Do Ferrari's have a unique smell? | FerrariChat

Do Ferrari's have a unique smell?

Discussion in 'Ferrari Discussion (not model specific)' started by Sandy Eggo, Aug 9, 2010.

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Do Ferrari's have a unique smell?

  1. Definitely something different about how an F-car smells

  2. No way, have you considered therapy?

  3. Yes, but only when it's leaking

  4. Yes, like fresh $100 bills flying out of my pocket.

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  1. Sandy Eggo

    Sandy Eggo F1 Rookie
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    Jun 4, 2009
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    Do you ever notice a distinct car smell in the garage where your Ferrari is parked? I'm not referring to a 'new car smell' but rather a pleasant combination of metal, leather and minerals (lubricants). It is especially noticeable after the car has been run a while but often permeates the air for at least a week between drives (if I go that long!).

    When BS'ing with fellow F-car owners, I have heard others speak of the same thing. Is this all just imaginary or is there something distinct about how a Ferrari smells? Do older cars exhibit that smell 'more' than new?
     
  2. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie
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    Apr 24, 2004
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    Yeah it does. I've noticed this too. It smells like rich leather to me.
     
  3. Jedi

    Jedi Moderator
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    Mar 18, 2008
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    +1 That's what I chalk it up to.

    Jedi
     
  4. Ferraripilot

    Ferraripilot F1 World Champ
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    Only after I have a burrito.
     
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  5. Jeff348

    Jeff348 Formula Junior

    Aug 2, 2005
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    Yeah I agree especially after a nice drive. It almost smells like a combo of leather and oil. It permeates through the garage. I love it.
     
  6. modena1_2003

    modena1_2003 F1 Rookie

    Aug 17, 2005
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    I've noticed Ferraris all have a standard interior smell. Again, not the "new car smell" but something else. On the side, I always thought Volkswagens had a crayon smell to them.


    _J
     
  7. speed racer

    speed racer Formula 3

    Feb 16, 2008
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    When mine sits for any extended time. The entire garage smells of natural oils,leather and engine cook off. Even if I send it away for a few days the smell remains and sadly reminds me of whats missing.
     
  8. 903L

    903L Formula Junior

    Aug 13, 2009
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    Marty K
    Mine smells exactly like my '71 Alfa GTV I drove in college. That was the first thing I noticed about it when I bought it. Even the engine bays smell the same.
     
  9. milby1

    milby1 Karting

    May 26, 2008
    191
    USA
    The 308 does after a nice run; that leather/oil smell others have discussed. The 348 doesn't have one that I've noticed.
     
  10. Hawkeye

    Hawkeye F1 Veteran
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    Sep 20, 2009
    8,248
    Ferraris do seem to have a unique odor, but nothing like the distinct smell of BMW leather.
     
  11. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,748
    With a bit of work, you can put that Ferrari smell (the leather part at lest) into any leather appointed vehicle. Just coat the stuff with letherique and leave it in the hot sun for a day or tow. Presto, Ferrari smell.

    {Don't try this on a car with 200K miles and smells like the mens room in a baseball stadium...}
     
  12. venusone

    venusone F1 Rookie

    Mar 20, 2004
    3,238
    Momo... mmmmm. Fine Italian leather feels dreamy wrapped around an ergo race proven steering wheel. Yeah, I shamelessly sniff my wheel.
     
  13. JoeZaff

    JoeZaff F1 Veteran
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    Aug 5, 2007
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    I am about to get flamed here...but I think all 70's-80's FIAT cars have a very similar smell, whether they be Ferrari, Lancia, FIAT or Alfa. Its a distinct smell of fine leather mixed with a bit of fuel and god knows what else.

    Never noticed it in any other make of car....even Lamborghini. Go figure.
     
  14. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    Mine have always smelled like Whale Sperm.
     
  15. thecarreaper

    thecarreaper F1 World Champ
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    and you know how this smells..... how ? LOL ?
     
  16. kevinmosleyI

    kevinmosleyI Karting

    Apr 30, 2009
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    Even though I haven't owned one, I can remember a distinct smell other than the leather smell from the interior. When the FXXs came in from some laps at the Ferrari Challenge, the smell of burning brake pads mixed with some other divine smells; and to this day, every time I smell brake pads (though not unique to Ferraris), It takes me back to those garages at Road Atlanta with the lovely looking, sounding and smelling FXXs! :) -kevin
     
  17. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator
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    someone on here is bound to get it. goes back 5+ years. :)
     
  18. PV Dirk

    PV Dirk F1 Veteran

    Jul 26, 2009
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    I agree on the fiats smelling the same, but they always seemed to have a little something extra like the essence of smoking wiring harness, or at least the promise of it. I remember I'd been away from Italian cars for a few years then for fun looked at a 124 spyder that hadn't run in years. When I opened the hood I took in a deep breath, it was great.

    The smell of carmelized oil against the heads and block, Mmmmmmm.
     
  19. newgentry

    newgentry Formula Junior

    Nov 23, 2007
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    Don't know if its an old v. new thing, but you've nailed it on the smell and, no, I don't think its imaginary. I've often thought the same thing about my 328.
     
  20. GrayTA

    GrayTA F1 World Champ
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    Yes, there is something different about it - its unique and I love it!!!


    PDG
     
  21. Dr Tommy Cosgrove

    Dr Tommy Cosgrove Three Time F1 World Champ
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    They definitely do.

    When I restored my interior I INSISTED on Connolly instead of a better leather. I wanted that same smell that I grew up remembering.

    Problem was I didn't exactly get it. It seems that the uniqueness that, at least I noticed, has to do primarily with the dying process that is no longer used - a vegetable dye of some sort.

    Either way I can guarantee anyone with 100% certainty that you can sit me down blindfolded in a Ferrari, BMW or Porsche from 1985 and I tell you which it is. Everytime.
     
  22. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
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    For me its the smell of slightly stale gas. Walk into Fantasy Junction some time.
    I had a lady friend of my wifes visit us several years ago. She is a big race fan and her and her husband follow the circut closely. When she walked into the garage she inhaled deeply and said, "My god it smells good in here".
     
  23. 903L

    903L Formula Junior

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    !!!???????!!!!!!! Ummm. Uhhhh. You know what whale sperm smells like??
     
  24. Etcetera

    Etcetera Two Time F1 World Champ
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    He studied whale husbandry in college.
     
  25. miketuason

    miketuason F1 World Champ
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    Rob, are you sure you don't mean Sperm Whale? :)

    I think Ferrari use a special type of hyde that only Ferrari use.
     

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