View Full Version : Finally time to visit Ferrari for me!
YEAH! I was waiting for this for so long!! Let's say I have an inside contact since some years now, but never managed to match my planning to be able to finally visit Ferrari proprely... I never really pushed it in fact as I knew sooner or later luck would turn.
My uncle goes there very often, he asks me every time and I am always stuck at work at those times, but not today!
Friday, December the 7th, in the afternoon, I'll finally walk along the production lines, and with some luck, we'll have time for other areas than the road cars!
Sadly I won't come back with many pics, but well, I am looking forward to it every other second since a while :)
Svensson
11-23-2007, 07:32 PM
Great, have fun! 8-)
Zot09
11-23-2007, 08:44 PM
Lucky! Sounds awesome, I'm sure you'll have a blast!
Garretts_turbo
11-24-2007, 07:46 AM
Awesome....enjoy that experience!
chest3r
11-24-2007, 08:39 AM
That sounds awesome!! :ohmy::ohmy:
Take an hidden camera, we want pics ! :mrgreen::-P
I bet you'll be amazed with the factory as I would be too :-)
yg60m
11-24-2007, 11:42 AM
A great opportunity Matteo !! :-) Enjoy to the max and indeed, I guess you won't be allowed to walk along the assembly line with a camera (?)
MotorWorld
11-24-2007, 01:34 PM
you lucky lucky barsteward
:cool2:
Ghostbat
11-24-2007, 01:49 PM
Awesome. have a good time Matteo!
LOL :tongue:
A great opportunity Matteo !! :-) Enjoy to the max and indeed, I guess you won't be allowed to walk along the assembly line with a camera (?)
And defnitely not allowed in there :-(
A pitty no cameras allowed. Have fun, mate.
saadie
11-25-2007, 08:42 AM
^^ hehe yep ;)
congrats TT .... :thumbup:
novass
11-25-2007, 06:00 PM
Congrats!!! I wish you could take some pics, but I know you can't. Have fun!
DeMoN
11-26-2007, 02:08 AM
you never stop having adventures do you? Maybe someday when you are 80 you visit my hometown (Bolivia) and it will still be a 3rd nearly 4th world country!
acmarttin
11-26-2007, 02:45 AM
You're traveling to Mecca friend. A pilgrimage a lot of us may never be lucky enough to take. Savor every second of it, and I expect a detailed writeup :-D
stmoritzer
11-26-2007, 02:56 AM
Barsteward is that a male gay waitress?:mrgreen:
Not nice to out TT like that....:-P
LOL Barsteward
Have fun and enjoy enery second in there :drool:
Just got confirmation the visit will include both the road cars and F1 dept, as well as the museum I already know, which is totally awesome of course! Only a couple of days left :)
acmarttin
12-04-2007, 06:25 PM
Just got confirmation the visit will include both the road cars and F1 dept,
:nurse::love:
Dude I cannot wait for the writeup of this trip. Have fun!
pterps
12-05-2007, 03:07 AM
You are lucky Matteo, we are planning a new trip to Italy with 10 Ferrari's and we are also talking about a factory visit. But I onderstand that a full factory tour including F1 is very hard to arrange!
Have fun there!
Definitely not something you could easily do, and I definitely will enjoy every second! 90 minutes for the regular part, 90 minutes for the F1 part, the Galleria and the hotel apparently ideally placed between the Factory and Fiorano sounds like a wonderful two days. Too bad about the lack of pics to be expected :(
sameerrao
12-05-2007, 07:27 PM
Have fun TT. I am sure you will end up buying lots of model cars there. :)
graywolf624
12-05-2007, 08:55 PM
Definitly let us know how it goes. Thats one of those do before you die trips for me.
Have fun TT. I am sure you will end up buying lots of model cars there. :)
Hehe, I was able to resist the temptation when I was there this summer, so hopefully I will manage to do the same this time around.
We also have some sort of private visit of the Ferrari store I think, but prices there are high enough to prevent any crazyness anyway :)
I might crack for Marcel Massini's book though...
Back from this great trip already! It was such a blast!
First thing upon arrival was getting our "guest" badges, allowing us access to the factory. It's such a weird sensation to finally be able to see exactly what lies behind that famous brick wall!! From the reception, you just take a small door and there you are, walking down the first building, the one with the production lines.
the streets inside the walls are littered with 430, 599 and 612. F cars everywhere!
