Maranello: Home of Ferrari

Maranello, A Hot, off the menu Special.

By Jeffrey D. Murrah

Over the past 50 years, the name of Ferrari has earned a reputation among car enthusiasts. Ferrari’s reputation for winning inspires car enthusiasts, instills national pride and exemplifies Italian craftsmanship. Few things incite Italian crowds into a flag waving furor and national pride like a Ferrari win. Given the world-wide acclaim for this Italian car, I found myself disappointed that many of the guide books to Italy fail to mention this living icon. In visiting Italy, the adage that “Italians are never in a hurry until they are in an automobile” is seen on any Autostrada. The epitome of Italians in a hurry is at the heart of Ferrari and its home in Maranello, Italy.

The city itself is nestled among the farms and countryside south of Modena in the region of Emelia Romagna, which is known for excellent meat sauces. After traveling through the farms of the area, entering the city of Maranello is traveling to another world. The city revolves around the factory and company. The local high school is even named after Enzo Ferrari. The local restaurants, bistros and bars each proudly display pictures, memorabilia and flags of the car and it creator. Everywhere one looks, there are colorful splashes of Ferrari red, yellow and black. Plants with red flowers lined the streets of the city, joining in the Ferrari celebration. Bright banners hanging across the main street remind you that you are in the Ferrari corral. The small town looks as if its local sports team was in the State championship.

At the 'official' Ferrari store, employees dress in the uniforms worn by the Ferrari pit crew. The shelves are filled with Ferrari paraphanalia from hats, shirts and posters to flags and bathrobes. Besides the cheerleader and fan material, there are also products like laptops and furniture made with old Ferrari parts.

While walking the streets, the scream of racing cars on the test track echoes through the town. That distinctive sound called us to find the source of the piston-powered thoroughbred. We discovered a chain link fence where we could watch the action on the test track. The sound of engines accelerating and squealing tires along with the opportunity to catch a peek at some new Ferrari was enticing. After enjoying the surprise show, we went to a local osteria filled with young engineers on their lunch break from the factory. The mood was optimistic. Lively conversation surrounded each table and the air smelled of fresh pasta sauces and meats. The chalkboard menu told us the daily offerings changed depending on what was fresh.

As we toured the town, we saw the locals gather with excitement on the sidewalks as a new Ferrari came down the main street in the city. The distinctive sound of the engine left no doubt about what kind of car was coming our way. This was definitely a community that supports their local industry.

We visited the Ferrari Gallery located in the city. The modern glass and steel building was emblazoned with a black prancing horse emblem of the company. The friendly staff wearing racing uniforms informed us that they call it a Gallery and not a museum, since they are always changing displays and moving cars in and out of building. Museums are static, unlike an art gallery which is always changing. The staff spoke English, and helpfully assisted us with our many questions about the gallery, cars, the city and factory. One guide even used his cell phone to contact the factory with questions we had about the Superamerica automobile.

We discovered the history of the man, his car and the story of the prancing horse itself. The horse was the emblem used by a World War I pilot from Italy named Francesco Barraca. Barraca was admired by Enzo who incorporated his emblem into his cars. Enzo Ferrari had a life long passion for racing. He participated in automobile races as a driver and later as a car maker. His passion for winning and developing the fastest automobiles is evident on viewing the cars his factory made.

Never had we seen so many Ferraris in one place before. American auto shows often have their few token Ferrari’s roped off. At those shows, access to the cars is limited and always under the glaring eyes of security guards. Here, at Maranello were the production cars, engines, Formula 1 racers, walls of trophies and special interest cars that made Ferrari synonymous with winning. I lost count of the cars somewhere after thirty-something. Besides automotive paraphernalia, the gallery also contains a restaurant and bar. During our visit, some happy high profile executives were bussed in and given a special VIP tour of the gallery.

Across from the gallery is a bar that was often frequented by Enzo when he worked at the factory. If you are wanting to relive Ferrari history, taking a stroll down the streets and ending up at Enzo's favorite bar is a way to take in this city which has become synonymous with the Ferrari legend.

We left Maranello, with the setting sun complimented by the coral colored Factory, knowing what it takes to be a winner and satisfied with a full day of excitement. I was reminded of our wonderful visit every time we saw the red Scudera Ferrari trucks traveling along the Autostrada. For a place that is not in most of the guide books, and not swamped by the tourist crowds, consider a trip to Maranello, Italy and the Ferrari Gallery.

We tried obtaining a tour of the factory, yet that is limited to those with connections. At times local Ferrari dealerships may be able to help you arrange a tour of the factory. The factory, located in Maranello builds the cars with local craftsmen and parts.

Enzo Ferrari was a man with convictions. He was known for being hard to get along with at times. He was also fiercely loyal. When money was tight and few banks would even talk with him, one banker assisted him. When Ferrari achieved success, Enzo remembered that banker and his bank. It was the only bank that was allowed to conduct business at his plant.

Enzo was also a determined man, taking his company through financial crises and a world war. His determination drove the company during the difficult times after World War II.

"Aerodynamics are for people who can't build engines."

"But each time I seemed to be climbing into a roller coaster and finding myself coming through the downhill run with that sort of dazed feeling that we all know. "

"The client is not always right."