I’m buying a Ferrari today. Well, that may be a slight exaggeration, but what I am doing is finding out more about Ferrari GB’s recently launched factory-backed warranty for Official Ferrari pre-owned cars.

As chance would have it, the nearest Ferrari dealer to me is pretty well round the corner. I was met at H.R. Owen, St Albans, by Julian Harris, the dealership’s sales manager.

“The aim behind the programme is to offer what may well be new-to-Ferrari customers complete peace of mind when it comes to ‘joining the club’. The typical buyer will be spending upwards of £60,000 on his or her first Ferrari, or perhaps a used vehicle pending the arrival of a brand-new machine in a year’s time.

“We want them to enjoy the same level of safety and security on a pre-owned car as on a new car. What’s new with Ferrari Approved is that all official dealers now work to the same rigorous guidelines: a 190-point detailed technical inspection; an independent verification check to certify the car’s mileage, identity and ownership history; and a Ferrari service history enquiry to verify that the vehicle has been correctly maintained.



“The cars are also given an extensive internal and external pre-sale preparation to bring them up to a condition appropriate to their age and mileage.”

Any required service work will have been carried out prior to sale, and the ensuing shiny GT carrying the Prancing Horse badge, sitting in the showroom, will have a minimum of 12 months' Ferrari factory-based warranty and 12 months' Ferrari Roadside assistance.

Only Ferrari Genuine Parts are used to repair or replace defective items, and any factory-recommended software or mechanical upgrades are carried out in the workshops.

Cars available via the programme include V8 models from 360 Modena to F430 Spider, and V12 models from 550 Maranello to 612 Scaglietti and 599 GTB Fiorano. All cars will be less than 9 years old and will have covered less than 56,000 miles.

The Ferrari Approved booklet helpfully includes some suggestions for the potential purchaser. While I was at H.R. Owen, I enjoyed a test drive in a black 575 Maranello F1, but would happily have settled for the Rosso Corsa 599 GTB sunning itself outside. Or a Challenge Stradale, perhaps? I say, Julian, help me out, can't you...?

For further information, visit www.ferrari.co.uk/approved.

Text: Steve Wakefield
Photos: Classic Driver