"Just after the Belgian GP at Spa Francorchamps (a race that Senna won in '85) at the end of May, Senna, who had already won the Spanish GP earlier that season, was invited by Enzo Ferrari himself to come to Maranello to visit the Ferrari factory, the Scuderia headquarters and to have a personal meeting with him. Of course Senna accepted the invitation (who would refuse?) and came to Maranello to meet the "Commandatore". Ayrton loved Ferrari and as almost every driver in the world, wanted to drive for them" - ********** As such, perhaps we can date this image @ the end of May 1985, during 288 GTO production, and surely this is a car he sampled the day of his visit to Maranello.
RIP Ayrton, you were the best despite what Berger just said about Lewis. I think Irvine had his GTO when Ayrton punched him. I recall a story that Eddy asked Luca if Formula One drivers could get discounts on Ferrari parts and that's how he got introduced. I also recall Irvine complaining that the car had a healthy appetite for plugs, but I haven't observed this. Maybe Marcel or Joe or Alberto know more on this.
Thank you very much for sharing. Very likely this picture was taken in Italy (in Maranello) during summer 1985. In the background there is a brand new Lancia Thema that was introduced in November 1984 so it can't be summer 1984. I think Joe is right: was taken during Senna visit in 1985. Unfortunately I cannot recognize where it was taken: maybe the Cavallino restaurant parking, but at those times I never went to that (too expensive for my pockets…) restaurant so I don't know how exactly the parking was, as I saw it just from the outside walking on the street in front of it! Maybe Massini remembers much better how Cavallino parking was or recognize the place. Ciao
It could also be 1986 ? I found this Enzo said in the italian press after their meeting : "Senna came here after the Belgian Grand Prix but for 1987 we did not reach any agreement. However, I remain confident that we may try again in the future". Strangely enough in the same statement he added : "He is without a doubt a great driver, but I am not convinced on the man "
yes, It could. I would add that it couldn't be 1987. Ciao Edit: It could be Enzo's home garden if 30+ years ago there was gravel instead of asphalt in his courtyard, but usually he didn't meet such an important driver at his home Image Unavailable, Please Login
I can speak to this as an owner & specialist in GTOs, and I must say it hasn't been my observation that the GTO generally has a healthy appetite for plugs either, perhaps Irvine's particular GTO had an issue that required resolution. That is exactly where I think that image was taken, because, Enzo Ferrari used the restaurant as a meeting place for F1 race drivers, journalists, and others besides. That's from the same piece I quoted above. Senna's visit was at the end of May 1985, Enzo's consideration was for a new F1 driver contract upcoming for the 1987 season.
For the discerning 288 GTO connoisseur seriously looking for a GTO now, we have 2 superb examples to choose from, both Classiche Certified. Contact me directly offline for details [email protected] Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
I did some search. Very likely Senna was pictured aside the 288 GTO at Enzo Ferrari guesthouse, Fiorano private test track. In 1986 (100%). Impossible at Cavallino, as it was a secret visit while Cavallino Restaurant was a public place even if Enzo had his private dining room there. Thank you two for sharing Ciao Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
One thing I’m still unclear about (maybe I missed it). Did Senna actually own a 288 GTO? Also, if he did own one, does anyone know where it is today? Thank you.
One thing seems a little strange ...would Senna really be wearing Ferrari badged shirt and shorts if he didn't own that car?
No, it hadn't, at least for what I know Senna in that picture doesn't wear any Ferrari badged cloth ciao
Modena. Less than 100 m from the early Ferrari SEFAC building there was in via Trento e Trieste here in Modena Ciao
