Autoblog

Modena welcomes new museum at birthplace of Enzo Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:59:00 EST

The Italian city of Modena stands as a veritable mecca for automobile enthusiasts. Not only does it serve as the home of both Maserati and Pagani, but it was also the birthplace of one Enzo Ferrari. While the automaker and racing team that carry his name are situated in nearby Maranello, where the company also operates its own museum, a new foundation has started up in Modena, dedicated to preserving the memory of the legendary industrialist and racer.

That organization is the Fondazione Casa Natale Enzo Ferrari, which has acquired the house where Ferrari was raised, turning it into a museum of its own. Although Enzo himself sold his childhood home to finance his aspirations, the foundation has recently reacquired it, transforming it and the adjacent garage where his father worked into a cultural center and expanding on the original buildings with a modern structure.

Designed by Czech architect Jan Kaplicky and carried to completion after his death by his protege Andrea Morgante, the yellow-roofed building - painted the color of the Ferrari logo and designed to evoke the hood on one of his iconic sportscars - incorporates an art exhibit, a multimedia experience, a rotating display of Ferrari road and race cars borrowed from independent collectors, and a collection of Enzo's own artifacts.

The grounds also house education and conference centers, a book shop, cafeteria and the offices of the foundation itself. If you're planning a pilgrimage to the area, it strikes us as an experience not to be missed. But if your travel plans don't extend to the Modena area, you can check out the gallery of high-resolution images we've compiled for your virtual tourism pleasure.

Modena welcomes new museum at birthplace of Enzo Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How Montezemolo revolutionized Ferrari after Enzo's death

Zach Bowman — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Earnings/Financials, Ferrari, Luxury

Finding one's self at the helm of a storied automaker like Ferrari must be equal parts amazing and terrifying. While you have the power to steer the company in any direction you so please, you're also saddled with serving the high expectations of the world. Luca Cordero di Montezemolo knows all about those pressures. The Piedmontese aristocrat took the helm of Ferrari nearly 20 years and has largely been responsible for the company's transformation in that time. Motor Trend recently took the time to sit down with Montezemolo for a brief chat about his time with the automaker to learn a little more about how things changed after company founder Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988.

In addition to increasing the company's revenue from a modest €230 million in 1993 (around $300M USD) to €2 billion ($2.59B) last year, Montezemolo ensured 17 to 20 percent of the company's earnings were rolled into research and development each year. The CEO was also instrumental in guiding the company to becoming "The Best Workplace in Europe" as named by London's Financial Times. Each Ferrari worker has access to free school books for their children, free family medical checkups and a low home mortgage rate.

Head over to Motor Trend for a fascinating look at how Montezemolo worked to craft Ferrari into the global performance and marketing powerhouse it is today... and who knows, you just might be learning more about Italy's next prime minister.

How Montezemolo revolutionized Ferrari after Enzo's death originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Online Find of the Day: 2000 Ferrari Enzo mule

Noah Joseph — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Coupe, Performance, Etc., Ferrari

Ferrari Enzo mule - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's not every day that a Ferrari mule comes up for sale, but that day, ladies and gentlemen, has arrived. What you see here may look like an old 348, maybe with some 355 components retrofitted. But what you're actually looking at is one of the mules that gave rise to the all-conquering Enzo supercar.

The car may wear modified 348 bodywork - disguising evaluation testers with existing sheetmetal is common practice in Maranello - but like so many things, it's what's inside that counts. And in this case, it's a 670-horsepower V12 derived from the Scuderia's Formula One racing program, but adapted for roadcar use and mated to a six-speed paddle-shift transmission.

Enamored of the Enzo's performance, but less so of its styling? This could be your once-in-a-lifetime chance. Think of it the same way as the 288 GTO was to the F40, only one-of-a-kind, and suddenly the Langenfeld, Germany dealer's 750,000 Euro (a cool $1M at today's rates) asking price doesn't seem quite so extravagant, though it's not much cheaper than a full-on factory Enzo. Have a closer look in the high-res image gallery below and then be sure to take a look at Modena Motorsport's website. Thanks for the tip, Juan Pablo!

