If Car Racing was a Religion, People would Worship in Italy By Madelyn Miller, the TravelLady

To people who like fast, well-designed cars, Modoland is the capital of the automobile world. On a recent trip to Italy, I was thrilled to visit some of the top car sites.

FABULOUS FERRARI

At the Galleria Ferrari, they call themselves the Keepers of the Myth. Actually, it is the guardianship of the cult. If you own a Ferrari, you are in. You get into the museum for free. And you can outfit and accessorize yourself with goodies from the first official Ferrari store. In the museum store, you will find exclusive F1 memorabilia, apparel, accessories and original Ferrari items. Open 10:30 to 7:30 daily.

Inside the museum you will see some of the most significant examples of Ferrari production history. Pictures, videos and models show Ferrari production activity.

Ferrari currently produces 4,000 units a year of the following models: the 430 Coupe and Spider, the 575M Mananello, the Enzo Ferrari and 612 Scaglieti, as well as the 360 Challenge and GTC and 575 GTC.

Part of the museum if devoted to Ferrari the man and the legend he created. Pictures and original memorabilia illustrate Enzo Ferrari’s life, from Alfa Romeo Sporting Director to car constructor. There is even the complete furniture of Enzo’s office in Via Trento Triese-Modena.

With the opening of the new Enzo Ferrari Auditorium in Maranello, the Gallery has been able to transform its old ampitheatre into a spectacular new exhibition area. In the adjoining exhibit room a cinema auditorium has been set up where the best Ferrari films are show complete with thrilling sound effects.

The newly expanded area covering some 1,000 square meters houses the comfortable “Caffeteria del Cavallino” and a new shop on the ground floor. Two Formula I automobiles have been adapted as simulators and are available to the public.

On the upper floor a large area is devoted to exhibits, featuring special models, photography and art.

A part of each visit takes in the world of Formula 1 with a space that recreates a Grand Prix, complete with pits, pit lane, pit wall and track. Some of the most important Ferraris, both from the past and today’s newest ones—are displayed. The trophies on display, just some of the many available—recall past successes, but also Schumacher’s victories in 2004.

The company employs some 2,000 people, just under a third of who work for the Formula 1 team.

Galleria Gerrari
Via Dino Ferrari 43
I-41053 Maranello (Modena)
Tel =39m0536.943204
galleria@ferrari.it

Ducati, Masserati, and more. You can see them all in Modoland. But that is another story.

Travel Tips

BEST WAY TO GET TO ITALY

Alitalia
www.alitalia.com
1 800 223 5730

BEST WAY TO GET TO THE AIRPORT IN ITALY

WWW.airportshuttle.it

BEST WAY TO GET AROUND IN ITALY

RailEurope offers a Trenitalia Pass network which covers 16,000 km (10,000 miles) running daily through beautiful landscapes to connect big cities and small towns, all famous for their art and history. The trains are comfortable and quick and easy to navigate.
www.raileurope.com
1-888-382-RAIL.

Madelyn Miller is the founder of www.travellady.com and www.carladynews.com. With a partner, Patricia Sherman, she creates the Food and Beverage Travel Atlas Group.