Ferrari will be represented at the Techno-Classica 2007 by a stand dedicated entirely to Ferrari Classiche, a specialist division set up in Maranello to provide owners of historic Prancing Horse cars with restoration, maintenance, and assistance services. The Ferrari Classiche division also issues Authenticity Certificates.
Based in the original old factory building, Ferrari Classiche opened its doors in the summer of 2006 and has since become a major player in the protection of the unique Ferrari heritage. In fact, it has already received 496 certification requests (308 of which have already been issued) and has restored a total of 84 at its workshop (this included 12 complete restorations).
Ferrari Classiche’s plans for the future include a wider presence across the world, starting with Europe and North America. In fact, the intention is to have a total of 17 Ferrari Classic Certification Centres opened by the end of the year.
Since Ferrari’s earliest days, its cars have enjoyed cult status and have been eagerly sought after by collectors the world over. This is why one of the main functions of the Ferrari Classiche Division is to issue Certificates of Authenticity to road-going Ferraris of 20 years old and over as well as to all Prancing Horse competition cars, including Formula 1 single-seaters, regardless of the year they were built. The certification document officially attests to the cars’ authenticity and also provides a further guarantee for buyers should the certified vehicles ever be sold on.
During the certification process, the cars undergo a very careful inspection in the Ferrari Classiche division in Maranello or at specially authorised centres throughout the world. Using Ferrari’s extensive historic archive, a special committee of experts known as COCER (Certification Committee) chaired by Vice president of Ferrari SpA, Piero Ferrari will evaluate the technical characteristics of each individual car put forward for certification. The technical examination of the car is the most important step in the process as it reveals whether the car is fully functioning, and whether its chassis, engine, gearbox, transmission, suspension, brakes, wheels, bodywork and interiors are original or at least comply with the original specifications.
If any non-original mechanical parts are discovered, the car may still be restored to its original authentic condition as Ferrari Classiche can, on request, supply spares conforming to the original specifications and manufactured using the original designs and specialist machinery either directly at Ferrari or by its official suppliers.
The manufacture and supply of original components is all a part of Ferrari Classiche’s renovation and maintenance work where the aim is always to save the Prancing Horse’s historic models.
The fact that Ferrari Classiche’s services provide exceptional satisfaction to our clients is clear from the fact that increasing numbers of owners opt to travel to the division headquarters in Maranello to pick up their restored cars personally. The long list of messages of appreciation for our dedicated technicians’ highly professional work, left by clients in the client comments book at Ferrari Classiche, also speaks for itself.
Ferrari will also be organising a wide range of activities and events for classic cars for 2007. The Shell Ferrari Historic Challenge Europe and North America will be staged once again. Last year there was an average of 80 cars participating during the 10 rounds held throughout the season. The weekend of March 31st to April 1st marks the start of the European series at Mugello as part of the 1st Mugello Historic Festival.
Ferrari will then pay homage to the Mille Miglia on 17th – 19th May with the original 315 S in which Piero Taruffi won the very last edition of the legendary Italian race in 1957.
The Ferrari Legend and Passion auction organised by RM Auctions in collaboration with Sotheby’s takes place on May 20th in Maranello and will feature some of the most famous Prancing Horse models of all time, including a 340 MM (1953) and a 275 GTB4 (1966) in addition to a wide selection of memorabilia.
The finale of the Ferrari 60 Relay, which will have visited five continents en route to Maranello, will include the Concours d’Elegance Ferrari 60 on Sunday 24th of June at the Fiorano Circuit.
A total of 80 Grand Tourers (12-cylinders up to the early 1970s and special series) and Sports Prototypes will be competing for the Best of Show and other awards.
This event will be preceded by the Ferrari 60 Classic Tour which is being held on Friday June 22nd and will take participants along the route traditionally used by the Prancing Horse’s test drivers. There will also be an official parade of the cars competing with a public vote on Saturday June 23rd, once again at the Fiorano Circuit.