I'm surprised this hasn't already been reported (and if it has then please remove)...
I'm surprised this hasn't already been reported (and if it has then please remove) http://auto.ferrari.com/en_US/news-events/news/the-500th-laferrari-to-be-built-to-benefit-the-people-affected-by-the-earthquake/ Last LaFerrari - Ferrari Builds a Supercar to Benefit Italian Earthquake Victims I think they are doing a commendable thing to help the community. What a terrible disaster.
Enzo #400 was built by Ferrari SpA for disaster relief also, so this this is not the first time they have done this.
Enzo n°400 was built for the Pope. The previous earthquake disaster relief was a 599 XX Evo that was bought by the Sloss'. The endeavour is noteworthy and puts the accent on helping out those who have survived or lost a close one are remembered and helped.
Ferrari also back in 2009 made a special F430 for Abruzzo's earthquake. A silver car with gold stripes and wheels and a total black interior.
Peter, My understanding (as confirmed by a friend within Ferrari SpA) is that Enzo 400 was built for a charitable organization of which the Pope was the patron saint, expressly for the purpose of being sold at auction to raise funds for the victims of the Tsunami of 26 December 2004. It was auctioned at Sotheby's on 28 June 2005 for 1.1 million Euros, and the money was used to aid the aforementioned Tsunami victims. It was not built for Pope John Paul II himself per se as is often erroneously parroted, although, one can understand the desire to stretch the linkage! My understanding is that the car was never owned, driven, sat in, leaned on, touched, or even seen by the Pope. There is a handwritten dedication under the hood which says: "Questa Enzo, unica nella storia della Ferrari, quale segno di solidarietà per chi soffre, ispirata da un grande Papa, Giovanni Paolo II" (translation: This Enzo, unique in the history of Ferrari, as a sign of solidarity for those who suffer, inspired by a great Pope John Paul II), supposedly signed by Luca di Montezemolo on 29 June 2005, which only serves to underscore the purpose of the car's build, and states that the Pope was simply the inspiration for this act of generosity by Ferrari SpA. FWIW, although the aforementioned is the received wisdom I have about this car's provenance, I'm happy to be corrected, and would love to see documentation one way or another in that regard.
Just to echo Joe's post...Sorry, did someone just seriously post that a Ferrari Enzonwas built for the Pope? Has he ever owned a Ferrari? To burn round Vatican City? Surely he's not allowed possessions?
The car was built - of course, not for the Pope - but at his request vs the 599 XX and this LaF built at Ferrari's initiative. This was the only difference. In any event, the generosity is real, the caring for others distress as well and that is all that is important. Hardly appropriate to make snide comments given the suffering that Ferrari and others are simply trying to help relieve
Signature of Luca Di Montezemolo alone is legendary, I would love to have his signature on my ferrari
I think Robert was just concerned by the "built for the Pope" which actually suggests that the car was ordered by him and built for him. That said, I think everyone agrees it was a generous gesture by Ferrari, as I also noted in my post.
I also remember that they did a similar thing with the first F12berlinetta for Sandy disaster relief. I agree it is very commendable of Ferrari and shows they do care and the need is real.
Any special details known on this LaF itself? Because IIRC, the rear spoiler on the aforementioned Enzo was black, though the car was all red.
The funny thing is that everyone here knows (but has no proof -- yet) Ferrari has likely already built and sold more than 500 of them.
I didn't realize Ferrari has done this so many times before. That is really giving back to the community. The nice thing is anyone can buy it without having to buy an FF first.
The current Aperta would bring in more money, as lots missed the opportunity & have expressed interest. That Florida guy for instance. Good deeds all around, in any event.
Well done Ferrari. We were staying about 50 miles from the epicentre until two days before the quake.
Funny to read it's the #500. In a few years, we will learn there were in fact 600 car : 500 official and 100 extras...
Given the nature of the reason for this extra car, I find your comments distasteful and displaced.Reflechissez avant de faire des commentaires qui ne font que souligner votre manque de considération envers ceux qui souffrent. Quand est-ce la dernière fois qu'un constructeur français a fait un tel geste? Honteux.