Image credit: Ferrari
Ferrari recently released a behind-the-scenes video of Lewis Hamilton’s first few days as a Ferrari driver. They include his arrival at Maranello where that now infamous photograph was taken of Lewis, dressed in black, stood next to an Ferrari F40.
And whilst many believe the F40 to be the Ferrari roadcar that Lewis admires most, in the video Lewis hinted that it was infact a different classic that was his favourite.
The behind-the-scenes video shows Lewis arriving at Maranello on the first day of his new job. He was greeted by Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur who Lewis raced for in the ART Grand Prix team during his GP2 winning campaign in 2006.
Lewis then set about being introduced to the facility and all of the staff that worked there. One-by-one he went around every team member and greeted them with a huge smile on his face. And on every occasion, the warmth of the greeting was reciprocated by the Ferrari staff.
Image credit: Ferrari
As part of his introduction to the Ferrari family, Lewis was taken around Enzo Ferrari’s old house. Then, he was shown the Ferrari Classiche restoration department. That’s where all the original technical build documentation from all classic Ferraris is kept, and where owners of older Ferraris can have their cars serviced or repaired to original standards.
The video shows Lewis examining some of the original documentation and engineering drawings which are kept in a locked archive. Lewis has to wear glovs to handle them.
Image credit: Ferrari
As part of his tour of the Classiche facility, Lewis browsed some of the stunning cars on display.
Many believe that Lewis’ favourite Ferrari, and in fact his favourite ever supercar, is the F40. That’s why he’s pictured standing next to it in that infamous photo, right?
Well as he’s walking around admiring the classics, it’s a different car that stops him in his tracks. He pauses next to the classic, gazing admiringly at its beauty, and as he’s leaning on its rear quarter he says to his colleague “This is the one. Yeah, this is the one”.
In the video, it’s hard to see what that car is:
But it didn’t take too much research to find out which car Lewis is lusting after. And it’s no surprise, given which car it is.
It’s a Ferrari 250 GT SWB California Spider, built in the 1960s. It was built off the back of Ferrari’s tremendous success racing a 250 GT long wheelbase coupe in the 50s and 60s. The convertible Spider model was built off the idea of an esteemed gentlemen being able to drive the car to a track, race it around and drive it home again, all whilst taking in the sunshine in the upmost of style.
It’s a thing of absolute beauty and is the car many will say is the most beautiful Ferrari ever made. It’s hard not to agree with them.
But that beauty, and heritage, comes at a price. In 2024, the first 250 GT SWB California Spider that was ever built sold at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Monterrey for $17 million.
Ferrari F40s regularly sell for between $2m and $3m. A snip, when compared to the price of these classics. But if there’s someone that could afford one, it’s Lewis. First, though, he probably needs to beat his teammate Leclerc.
Hey Alex,
Not sure how I came upon you but great stuff.
Going to COTA this year, hope to find something unique to do while there.
Keep up the good work, I’ve already forwarded you to a number of friends.
Hey Mike, appreciate the comment and the forwarding! Give me a shout if you need any info. Cheers.