Ferrari’s silver-screen spotlight

Visitors to the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena are in for a treat starting this February as the venue unveils a new exhibition titled ‘Red Carpet’. As the name suggest the presentation celebrates the Prancing Horse’s role on the silver screen and debuts in conjunction with the founding father, Enzo Ferrari’s birthday.

The exhibition collates various models from the world of television and cinema, in a showcase which includes the relevant scene clips in homage in all of their star-studded glory. The exalted list includes the famous Magnum P.I. Ferrari 308 GTSs to the Miami Vice Testarossa, the 512S used in Le Mans and the 375 America driven by Sofia Loren in Boy on a Dolphin.

But Maranello’s relation to Hollywood goes beyond sculptured metal and vociferous soundtracks as many of the actors and actresses are or were devoted Ferrari owners too. Paul Newman competed a 365 GTB4 in legendary races such as the 24 Hours of Daytona while Steve McQueen for instance, owned salvo of Ferraris now much sought-after by collectors. Marilyn Monroe adored Ferraris too – the white 250 GT Cabriolet Pininfarina featured in this exhibition was one of her favourites.

Like any exhibition, this one has taken a little artistic licence to include the F430 Michael Schumacher voiced in the animated flick Cars, replete with big cartoon eyes. The Thomassina, an American-style Ferrari sculpted by designer Tom Mead on the underpinnings of the Ferrari 250 GT has also been shortlisted among the displays.

With respect to Ferrari’s competition heritage, the stars movies like Grand Prix, Le Mans and, more recently, Rush are represented by a contemporary Formula 1 car as the symbol of the event. Arguably, despite all the moments on the silver screen, Ferrari’s story was built on the track…

ARVIND KUMAR