing this! You write very well. My respect for the CS just went up a few notches.

 

I love my CS.

 

Me too

 

Great post. I dream of the day I can get my Enzo and wish I never sold my Stradale. Happy to hear the Enzo is my favorite car I owned bigger, badder brother!

 

Thank you for the write up. I too feel the CS is a special car but comes only from reading and watching videos about the CS. I laid my eyes on one for he first time at the Ferrari Challenge at Road Atlanta this year. If I ever sell my spider, the CS is next.

Would love to see a write up about the real differences between the CS and Scuderia from current owners.

And could I ask a favor. Could you share a pic of your Enzo? Next to the CS if possible. Would love to see a home made photo and not a magazine pic.

Kudos again for a great read.

 

I'm in the market for CS. Not having a lot of luck though.

 

Well written.....good read.

 

Thanks for the write up. As I suspected......but never driven an Enzo. Can only imagine. Extra incentive to make it down in August??

 

My first ride in a Ferrari was in a new CS back in 2004 when I first joined this site. I've since been in others (including an Enzo) and still remember the CS very vividly. And you're right - when I was in the Enzo, the whole time I was noticing similarities between it and the CS. Hearing rocks hit the underside of the car was one of the things I remember most.

 

Great write-up. Hearing rocks in the wheel wells is a great reason to buy a particular car - it's wearing sticky tires.

It's funny how that's such a turn-off to some - my GT3 and Scud both relay the pitter patter of rocks in the wheel well. It's a beautiful sound. The counterpoint is the scrape of the low front ends. That's not quite such a beautiful sound.

 

very nice impression.

how about pics of your 2 special cars side by side? =)

 

Hi Jeffrey,

Thanks for sharing, and congrats on the Enzo! I'm looking forward to seeing the Enzo on the next Pauper's Run (wishful thinking).

Tim

 

Im in the market for a Stradale also........if been on the hunt for about 6 months but havent found the perfect car.

 

Great write up. I'm so glad you finally found the right car. Can't wait to see it, congrats!

 

Thanks for the congratulatory remarks! Photos of the two cars will definitely follow. A few things still to do to the Enzo (clear bra, full concours detail, and some other minor changes!)

In case anyone is interested I do know of a very nice, clean, and no story Rosso Scuderia (no stripe) with an all black leater interior (quite rare) with 10k miles that is available. Priced in the mid-$140s. PM me if interested and I will put you in touch with the owner.

 

Kuzi - If all goes as planned it will be at Concorso somewhere near the F40s!

 

Chas - I think Lake Forest Sportscars (Ferrari dealer) in Illinois has a low mileage yellow car for sale. Supposed to be very nice (but can't guarantee that since my information is second hand).

 

I think this car may have been sold, the last post Jim@LFSC made said it was sold.

 

Thank you for sharing with us your experience with both cars. As a CS owner, I must admit that I get annoyed when I see posts from people who have never driven a CS claim that its just a 360 with few extras. It Isn't..

 

Thanks for sharing Tipo!

I LOVE the CS and Enzo!! I hope to own a CS one day.

Its such a shame they are so expensive in Australia because at your prices, I would already have a CS in the garage!

Looking forward to seeing pics mate! Take care!

Regards Pap

 

You guys really love the Stradale. I like it too, but I don't love it. I drove one about a month ago. I mean I drove it hard from a local dealership.

I was ready to buy, but I just could not do it. Again, I liked it, but I did not love it. Sorry!

I also don't love the Enzo either. What do you do with an Enzo in the US? Drive it? Where?

 

HUH!!!!!!!!

 

Thanks Jeff...........gotta have red

 

congrats on the black Enzo really looks razor sharp...
CS is certainly a great machine,I have had mine 4 years and I agree 100% with your assesment.