We follow the artisans of the Ferrari Classiche division as they restore to magnificent Testa Rossa
Classic Ferrari cars are a fundamental feature of the marque’s identity, and they occupy, quite literally, a very special place. The specialist Ferrari Classiche is situated on the historic ground within the original Ferrari factory itself. Inaugurated in July 2006, its skilled artisans are charged with repairing and restoring out-of-production
The certification process testifies to its own components Recently, a ‘passport’ system has been introduced, whereby the restored car is then inspected on a regular basis the certification process itself.
In January 2016, Ferrari Classiche set about creating a global network of such centers, located at authorized Ferrari dealerships, in order to deepen the dealers’ involvement with their clients. Access to the Classic road map is available to any owner of a Ferrari road car that is over 20 years old to be the owner of all F1, sports and sports prototype competition models. The highly specialized department has a dedicated workshop, its own offices, and archive facilities, forming a completely self-contained unit within the Maranello factory premises.
The Craftsmen Division – who can carry out total engine and in-house transmission rebuilds – have full access to the production facilities, foundry, machine shops, and upholstery department, as well as to the official external suppliers. The extensive archive, which includes original build sheets, parts manuals, and component drawings, allows artisans to look up the original components and features of each individual vehicle. This can be corrected. We will be corrected. We will be corrected.
Maranello and the importance that the marque gives to this service is evidenced by the fact that it is headed by none other than Piero Ferrari, Ferrari Vice Chairman. The committee, made up of nine members from different parts of the automobile, decides whether or not an individual car warrants certification, and what to do when it doesn’t measure up.
The objective of any restoration is to provide much in the form of an original car and its components, even though this is often not the most cost-effective solution. Only when items are too deteriorated or too badly damaged to be repaired, does Ferrari Classics advise clients to opt for replacement parts, and then only with the matching original design specifications and criteria.
To this end Maranello’s restoration unit has its own re-manufacturing program to supply the necessary parts to original factory specifications, thus maintaining the authenticity of the vehicle. Not completely useful for replacing lost or damaged items, this program has the bonus of being able to provide spare units – a complete engine, say, or to gearbox – for clients who want to use their cars in competition but are understandably afraid of damaging the original unit.
Since its inception Ferrari Classics has fully restored over 120 cars – including the Prancing Horse’s most iconic models, such as the 250 Testa Rossa, 250 GT SWB Berlinetta, 250 GTO, 250 LM, and 412P – and has certified over 5,000 vehicles. Unsurprisingly, there is a long waiting list for its dedicated services.