San Francisco Opens Its Heart and Bridge to Ferrari

Prancing Horse Procession of 60 Ferraris Crosses Golden Gate Bridge to Showcase Brand's California Heritage and 50+ Years of Success in North America

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 17 -- In celebration of more than 50 years of passion and heritage in the North American market, as well as its own significant California legacy, Ferrari of North America will make its mark in San Francisco as an owner's brigade of more than 60 of its most unique vehicles thunders across the Golden Gate Bridge. At precisely noon on August 17th, Ferrari will expand its rich U.S. history to include this special procession along the world-renown landmark, and continue into the City to receive a Proclamation from Mayor Newsom at the St. Francis Yacht Club.

The Ferrari procession along the Golden Gate Bridge is the culmination of a 4-day Ferrari owners' rally, in which both collectible and modern day Ferraris compete in time, distance and accuracy categories while travelling between 200-300 miles per day. With more than 50 entrants, competing cars will include such collectibles as a 1955 Ferrari 166; 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L and a 1958 250 PF Coupe, along with several more current limited production models including an Enzo and two Super Americas. Now in its 8th year, the annual Rally provides an extension of the many experiences and assets Ferrari provides its exclusive customer base.

According to Marco Mattiacci, vice president of marketing for Ferrari North America, the brand's exclusivity extends far past its limited product volume and due to its rich heritage in design, performance, technology and craftsmanship, can offer its owners rare and unique experiences that the competition cannot. "We have a very unique stance in the marketplace," concedes Mattiacci. "With 65% of our customer base acquired through return owners, we make it a point to continuously provide our clients with experiences throughout the world that no other can provide."

  Additional Ferrari "family" assets include:
   *  an owners racing series, sanctioned by Grand Am and held on the finest
      race tracks in North America;
   *  the ability to test drive cars and participate in racing/driving
      schools on the very same world famous race tracks in Italy where
      legendary F1 world champions practice;
   *  complete product customization processes with more than 4 million ways
      for an owner to design a unique vehicle;
   *  private tours of the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy, to view the
      company's true handcraftsmanship and artistry;
   *  private receptions and events held specifically for owners to view the
      newest concepts and Ferrari designs before media or other outsiders
      gain access;
   *  additional access to world-renown designers, F1 champions and all
      others affiliated with the legendary Ferrari brand.

While California remains Ferrari's largest North American market, the brand's history within the State was additionally enriched by many early racing victories earned by drivers such as Phil Hill, Dan Gurney and Richie Ginther. And the California setting itself provided inspiration that became a reality with products like the 1957 250 California Spyder -- thus fostering the beginnings of a great love affair between U.S. enthusiasts and the elegant prancing horse icon.

Throughout the years, Ferrari milestones have been recognized through unique experiences and settings. Most recently, the Empire State Building was lit in "Ferrari Red" to commemorate the company's 50th anniversary in North America.

Ferrari North America, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., has 36 dealers nationwide and is the exclusive distributor of the Ferrari 430 Coupe and Spider, 612 Scaglietti, 575 Maranello and Super America. Ferrari vehicles are handcrafted and designed in Maranello, Italy.

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