Factory Visit -- Protocol and other suggestions

My last visit to the factory in Maranello was a guided tour in 1983 arranged and accompanied by my friend Jacques Swaters, himself a famous Ferrari importer and privateer racing team manager for Ecurie Francorchamps, whom Enzo sold and/or loaned the latest prototypes in the 60's and early 70's. I was then a young guy of 32 and now 40 years later, I have an appointment in July for a return visit. I do not know whether a view of Fiorano will be included, but would appreciate any thoughts and suggestions about what to expect and other things to do while in Maranello. FORZA.

 

Although we did not eat lunch at the Cavallino, I recall that evening we picked Signora Manicardi, widow of _____ Manicardi who had been the commercial director for all sales, and Gaetano Florini one of the former racing engineers We had an epic dinner at Clinique Gastronomica-- the [pope would not have been more popular. Heady times for a young guy like me back then in the company of that group.

 

There are pretty regular factory visit & locale threads so looking up some will give you good background

 

thanks

 

Name was Amerigo Manicardi. Long gone. Good guy.
Same for Gaetano Florini, for decades the head of Assistenza Clienti in the city of Modena at Viale Trento Trieste.
Do not eat at Ristorante Cavallino, total rip off and horrible food.
Go to Rossella and Maurizio's Ristorante Montana at north end of Fiorano track.

Marcel Massini

 

In addition to the obvious places…factory, museum, etc.,…I suggest a private tour of the Classiche shops and archives. That was the highlight of my visit in 2009. Of course, many more things have been added since then.

I agree with Marcel to avoid Cavallino and have at least one dinner at Montana, although when I return I plan to visit some of the lesser known restaurants in Maranello and Modena that are favored by locals. A couple of years ago an issue of The Road Rat had an article about Enzo’s favorite restaurants and his favorite dishes at each one.

 

Another nice restaurant is LA CONTEA in nearby Montale Rangone.

Marcel Massini

 

Are you going on an owner’s tour arranged through your Ferrari dealer? If so, you will be notified by Ferrari. They sent us a packet explaining the tour and do’s and don’ts. Sandals and open toed shoes are not allowed. Photos are strictly prohibited. They put stickers on phone lenses to prevent photography.
My wife and I took the 6 hour tour in October, 2022. We had a wonderful experience!

 

Last month, my adult son and I did a factory tour arranged by my dealer, Ferrari of Washington. We stayed in Modena, which was a terrific base (it’s a lovely place). Took a taxi to and from the factory (takes about 30 minutes). The factory tour was absolutely terrific. Afterwards, we had lunch at the Montana (make reservations). We walked there from the factory, about a kilometer or so distance, and on the way you walk right by the edge of the Fiorano track. After lunch, we stayed another 3 hours in Maranello, going to the museum and then to many of the nearby stores selling Ferrari merchandise and memorabilia. Next day, we went to the Ferrari museum in Modena, which also was fantastic. PM me if you want to discuss.

 

At the risk of sounding like a heathen - Ferraris aside (!) Maranello is the least interesting place in a province that is the gastronomic heart of Italy. Modena, Reggio Emilia, and above Bologna are worth days of exploring - Bologna has the oldest university in the world and there are superb restaurants everywhere.

If you can get hold of a nice car (Ferrari or otherwise) drive the routes across the Apennine Mountains above Maranello. And bear in mind Florence is a 40 minute drive away if you are Stirling Moss, Milan and the rest of Tuscany (in opposite directions) not much further. Enjoy!

 

My wife and I are planning a long trip to Europe in about 2 years, about 6 months there (France, Spain, Italy, Greece, UK, …). Visiting the factory and Maranello is definitely on my list.

 

Solid points, are there any places to rent an F car around Maranello/Modena?

 

Straight across the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.
Name is Warm Up.
And there are several other Ferrari rental places in the same street just after the museum.

Marcel Massini

 

Thanks Marcel

 

I have not been to Cavallino since its been renovated and taken over by Massimo Bottura. The last time I was there the Cavallino was ok... basic Modenese food - nothing great... service could be rude to spectacular... you went there for the history... we got to see Enzo's private room, etc... but I have been to Osteria Franchescanna in Modena - that is Bottura's 3-star Michelin restaurant ... so not sure how Cavallino is doing ... but the food will not be anywhere close to the same... perhaps that is why people say its a rip-off. Ferrari wanted to go upmarket with the restaurant... perhaps its too much for "gear heads"... But I would find it hard to think the food is bad... but it may not meet your expectations for the price. ( sometimes like Ferrari itself! ).... Montana is very rustic home cooking of the area ... well worth the trip... Italian culinary culture does not do well with change... which is why i think Cavallino does not get much local respect.

 

Tom, you seem to have a lot of experience with the Factory Tour. My family and I have the tour scheduled for Sept 11th. I'm wondering if that includes tickets to the Ferrari Museum? What about Enzo's Museum in Modena? Thanks for any advice.

Ken

 

Je suis allé deux fois au Montana. très bien accueilli avec une cuisine superbe, avec une décoration extraordinaire.
le musée est à part

 

If you have the Owners tour - then yes, you will get entrance to the Maranello Museum as part of it. The last tour I was on ended at the Ferrari store across the street from the factory and you get a one-day 20% discount. The museum in Modena is not included as it is separate but still well worth it. The only thing I did not like is they dont give you much time at the Maranello museum, you could easily spend half a day there. but you do get to go back after if you like. Have a great time! that time of the year should be very nice - and not as Hot.

 

Oui Vraiment.

 

Thanks Tom. We are on the owners tour. I was told the whole thing lasts 2.5 hours, but that does not include the museum, you do that after. Is that correct? Thanks again.

 

As a side note - if you go to Bologna (where the nearest airport is located), it's worth visiting (and eating in ) the city. For those interested, there is also a little Ducati museum near Bologna.

 

Yes, Bologna is a great old city and undiscovered by tourists, compared with Rome, Naples, Florence, Milan, etc. Emilia Romagna has some of the best cuisine in the world, in my opinion.

 

True, for me it’s the best food by far.
You should try the typical „Gnocco Fritto“ around Modena.

 

I think you will have a great time! the Tour ends at the Ferrari store across the street from the old factory entrance... ( the one on Abetone ) across from the Planet Hotel. they take you for 20min to the museum and then to the store... BUT I think you can go back to the museum right after that is what I did. there is no way to do the museum justice in 20 min.

 

yes, totally agree. great food. and the oldest university in Europe - or the world I think. Mortadella, ragu, etc... all great. in the fall during the hunting & Truffle season is the best in my opinion.