Gallery: 2000 Ferrari Enzo Prototype

[Source: Modena Motorsport]

Online Find of the Day: 2000 Ferrari Enzo mule originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modena university names engineering faculty after Enzo Ferrari

Noah Joseph — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Ferrari

Hoping to land a job at Ferrari after graduation? The company's been known to recruit straight out of college, but your best bet may be to enroll at the Enzo Ferrari Faculty of Engineering at the University of Modena e Reggio Emilia.

The Italian automaker has been fostering closer and closer ties with the thousand-year-old institute of higher education, having established the "Mille Chili" laboratory there last year. The recent dedication of the engineering faculty in Enzo's name takes it a step further in cementing ties between the two institutions.

The dedication was carried out by Enzo's son Piero Ferrari (who serves as the company's vice-chairman) and Luca di Montezemolo, both of whom were awarded honorary degrees by the school. Details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Ferrari]

Continue reading Modena university names engineering faculty after Enzo Ferrari

Modena university names engineering faculty after Enzo Ferrari originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google Street View catches flock of Ferraris in natural habitat

Alex Nunez — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Etc., Europe, Supercars, Ferrari

Click the above image for a closer look at the assembled Ferraris

Man, the Google Street View Driver got an eyeful the day he drove by this Maranello Moment. And he captured it all for posterity (and Google Maps) to boot. The gaggle of F430 Scuderias and 360 Challenge Stradales is impressive enough. Throw in the five F40s, three Enzos and a lone F50, and you have yourself a proper stampede of prancing horses. The Street View photos do two things. First, they reinforce our belief that the F40 is infinitely cooler than both its hyper-exotic successors. Second, they have us thinking that on this particular day, Rome's Piazza Santiago del Cile was probably the best-sounding place on planet Earth. Thanks for the tip, Bennayd!

Gallery: Ferraris on Google Street View

[Source: Google Maps]

Google Street View catches flock of Ferraris in natural habitat originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Mar 2009 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 3: C'�tait un Rendezvous and Snake and the Stallion on DVD (plus BONUS)

John Neff — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Motorsports, Contests

Click above to get £10 off the Snake and the Stallion using coupon code AUTOBLOG01

Today's prizes come courtesy of Spirit Level Films, which has a real treat in store for Autoblog readers. We're giving away copies of both C'était un Rendezvous and the Snake and the Stallion on DVD to five lucky Autoblog readers.

For those who don't know, C'était un Rendezvous is largely considered the best driving scene ever captured on film, with Jeremy Clarkson himself saying, "Makes Bullitt look like a cartoon." While only nine minutes long, the uninterrupted footage of director Claude Lelouch's lawless race through Paris is the most jaw-dropping driving scene you'll ever see on film. Thanks to Spirit Level Films, you can now watch the DVD legally on your livingroom's giant flatscreen rather than a little window on YouTube.

The Snake and the Stallion, meanwhile, is the most definitive documentary on how Carroll Shelby and his Cobras took on the mighty Enzo Ferrari in motorsport during the 1960s. Written, produced and directed by Richard Symons, the two-disc set also features original interviews with all the participants, footage of the original races and newly filmed reconstructions with the original cars (Ferrari GTO, 250 SWB, Cobras and Daytona Coupe) on the track. Check out trailers for both films after the jump and read the instructions below on how to enter.

BONUS: Spirit Level Films is offering £10 off the normal £24.99 price of the Snake and the Stallion just for Autoblog readers. Click here and enter coupon code AUTOBLOG01 for the reduced price of just £14.99 ($22.41 USD).

How to Enter:

Leave a single comment on this post (if you leave two or more, all of your comments will be disqualified)
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person during entry period
This entry period begins 12:30 PM EST on Wednesday, December 17th and ends at 12:00pm EST on Thursday, December 18th. We'll randomly select 5 winners at that time to receive one DVD copy of Rendezvous (ARV: $29.95/per) and one copy of the Snake and the Stallion (ARV: $45.00/per) each. Please check your e-mail!
For a list of complete rules, click here

Click here to view official rules and come back each day this week around 12:30 PM EST to see what else we're giving away. Happy Holidays from your friendly neighborhood Autoblog!

