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GIORNALE FERRARI MARKET LETTER ASKING PRICE INDEX On pages 16 and 17 you will find a summary of the infamous FML Asking Price Index covering the last 20 years. In preparation for this, as well as trying to modify the current API layout to accommodate the latest Ferrari models to have ended, or are nearing the end, of their production run this feature has been absent from the last two issues. At one time the API was the most discussed (and cussed) aspect of the FML. So we asked for subscriber input as to what changes we should make. The response was tepid at best. Several folks suggested we expand such listings as the 275 GTB to include all the variants. Let's see, that would mean separate listings for at least ten versions. We have only allotted one page for the API! Other have suggested we include the MSRP. However, we can remember the early days of the 308 series when the MSRP from Ferrari North America would change several times in one year. That was why we decided long ago to not include models currently in production because the list price of new examples was influencing asking prices of used examples. Then there were the two (2) online subscribers who stated that they were only interested in the API and wanted their online subscriptions extended by two issues to cover the two issues without the API. We guess they just ignore all the other aspects of the FML in favor of that one page. We were considering making the API a less than every-two-week feature. After all, are slight fortnightly variations really that important? We received only one response that, in essence, suggested we leave the API alone. "From my perspective, I'd urge you to keep things just as they are, with a twist that I'll describe shortly. "For over thirty years I've wanted to own a Ferrari, and during all of that time I never have. Those are years that will not be returned to me, and which have caused me to better appreciate that during that entire period I've relied upon your publication to address my Ferrari dreams. Through good times and bad your publication has been a constant beacon in a sea of nearly constantly changing values and perspectives. There is a lot to be said for continuity and, if you will, historical perspective. That is something I've learned the hard way over the past year, as 'seasoned' professionals like yourself, or Steve Barney (to name someone in my home state who has been overly gracious and generous with his time and wisdom), are resources that can't be replaced. "I would bet that many of those that are leading the charge for change in the FML API are doing so out of frustration with the unprecedented decline in used Ferrari prices, an event that few expected and which many hope will go away. Your API has stood the test of time, watching the declines of prior periods as well as today's current situation, and through all of those periods you augmented the API with articles, information, interviews and other useful nuggets of wisdom that put things in perspective. That is, at least to me, part of the benefit of your expansive knowledge - continuity and a 'reference' point that is useful and comparable over time. On the other hand, the 'innovate or die' motto applies as well, and that is a decision that only you can address. I would suggest that you have been very proactive in developing an electronic delivery format for your product (which I subscribe to), and have done all that any print media based product could have done to be "future proof" in a media environment that is even more challenged than high priced sports cars. Consider how even the mighty New York Times hasn't designed a business model that incorporates both print and electronic delivery of what many consider to be among the finest newspapers in the world. "So, if you are counting, put me in the 'leave it alone' camp. Abandoning the API would, at least to me, sever a tie that has defined the FML for these many years, and I, and I believe all of us, would be the poorer for it. What I would like to see, and I can understand why you wouldn't want to publish it to protect the franchised dealer advertisers, is to expand the API to include current production cars (like the F430, and others). "Thank you again for a great publication, and best of luck, whatever you decide. I'm sure you realize that no matter what you create, someone will not like it. Don't let that deter you from doing what you believe is right." L. C., Raleigh, NC __________________________________________ 24 HOURS OF DAYTONA 2010 Most motorsport fanatics' blood starts pumping quite a bit faster this time of year. Wrought with anticipation for the upcoming motorsports year we gobble up the introduction of the F1 cars, polish up on who is driving what, where, and for whom, some of us ready for the NASCAR season. Most see the 24 Hours of Daytona as the first step towards another year of racing bliss. For our readers who are not familiar with this particular race, it is an endurance race for sports prototypes (Daytona Prototypes as they are called) and GT cars (which are modified production cars like the Ferrari F430). The GT class was where you'll find the only two Ferraris