ClassicInside - The Classic Driver Newsletter

Editorial

“We sell a dream; we don’t sell a means of transport” “Ferrari is like a beautiful woman, you have to desire her, want her”. Two quotes from - I think you’ve guessed it - Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo. There are not many people who can get away with the second one, but you have to hand it the coolest person in the car industry; he’s certainly got style.

The occasion was yesterday’s Technical Innovation Seminar at Fiorano where you could find out all about the way the 60-year-old company (the same age as di Montezemolo, by way of coincidence) is approaching the brave new world that is 21st century motoring. As I mention in the report, Ferrari is working on concepts like a 660 HP car weighing just 1,000 kg, and however bah humbug-y and embittered you may well feel towards the ‘green’ lobby, you cannot really argue with that.

It was nice to have some rays on the editorial head yesterday in Maranello, having been well-and-truly drenched at Le Mans last weekend. It was a memorable race, exciting all the way through and sincere congratulations must go to the winners, and in fact to many of the spectators too for putting up with a downpour for much of the time.

In between events I had time to attend the UK presentation of the Maserati GranTurismo, a great-looking car that promises to be a real alternative in the market place. We cannot wait to drive one.

It’s the Goodwood Festival this weekend – a full report to follow next Friday of course.

Steve Wakefield
Managing Editor
sw@classicdriver.com

*THIS WEEK IN CLASSIC DRIVER*
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