Congratulations to KMac, who was the winner of the 2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 2! If you're KMac, please check your email and verify your eligibility. If you're not KMac, comment on this post for your chance to win C'était un Rendezvous and the Snake and the Stallion!

Continue reading 2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 3: C'�tait un Rendezvous and Snake and the Stallion on DVD (plus BONUS)

2008 Autoblog Holiday Sweepstakes - Day 3: C'�tait un Rendezvous and Snake and the Stallion on DVD (plus BONUS) originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 17 Dec 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Top Gear's gone red: New issue sports 60 different Ferrari covers

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari

To help celebrate Ferrari's 60th birthday this year, the lads at Top Gear decided to give the Maranello firm's fans a present. The July edition of Top Gear magazine is one of those multiple cover offerings that will have some collectors gobbling up every different version. And this being the 60th anniversary of Enzo's company, there are 60 different covers in all. To help save you a few quid, Top Gear has thoughtfully scanned each cover and presented them in an online gallery for all to see freely. The covers depict some of the more iconic cars and racing moments, as well as some of the legendary characters associated with this Italian marque.

Click through to see the whole gallery. You'll find pics of Enzo himself; racers including Fangio, Shumacher, Phil Hill, Ascari, Lauda and Villeneuve; celebrity owners like Peter Sellers and Sammy Davis, Jr.; and of course there are the cars, as well. Classic images of GPs, in addition to Targa Floria and Goodwood action, bring back memories of Ferrari's racing prowess. Stills of road and race cars make up the remainder of the collection. Everything from a 1948 166 Mille Miglia to the FXX is included. And lest you feel disappointed with the tiny images offered for free on their website, the entire assortment is available in hard copy form. We can't think of more poster-worthy material. If you're a tifosi at heart, make sure you check it out. But you better act quick, the posters are only going to be available for one month.

[Source: Top Gear]

Top Gear's gone red: New issue sports 60 different Ferrari covers originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 08 Jun 2007 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Enzo Ferrari's son earns engineering degree

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:27:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Ferrari

We just got word that Piero Lardi Ferrari, son of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari, has earned his engineering degree at the age of 62. The graduation was marked with a celebration inside the Ferrari factory test circuit of Fiorano. The other employees of the company who were in attendance apparently joked that he now has almost as much intelligence as they do. Perhaps new designs from a true Ferrari family member are in the company's future.

Piero Lardi Ferrari is the extramarital son of Enzo Ferrari and also happens to own a 10% stake in the Ferrari automotive company. Piero was once a part of Ferrari's Formula 1 program, as well. It took Enzo a full 27 years to acknowledge Piero as his true son, but then the younger Ferrari was welcomed into the fold. Enzo had waited until after the passing of his wife Laura to come forward and admit his affair.

Thanks for the tip, Carlos!

[Source: Argentina Autoblog]

Enzo Ferrari's son earns engineering degree originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 21 Mar 2007 13:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari to embark on 50 country tour to celebrate 60th anniversary

Frank Filipponio — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:05:00 EST

Filed under: Ferrari

Ask any red-blooded Ferrari tifosi and they'll recognize the significance of the year 1947. That was the year the magic started. It was the year that il commendatore, Enzo Ferrari, started selling the first cars that bore his name. Many world championships, street car accolades, and happy customers later, and the company is still going strong. And now that the calendar is showing 2007, it's time for Ferrari's 60th birthday celebration.

And apparently the Panamerican 20,000 run for the launch of the 599 went better than hoped for and has spawned a sequel. To commemorate this special occasion a road rally will be held, beginning in Abu Dhabi on January 28th and covering 6 different continents along the way. The participants should reach the finish line in Maranello at the end of June. Abu Dhabi is significant as a starting point because it is the site of the future Ferrari theme park and a pretty big market for the Italian firm's vehicles. After crossing 50 different countries, the racers will reach Maranello around June 24th.