We then entered the production lines building, to witness how a Ferrari is put together. It's really something: the lines are quite short, and you can see all the process, from the bare shell to the finished car rolling out of the line. In production there was pretty much anything at that time. 430, 430 spider, 430 Scuderia, 599, 612 (included the 60th edition). Nice lineup of finished cars at the end of the lines, with a stunning pearl white 599 and several Scuderia! I loved the sewing part where all the fabric/leather work is performed. Real hand built quality. All in all, the athmosphere in there is very italian. Relaxed, not rushed in any way, quite "easy" if you want...
After that, it was time to go visit the building where the engine parts are created, and imagine the total shock when, walking there, a very heavily camoed car passed by. 100% sure it was the new small entry level car, rumored to be specced to compete with the SL55 and the likes... of course no pics possible, but it didn't move for a while and I could have a good look from upclose. Weird feeling for sure. I wonder if that proto already goes around the roads outside the factory or not yet... can't remember having seen any pic so far...
Anyway, inside the next building, everything is totally high-tech, especially compared to the productions lines. Computers, robots, micro precision work everywhere. Interesting, but almost too technical maybe for a simple guy like me who just want to see the car, not how the valve is put into the head...
Done with that, they took us too Fiorano, where the F1 dept lies. Sadly, as expected, it was quite deserted: everybody being in Jerez, there was just a car and some bits here and there. We visited the gearboxes area where we were shown some stuff, but basically there was nobody at work yesterday :( still great to be able to get in there!
After that, quite a surprise but something I would have killed to see: Enzo Ferrari's home, where, as you might know, his office was kept intact since his death. To be able to stand right beside his desk is just unbelievable. Really gives you shivers.
It was then time for the Galleria, which I visited this summer already, but most of the cars where changed in the meanwhile, so it was damn good again, especially for the 288 GTO Evoluzione: first time I see one!
Back at the Planet hotel, with an impressive view over the factory gate, after a quick shower I hit the hall, ready for dinner, and imagine my surprise to meet there Felipe Massa and his newly married wife (just arrived from Jerez)! Let's just say my office has some links with him, but he is rarely in Lugano, so I never met him before. It was just weird to shake hands with him LOL.
Dinner was served at the Cavallino restaurant, the one right across the street form the factory. Pretty good, and there aswell you can see a piece of history: Enzo's private dining room, where he used to eat on a regular basis in the past.
It was such a blast, I can barely believe it finally happened. Maybe one day I'll own my Ferrari and be granted access again, but well, everybody knows how complicated it is to get in, so I should really savour it and make treasure of these memories!
chest3r
12-08-2007, 12:47 PM
It sounds like an excellent experience:ohmy:
Since, I will never be lucky enough to get a pass to enter that factory, I guess I'll have to buy a brand new Ferrari to visit that special place :mrgreen:
Don't know exactly how it works usually, but I guess indeed, only owners and sponsors are allowed, right?
ARMAN
12-08-2007, 01:51 PM
Woa cool, thanx for write up Matteo its almost like beeing there while reading it :P
nthfinity
12-08-2007, 03:47 PM
Don't know exactly how it works usually, but I guess indeed, only owners and sponsors are allowed, right?
Such trips are usually arranged with the local authorized Ferrari dealer from what I understand... still not easy, as in general, you have to buy a Ferrari, or Maserati through the dealer or something..
nice write up :)
Smartdriver
12-08-2007, 03:59 PM
Wow, thanks to post here your amazing day! :-)
Luky man!
The Ferrari 288 GTO Evoluzione that you saw is the same that I photographed this year for the Ferrari 60 Relay preview...:-P
acmarttin
12-08-2007, 06:13 PM
Sounds like an awesome trip. For a quick jaunt at the Ferrari Factory you're taking home a lot of unique Ferrari moments that are normally read about! Seeing the prototype must have been great.
stmoritzer
12-09-2007, 11:08 AM
Wow, amazing experience I assume :D
Read every line!
