Faster than we could say "ciao!", we stumbled upon a pair of modern 250s. The first, dressed in wine red, was called 250 MM, while the other, sporting an impeccably restored French blue bodywork, was the 250 GT Europa we had seen -- and heard -- racing on the Moroso track the day before. You should know that the original 250s helped create the universal legend that is now the Cavallino Rampante thanks to a spectacular yet unexpected win at the 1952 Mille Miglia by Giovanni Bracco. Barely known at the time, this driver became famous behind the wheel of his new Ferrari 250 Sport with 0156 chassis.


Automotive art
After a light meal on the terrace overlooking the beach, where we watched surfers take on the fearsome "breaker" waves (hence the name of the hotel), we descended toward the pristine golf course. Our walk led us through various stands of photographers, painters and sculptors who found their inspiration in Ferrari's eventful history.

But the main attraction sat just a couple of feet away: a gorgeous 1966 275 GTB/C that skilled technicians had just finished restoring -- as least as far as the mechanical parts were concerned; the paint and finish had yet to be applied. This goes to show you how badly its owner wanted to take part in the inaugural Shell Challenge of 2008.

Next, we entered the Ferrari Classiche stand, where a yellow 365 GTB/4 was resting on top of a lift, almost as if it dominated all the other cars. "We've been in America for only two years now. Yet, we have restored and authenticated over 200 cars, be it in our dealerships or through our Maranello workshops", explained one of the representatives. Visibly, the clouds of a possible recession currently darkening America do not seem to bother the Italians...

Shortly afterwards, we were introduced to a number of 275 GTB/4 cars. Among them was a beautiful 330 GTS and I'll tell you, its owner was sweating like crazy upon being interrogated by three judges of the competition.

We resumed our tour to admire a few little Dinos. These models have been neglected for a long time but, fortunately, they now have regained their sweet spot in the Ferrari family. Ask any collector!