As publicity stunts go, this is a doozy. Parading a bunch of Ferraris around the world sounds like our idea of a good time, but it will be educational too. After all, something has to go on those batons. So Ferrari will be showing off 60 of its most important automotive innovations. Things like aluminum pliers for disc brakes, the electric differential, and the F1 gearbox. And it's obvious these innovations have kept Ferrari ahead of the game all these years.

In fact, as they explained in the briefing that accompanied the relay race announcement, business is thriving. Running at almost full capacity, riding a new wave of popularity since the 599 GTB Fiorano was launched, the company again took the opportunity to deny rumors of a new entry-level model, despite continued reports to the contrary. We hope they have a passenger seat open when they hit the States.

Press release after the jump.

Continue reading Ferrari to embark on 50 country tour to celebrate 60th anniversary

Ferrari to embark on 50 country tour to celebrate 60th anniversary originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Donated Enzo nets $1,150,000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Alex Nunez — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:54:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Supercars

We spoke to organizers of the "Runway for Life" benefit for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital over the weekend to get an update on the Enzo auction, and it's safe to say that the car did its job. According to our source, the Enzo sold for $1,150,000 to Luxury Motors, a dealership located in Downer's Grove, Illinois.

The selling price puts the "Runway for Life" car in the same general neighborhood as the 400th Enzo, which was presented to Pope John Paul II and subsequently auctioned off for $1,274,299. The proceeds from that particular sale benefitted survivors of the 2004 tsunami.

We're told to expect a full press release in the near future. When it's made available, we'll update this post accordingly. For now, though, count all of us among those happy to see that the car brought in big bucks for a very worthy cause.

Finally, we'd be remiss if we didn't offer an extra-special tip of the cap to the anonymous donor who generously supplied the car and made this great story possible.

(Additional photo after the jump)

Continue reading Donated Enzo nets $1,150,000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Donated Enzo nets $1,150,000 for St. Jude's Children's Hospital originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 18 Sep 2006 16:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ferrari Enzo donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

Alex Nunez — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 12:36:00 EST

Filed under: Auctions, Etc., Supercars

An anonymous and very generous benefactor has donated a Ferrari Enzo to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. The car, a US-spec 2003 model, will be auctioned off on Friday, September 15 at the annual "Runway for Life" event, a star-studded celebrity fashion gala taking place at the Beverly Hilton. Naturally, all paperwork, bespoke luggage, etc. is included with the supercar, which has a mere 1,300 miles on the odometer. It's red, of course.

Break out those wallets, kids. Bidding opens at $875,000 and the proceeds benefit St. Jude's, which works to cure cancer and other catastrophic diseases in children. With that in mind, we hope this one becomes the highest-priced Enzo ever to change hands.

If you're still in the giving mood, don't forget to help us spring spy photographer Brenda Priddy from jail to benefit the March of Dimes. When you donate, leave the comment "Saw this on Autoblog" and you could win one of Brenda's official spy hats.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital via PRNewswire]

Continue reading Ferrari Enzo donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital

Ferrari Enzo donated to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 12:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Say it ain't Seoul! Another Enzo meets its maker

Alex Nunez — Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST

Filed under: Etc., Supercars

Well, the Ferrari Enzo continues to appreciate in value, and not only due to it's limited production and hyper-exoticness. Some Enzos fall victim to their Schuey-wannabe owners, who learn too late that owning an Enzo and having the skills required to handle one are two very different things.

Today's case in point: the poor, forlorn Enzo pictured above. According to the Swedish blog Bilfeber, this Enzo met its maker outside the Seoul, Korea airport. It's another testament to the Enzo's ability to take damage yet protect its occupants, as the driver walked away with no serious physical injuries. The "I'm such an ass!" feeling he or she is surely experiencing, on the other hand ... well, that's probably going to stick for a while.

Thanks to readers Johan and Roger for the tips!

[Source: Bilfeber]

Say it ain't Seoul! Another Enzo meets its maker originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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