Let\'s face it: Most of us will never get to own a Ferrari in our lifetime. Especially if we don\'t enter politics or engage in some curious commercial undertaking. But it\'s never wrong to dream. It is probably for this reason that the Italian carmaker has set up a chain of over 50 Ferrari Stores around the world. The company wants to sell you a dream. A Prancing Horse logo on a pair of sneakers is better than nothing at all. And hopefully, that lifestyle product stamped with the Scuderia\'s brand will spur you to work harder to be able to one day afford an exotic red sports car.
During the recent \"Formula Ferrari\" forum held at the carmaker\'s Maranello headquarters, Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo told us that \"Ferrari is the strongest brand in the world\" and that \"every minute, 95 items with the Prancing Horse logo are sold worldwide.\" He also added that his company has \"60 licensing agreements in over 20 product categories.\" Among the brands they have a commercial partnership with are Puma, Vertu, Hublot, Sony, Microsoft, Mattel, Electronic Arts, Motorola and Lego.
If you\'ve been to Singapore, Dubai, Europe or the US, you may have set foot in a Ferrari Store. But no such store boasts a more complete inventory of Ferrari products than the one in Maranello. We visited this store and looked around for truly cool stuff that any gearhead would be proud to have. Check these out...
Ferrari stickers, 12 euros (P646). Among the cheapest items you can buy at the store. Perfect for the kids or as a souvenir.
Ferrari shirt, 50 euros (P2,692). They have really nice vintage prints that hark back to the days when F1 drivers weren\'t whining douche bags.
Ferrary key ring, 195 euros (P10,503). Imagine this dangling from your waistline.
Ferrari headphones, 252 euros (P13,574). Because Sennheiser and Monster are too common.
Ferrari sunglasses, 200 euros (P10,773). Remember that time you were annoyed because there were five of you in the same place rocking Ray-Ban Wayfarers? You won\'t have that issue with these.
Ferrari Formula 1 jacket, 165 euros (P8,880). For the hardcore fan.
Tod\'s Ferrari driving shoes, 340 euros (P18,293). They look good. And comfortable.
Ferrari necktie, 98 euros (P5,272). Hermes? Carlo Franco? Too expensive and less cool than one with a Prancing Horse logo.
Ferrari mahjong set, 1,500 euros (P80,700). Because apparently, Ferrari customers are so passionate they want to see their favorite car brand even when gambling.
Ferrari F2003-GA 1:8 scale model, 6,400 euros (P344,282). Only 50 pieces were made so you can be sure of exclusivity.
Ferrari F2003-GA conrod and piston, 1,200 euros (P64,566). This is an original part, not a replica.
Vertu Ferrari phone, 9,500 euros (P511,178). We\'re pretty sure this isn\'t better than your iPhone or Blackberry. You\'re paying for the brand.
Ferrari classic steering wheel, 2,950 euros (P158,734). An elegant reminder of the days when tillers didn\'t have airbags and audio-control buttons.
Ferrari 458 Italia 1:8 scale model, 4,500 euros (P242,153). Why so expensive? Because only 199 pieces are in circulation.
Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa engine 1:6 scale model, 1,150 euros (P61,885). You might be able to close more deals if you have this sitting on your desk. Assuming, of course, that the people you\'re dealing with are car nuts.
Ferrari F1-2000 crankshaft, 3,800 euros (P204,664). Also an original part from Michael Schumacher\'s title-winning car.
Ferrari Formula 1 car part, 1,500 euros (P80,796). There are also non-mechanical original parts from Ferrari\'s past F1 cars like this one.
Ferrari F2008 1:1 steering wheel replica, 4,800 euros (P258,570). Yes, it\'s that complicated.
Fernando Alonso 1:1 helmet replica, 4,500 euros (P242,422). Wear this on your car club\'s track day just for kicks.
Colnago Ferrari bicycle, 16,000 euros (P860,883). You\'ll probably need steroids to get your money\'s worth.
Photos by Vernon B. Sarne