@dani, didn't saw you posting in the past days, thought you're gone aswell :bah:
I'm speechless Matteo! It must have been an aweosme and unforgettale experience!! :D
Seems that it was a full-package trip, with hotel and visit included, right? sounds incredibly good! :D
Yes, it was indeed the full package. I wouldn't have picked the Planet hotel myself probably, but it's quite nice, and the view over the factory is really worth it! Same goes for the Cavallino restaurant...
stmoritzer
12-09-2007, 06:34 PM
I'm still here baby, did you miss me? ;-)
It's just that I do not "spam" as often as I used to...
"still alive baby ?" Angeline Jolie in Mr.&Mrs.Smith after fireing a pumpgun towards BPitt :mrgreen:
fabro_s
12-11-2007, 02:58 PM
Don't know exactly how it works usually, but I guess indeed, only owners and sponsors are allowed, right?
So in less words, you cant arrange a visit to the ferrari factory, unless you are a VIP? I mean its my dream to visit Lamborghini and Ferrari Factory in Italy, I know you need to plan it with anticipation contacting the two firms with previous time and they give you a date right? but I didnt know you needed to have a ferrari for you have access to a visit, its really sad...
:-(
Lambo is possible even for "common" people. Not the same for Ferrari afaik, but I might be wrong...
sameerrao
12-11-2007, 03:09 PM
I know that a Ferrari owner can request a factory tour through the web. I think they set up a tour every month and you can get the package like what TT (lucky bastard) enjoyed.
However, maybe you could email their PR department and ask them whether you could register for the tour?
The galleria should be open to all and you can stand outside the racetrack.
Pics please TT ....
sentra_dude
12-11-2007, 03:58 PM
8-) :thumbup:
This must have been an amazing experience! TT, your write-up is excellent, I felt like I was getting to walk through the Ferrari factory myself. You are a lucky bastard for getting this tour! :-P Do you have any pictures of the exterior of the factory or the test track? Awesome that you saw some kind of secret proto-type! :-D
sameerrao
12-11-2007, 04:25 PM
I think if I am going, I will say I am a friend of TT - that should open all the doors :mrgreen:
No pics guys sorry. Inside the whole factory area it is strictly forbinned, both in the buildings and around them. Same goes for Fiorano when you're actually inside the perimeter.. no pics. No pics in Enzo's home neither... I am left with the Galleria, which is not that exciting afterall the rest LOL, but I'm gonna post some pics (dark and crap quality). The rest will be on my website ASAP!
http://img133.imagevenue.com/loc966/th_09501_125s01_122_966lo.jpg (http://img133.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=09501_125s01_122_966lo.jpg)http://img208.imagevenue.com/loc576/th_09608_275gtb1_122_576lo.jpg (http://img208.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=09608_275gtb1_122_576lo.jpg)http://img130.imagevenue.com/loc445/th_09670_288gtoevo01_122_445lo.jpg (http://img130.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=09670_288gtoevo01_122_445lo.jpg)http ://img184.imagevenue.com/loc172/th_09674_360barchetta01_122_172lo.jpg (http://img184.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=09674_360barchetta01_122_172lo.jpg)
http://img183.imagevenue.com/loc223/th_09676_360gtand575gtc01_122_223lo.jpg (http://img183.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=09676_360gtand575gtc01_122_223lo.jpg )
Also, quite interesting, this series of drawings picturing every single Ferrari model leaving the factory from 1947 to 2007:
http://img208.imagevenue.com/loc133/th_38446_01_1947-1949_122_133lo.jpg (http://img208.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=38446_01_1947-1949_122_133lo.jpg)http://img24.imagevenue.com/loc888/th_38463_02_1950-1950_122_888lo.jpg (http://img24.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=38463_02_1950-1950_122_888lo.jpg)http://img136.imagevenue.com/loc416/th_38474_03_1950-1953_122_416lo.jpg (http://img136.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=38474_03_1950-1953_122_416lo.jpg)
http://img121.imagevenue.com/loc1114/th_38695_04_1953-1954_122_1114lo.jpg (http://img121.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=38695_04_1953-1954_122_1114lo.jpg)http://img183.imagevenue.com/loc181/th_38701_05_1954-1956_122_181lo.jpg (http://img183.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=38701_05_1954-1956_122_181lo.jpg)http://img170.imagevenue.com/loc938/th_39114_06_1956-1958_122_938lo.jpg (http://img170.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39114_06_1956-1958_122_938lo.jpg)