entered this year. But there are rumors of a Ferrari-engined car entering the prototype class in the future. This year's 48th Rolex 24 at Daytona was won by a Riley-Porsche. The team covered 2687.8 miles around the 3.56-mile circuit over the 24 hours. Their average speed was 111.930 mph. After the race, Porsche took this opportunity to celebrate their 22nd overall victory in this event. Ferrari has five overall wins; '63, '64, '67, '72, and '98. The racing was good, actually great producing 53 lead changes (a record) but great was not the word to use regarding Ferrari's performance as they did not fare well. Classified in 41st place overall (out of 44 cars that started the race) and 26th in GT Class was the Wil Mar Racing #52 Ferrari F430 Challenge car driven by Castellano, Michaelian, Michaelian, Safina, Schmidt, and Swartzbaugh. Sponsors on the car were Wilton Partners, XLawX, Bizrate.com, P1Groupe.com, Dorsal Friends, Ecotech Roofing, and Stoll Law. The #52 Ferrari completed just 112 laps before problems halted their progress and a good finish. The car's fastest lap was 1:55.373. By comparison, the winning GT car (a Mazda RX-8) ran a fast lap of 1:50.396 and completed 707 laps. The overall winning BMW powered Daytona Prototype completed 755 laps with a fast lap of 1:41.722. A second Ferrari 430 Challenge car was entered by Sigalsport with a driver's listing of Poordad, Sigal, West, and Yasukawa. This car #08 was tagged with a last place finish. as the car was withdrawn before the race. Followers of Maranello's finest will have to wait till next year to see if the much-rumored Ferrari power plant in a Daytona Prototype will appear. Whether or not that happens we can still wish for a better showing in the GT class for the Prancing Horse. It never sets well to certain sports car lovers to see a Mazda RX-8 finishing ahead of Ferrari, BMW, Corvette, and Porsche. Juha Lievonen's photograph of the Ferrari powered Daytona Prototype above shows that this concept is indeed a real possibility. Notice the word "Ferrari" prominently displayed on the top of the windscreen and the Scuderia Shields (a pair of them) on the mat in front of the car. Rumor has it (and this grumbling buzz has been heard for the last few years getting folks all excited with no real results) that Ferrari engines will provide the power for a team or two in the Daytona Prototype class. This would have them join Chevrolet, BMW, Porsche, and Ford as engine suppliers. "We'll just have to wait and see?" is what I've been saying for the last year or so on this scuttle but. Chad Ensz __________________________________________ RM OFFERS 250 GTO London, 2 February 2010 - RM Auctions, the global leader in the collector car market with a specialization in the sale of Ferraris, is representing the 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO (chassis no. 4675 GT)?one of the most coveted cars in the world?for private treaty sale. "The Ferrari GTO is unquestionably one of the most iconic and coveted cars in the world," says Max Girardo, Managing Director of RM Europe. "This is truly a rare occasion for collectors to acquire such an important piece of automotive history and we are pleased to be chosen by 4675 GT's current custodian to represent it on the open market." This 250 GTO is one of only 36 250 GTOs originally produced and one of a limited few with Series II GTO bodywork. In addition to being considered one of the most beautiful cars ever built by Ferrari, the GTO was tremendously successful in competition, securing multiple World Championships for the Maranello car builder. In April 1963, 4675 GT left the factory finished in Rosso Cina. It was raced by such drivers as Guido Fossati, Jean Guichet, Oddone Sigala, Vincenzo Nember and Luigi Taramazzo and proved itself a tremendously capable racing car, rarely finishing outside the top three in its class and achieving numerous race wins. It participated in the full range of competitive events, including hillclimbs, endurance races and rallies. The present owner acquired 4675 GT in 1996, and has maintained it in his exceptional, world-renowned Japanese collection ever since. Most recently 4675 GT has participated in the ultra-private events reserved only for GTO owners, namely the 35th and 45th GTO Anniversary Tours in France and California. __________________________________________ FERRARI SPEAKS JAPANESE Maranello, 21 January 2010 - Ferrari.com has debuted its new Japanese language version. After the launch last year of the completely redesigned site, in English and Italian, the world of Ferrari has now been further enriched by the addition of this new online tool dedicated specifically to its clients, enthusiasts and fans in the great Asian nation. The new version of the site is an acknowledgement of the Japanese public's enormou passion for the Ferrari brand. It aims to foster an even closer relationship between the Prancing Horse and the Japanese public, and boost already-high user participation by eliminating any language barriers. In a further acknowledgment of the Asian world's passion for Ferrari, they now also have a Chinese language version of Ferrari.com under construction.

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