CLASSICHE RED BOOK QUESTIONS

You touched on an interesting evolution in the Ferrari ranking system I think warrants further discussion either here or in a separate thread. It used to be that score and allocations was driven by who you knew - relationships. Then it became volume of your purchases and into options and TM/Atelier. It then evolved into ownership of race cars and participation in challenge etc. What I am hearing these days is the new fast track or critical component is just what you mentioned, that a major component of owner profile is now vintage ownership.

I do see benefits to the overall brand and ownership in some of this structure. Certainly having their cars on track is appealing if you’re a race aficionado and it’s great to get privateers and amateurs actually racing and using their cars as they were originally intended. Now for the guys who own (or want to own) vintage examples, particularly the ones who want to participate in events like Ferrari centric shows, rally’s, tours, etc, having more factory interest in the old cars is certainly a good thing in my opinion. Among other things Ferrari is using this in part to preserve the heritage of their brand, to have cars being used, and of course to profit from the Classiche side of the company. Personally I like that guys will do more to preserve and use their vintage cars. We also know as the “older” generation of owners gets out of the hobby the buyer dynamic for vintage cars obviously changes. Perhaps having a Ferrari emphasizing vintage ownership as a factor in client score will help firm up a lot of those markets and encourage more buyers and drivers to have a good vintage car included in the garage too. I realize Classiche isn’t the end all be all it’s pitched as, but if a component of it becomes a driver for the vintage Ferraris themselves then I lean towards supporting it.

 

I view the change through a more cynical lens. I believe it is Ferrari's attempt to participate in rentier capitalism. Not wanting to derail the thread so that's all I'll say about that.

 

WOW! I lit a powder keg and achieved 15 nanoseconds of fame! Still not enough to warrant my time or wallet chasing the red book. As long as the stock market is good to me, I will treat any financial loss for lack of a red book, as just another example of my poor investment strategy. s

 

The comparison question came up before about side by side with the red book. I'd buy the one that might look a little raggedy, but has a good and consistent service Hx.

As mentioned, the Red Book can be "manipulated" simply by creating perfect pictures. I was the Classiche rep for Ferrari of Washington when this program first started. Everyone rushed to get it done (like the thing that floated around in the 80s? Name?) and then it cooled until again like mentioned, the new buyers began to gauge the condition based on the amount of shiny stuff in the trunk (the Barrett Jackson effect?)

Just keep good records, service it at a GOOD shop, and drive it. That's what impresses a real buyer.

 

Whether I remembered to put a thumbs up by your comments or not. I truly appreciate all the comments and insight I gained from this query. Thanks, Steve.

 

That is a very good observation Sir. Too little credit is given to the previous owners of these treasures for being good to them and surviving the ravages of time . ;-)

 

Tifosiauctions has an original red book for sale........Why do people not keep it?
(And I bought a complete red book at another auction, just for my collection, without owning that car.)

Marcel Massini

 

When I said treasures, I was referring to the cars, and what's not nice to have a Classiche Red book with it ? I, for example have one with my car ( came with it in the purchase ) You mention that a firm has one Red Book for sale without the car ? Everyone is entitled to do what he pleases with his/her property. I am not advocating the purchase of the Classiche Red Book , but what's wrong with car owners who would like to have one with their car ?

 

Dear Marcel,

Perhaps because it is only a snapshot in time.

Best regards,

Robert

 

I would proffer that any correlation between a “Red Book” certification, and the owner’s care of the car is weak and probably erroneous. Not having killed myself researching the nuances of “Classiche”, I was under the impression that the the process was not an inspection of the car’s road worthiness, nor that the car performed as intended from the factory. Isn’t the certification only to establish the authenticity of various selected components?

To wit, I purchased a very nice and beautiful Ferrari from a guy whose name you would instantly recognize. The car came with its “Red Book” certification, was absolutely stunning, and still is. However, upon arrival, the car was difficult to start and shortly after my ownership, it would only stay running for two seconds. After writing a big check for service, it came home and has been excellent ever since. Ultimately, I found that the owner, a real car guy, didn't care that much for the car and it sat unloved for long periods of time in his warehouse. So, as far as I'm concerned, I'll take a careful logging of receipts and service, and a chance to speak with the owner about the driving history over a Classiche anytime. Steve Meltzer.