http://img200.imagevenue.com/loc29/th_39289_07_1958-1959_122_29lo.jpg (http://img200.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39289_07_1958-1959_122_29lo.jpg)http://img105.imagevenue.com/loc1149/th_39296_08_1959-1962_122_1149lo.jpg (http://img105.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39296_08_1959-1962_122_1149lo.jpg)http://img40.imagevenue.com/loc672/th_39297_09_1962-1964_122_672lo.jpg (http://img40.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39297_09_1962-1964_122_672lo.jpg)
http://img16.imagevenue.com/loc987/th_39463_10_1964-1965_122_987lo.jpg (http://img16.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39463_10_1964-1965_122_987lo.jpg)http://img192.imagevenue.com/loc448/th_39471_11_1965-1966_122_448lo.jpg (http://img192.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39471_11_1965-1966_122_448lo.jpg)http://img174.imagevenue.com/loc23/th_39478_12_1966-1966_122_23lo.jpg (http://img174.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=39478_12_1966-1966_122_23lo.jpg)
http://img207.imagevenue.com/loc137/th_40114_13_1967-1967_122_137lo.jpg (http://img207.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=40114_13_1967-1967_122_137lo.jpg)http://img135.imagevenue.com/loc985/th_40120_14_1967-1968_122_985lo.jpg (http://img135.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=40120_14_1967-1968_122_985lo.jpg)http://img200.imagevenue.com/loc51/th_40127_15_1969-1969_122_51lo.jpg (http://img200.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=40127_15_1969-1969_122_51lo.jpg)
http://img18.imagevenue.com/loc861/th_40675_16_1970-1971_122_861lo.jpg (http://img18.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=40675_16_1970-1971_122_861lo.jpg)http://img20.imagevenue.com/loc1075/th_40681_17_1971-1976_122_1075lo.jpg (http://img20.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=40681_17_1971-1976_122_1075lo.jpg)http://img45.imagevenue.com/loc546/th_40688_18_1976-1980_122_546lo.jpg (http://img45.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=40688_18_1976-1980_122_546lo.jpg)
http://img197.imagevenue.com/loc211/th_41016_19_1980-1983_122_211lo.jpg (http://img197.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41016_19_1980-1983_122_211lo.jpg)http://img203.imagevenue.com/loc146/th_41028_20_1983-1985_122_146lo.jpg (http://img203.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41028_20_1983-1985_122_146lo.jpg)http://img188.imagevenue.com/loc574/th_41034_21_1985-1987_122_574lo.jpg (http://img188.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41034_21_1985-1987_122_574lo.jpg)
http://img192.imagevenue.com/loc577/th_16077_22_1988-1989_122_577lo.jpg (http://img192.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=16077_22_1988-1989_122_577lo.jpg)http://img207.imagevenue.com/loc576/th_41367_23_1989-1993_122_576lo.jpg (http://img207.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41367_23_1989-1993_122_576lo.jpg)http://img105.imagevenue.com/loc815/th_41383_24_1994-1996_122_815lo.jpg (http://img105.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41383_24_1994-1996_122_815lo.jpg)
http://img188.imagevenue.com/loc2/th_41714_25_1996-2000_122_2lo.jpg (http://img188.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41714_25_1996-2000_122_2lo.jpg)http://img18.imagevenue.com/loc672/th_41720_26_2000-2002_122_672lo.jpg (http://img18.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41720_26_2000-2002_122_672lo.jpg)http://img34.imagevenue.com/loc627/th_41742_27_2002-2004_122_627lo.jpg (http://img34.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=41742_27_2002-2004_122_627lo.jpg)
http://img178.imagevenue.com/loc514/th_42065_28_2004-2005_122_514lo.jpg (http://img178.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=42065_28_2004-2005_122_514lo.jpg)http://img210.imagevenue.com/loc399/th_42250_29_2005-2007_122_399lo.jpg (http://img210.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=42250_29_2005-2007_122_399lo.jpg)http://img170.imagevenue.com/loc646/th_42256_30_2007-2007_122_646lo.jpg (http://img170.imagevenue.com/img.php?image=42256_30_2007-2007_122_646lo.jpg)
(3 pics per line, a total of 30 pics)
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