Ferrari. Visit the Ferrari Factory in Maranello, Modena, Italy

Ferrari, one of the most iconic cars ever produced. This red (well, mostly red) power ‘stallion’ is Italy’s car manufacturing pride and joy. The symbol of the stallion is as iconic as the car itself. The Ferrari Museum and Factory is a must see for anyone who enjoys sports cars, especially one of the best in the world.

Situated in Maranello, a small town near Bologna and Modena in the North of Italy, a large percentage of the town’s population is employed by the factory. When you arrive into the town, the sound of the Ferrari’s being tested is music to a sports car lover's ears.

A day is not enough to see all the cars, engines and photos on display if you are a real ‘revhead’ and want to take in every bit of this wonderful car and its history. We did spend a full day browsing through the site with the sound of the cars being tested in the test track. Unfortunately the public is not allowed on or near the test track, it is for VIP's and by invitation only.

In Maranello we stayed at the local Best Western, Hotel Domus, it is a 3-star and was one of the best hotels we stayed at whilst in Italy. The room was large enough for 4 people and the bathroom had a shower and a separate bath, this is quite unusual in European hotels. See links below for more information about Hotel Domus.

Enzo Ferrari (1898 - 1988) was the founder of the Ferrari when he began manufacturing racing sports cars in 1929. The Ferrari has had great success in motor racing especially in the sport of Formula 1 as the Scuderia Ferrari Grand Prix motor racing team.

Enzo Ferrari himself took up racing in 1919 for a small car manufacturer he was working for, CMN (Costruzioni Meccaniche Nazionali). He had little success until he left to race for Alfa Romeo where in a race he acquired the stallion badge. The badge was first fitted to a Ferrari car in 1932.

Would you Like to Own a Ferrari?

'The Enzo' is worth around US$500,000 but you are able to buy cheaper versions for around US$200,000. What a bargain!

For anyone with a passion for sports cars, the Ferrari named after the founder 'The Enzo', would be the ultimate prize. There are some Ferrari purists who don't like the design stating that it is "too square" but this doesn't take away from it being dedicated to Enzo Ferrari. Built in 2003, it was a testament to Enzo Ferrari's achievements. He was inducted into the 'International Motorsports Hall of Fame' in 1994 (posthumously).

As well as the Ferrari, other Italian sports cars (icons in their own right), are (or were) produced in Maranello and its surrounds: Lamborghini, Maserati, De Tomaso, Bugatti and Pagani.

Maranello is in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy and it is a suburb of Modena, a town that is famous for being the birthplace of operatic tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, an iconic figure himself when he was alive.

Modena is well known for its production of balsamic vinegar which is exported all over the world. It also has a strong sporting tradition, with, apart from the national sport of Soccer, motor racing being one of the most popular sports.

We were lucky enough to visit the Ferrari museum during our 2006 trip to Italy and were impressed with the luxury and magnificence this car has. It was incredible to hear to roar of the engines whenever one passed our hotel or as we enjoyed a meal in one of the nearby restaurants.

Maranello and Modena are both towns full of history and great cuisine, so if you enjoy great cars and good food, then visit this part of Italy soon.

1. The Tipo 815 was the first Ferrari car, it was built in 1940.
   
2. The best selling Ferrari to date is the 1986-89 328 GTS.
3. The 250GTO was the most expensive Ferrari built. The last time it changed hands it sold for US$12 million.
4. For Ferrari's 50 year celebration they built a car named F50.
5. The Ferrari 400GT (built 1976) was the first with automatic transmission.
6. The Maserati was once Ferrari's nemesis but Ferrari now produces Maseratis.
7. Why are Ferrari's mainly red? This was the colour all sports cars competing in Grand Prix races were designated to be by the International Automobile Federation early last century. Today, 18 colours are available in the Ferrari range.
8. The most popular Ferrari is the Gran Turismo. These were produced between 1949 and 2007.
9. The standing "Stallion" logo has the initials S.F. which is the original name of the company, "Scuderia Ferrari". This loosely translated means "Ferrari Racing Stables".
   
10. The Ferrari (various models) has appeared in many movies: "Ferris Beuller's Day Off", "Le Mans", "Weird Science", "Miami Vice" and a cartoon version in "Cars".
    

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