Italian Cars: Say Arrivederci to the Old and Ciao to the New

Everyone remembers where they were when they saw their first exotic supercar. Whether you were speeding down the highway in your family’s sedan or visiting your first car show, Ferraris and Lamborghinis have a way of standing out. Yet, a lot has happened since these cars hit the streets. Once they debuted in May 1947 for Ferrari and 1963 for Lamborghini, the car industry was changed forever. 

At The Motorsport Lab, we’re exotic supercar connoisseurs. Since 2010, we’ve been helping people from all over the United States enjoy their first experience of driving a Ferrari and a Lamborghini.  Now, in 2022, post Covid-19 pandemic, we’re creating a dream-filled travel excursion to where it all began: Italy. Not only do we take pride in where our iconic favorites have been, but we’re they’re headed. 

We would love to bring your lifelong love of exotic supercars to its crescendo. Join us as we undertake a nine-day pilgrimage to Motorsports Valley in the Bologna region of Italy, where together, we can witness our favorite cars’ style, hardware, and speed.  

Through Thick and Thin, Ferraris and Lamborghinis Have Retained Their Shapes 

Although they hit the market 15 years apart, both Ferraris and Lamborghinis captured the eyes of the world with their sleek, elegant designs. When you venture to the Enzo Ferrari Museum, Ferrari Museum, and Ferruccio Lamborghin Museum and the Lamborghini Factory and Museum, you can see for yourself how these cars have changed over the years. 

Ferrari Brings a Taste of Nostalgia into the New Decade 

One of the biggest changes that you’ll notice in both cars is how time has made these cars more aerodynamic. When Ferraris and Lamborghinis first appeared on the market, they appeared almost cylindrical in design, a far cry from the tour de force they are today. 

Ferrari 125 S (1947)

Ferrari 125 S (1947)

At the Enzo Ferrari Museum, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Ferrari 125 S up close and personal. Debuting in 1947, Enzo Ferrari himself called it “a promising failure.” Yet, after winning six races at the Grand Prix of Rome, this vehicle quickly proved its own creator wrong. 

The Ferrari 125 S is actually remarkably similar to the Ferrari Monza SP2, which is a perfect marriage of old and new. Just from first impressions alone, one can see how the newer model borrows from the design of its predecessor, featuring an all-inclusive dashboard, showing off its iconic two leather seats.

Ferrari itself refers to the Ferrari Monza SP2 as “a respectful yet un-nostalgic homage to the past.” 

Ferrari Monza SP2 (2019)

Ferrari Monza SP2 (2019)

While borrowing from the Ferrari 125 S’s nostalgic design, this limited run two-seater features innovations previously unheard of in the automobile industry, namely, its virtual windshield.

 Ferrari’s patented virtual windshield directs wind upward, shielding passengers from light rainfall, bugs, and flecks of debris. The frontward design of the Ferrari Monza SP2 acts as a ramp, creating a protective airtight barrier. This feature will likely be a staple in Ferrari’s newer models and other exotic supercars around the world. 

It is worth noting that the Ferrari 125 S did not have a windshield, either. However, on the race track, motorists needed to be outfitted in googles and headwear for their own safety. 

Lamborghini Began with Tractors and Ended with the World’s Fastest

The Lamborghini Museum offers interactive simulations that put you in the driver’s seat. Here, you will have the chance to experience the thrill of driving of these amazing vehicles on your own.

Now known as the “Museum of Technologies,” this destination focuses on more of the new than the old. However, you will have the chance to see Lamborghini’s best hits from the 1960s, including the Lamborghini GT 400, the Lamborghini Miura, and the Lamborghini Islera. 

Come see for yourself how a company that once started as a tractor manufacturer ended up designing one of the world’s most coveted vehicles. It’s a story that you don’t want to miss as it’s as unbelievable as how an exotic supercar can push the boundaries of speed, design and engineering marvel year after year!  Revel in the tail-fin designs of the late 1990s and awe at the futuristic details of today. 

It all starts by booking your Cradle Of Supercars: Motor Valley, Italy Travel Experience with The Motorsport Lab. 

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Come See What’s Under the Hood 

When Ferraris and Lamborghinis first came out, their engines were nothing fancy. They were designed to get cars from point A to point B. However, today, these engines feature both old and new technologies that work in perfect harmony. 

Here, you can see the differences and similarities between Ferrari and Lamborghini’s most anticipated releases: 

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Ferrari SF90 Spider (2021)

Ferrari SF90 Spider (2021)

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 (2020)

Lamborghini Essenza SCV12 (2020)

At both the Ferrari Museum and Lamborghini Museum, you will have the chance to see your favorite cars’ engines up close and personal. 

Italian Cars Have a Need for Speed

In late 2020, despite the temporary halt in production, Lamborghini released the Aventador SVJ. This triumph left its rivals in the dust by reaching 210 miles an hour and reaching 60 miles per hours in 2.9 seconds.  

While this makes their predecessors look like fossils, serious car enthusiasts know that the Ferrari 125 S ran at 130 miles per hour––which at the time, came close to shattering world records. The Lamborghini 350 GTV, however, which was the first model Lamborghini released to the market, was able to top speeds of over 150 miles per hour. 

Ultimately, consumers have shaped the auto industry. While audiences were impressed by these triumphs, they hungered for better, faster, and stronger vehicles. 

Right now, both Ferrari and Lamborghini are working on projects that they hope will beat out the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which right now, holds the world record for being the fastest car. In just 2.5 seconds, it can reach 60 miles per hour. 

Yet, only time will tell whether these Italians automakers can continue their high-performance legacy and raise the bar higher than we’ve ever seen.

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (2017)

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ (2017)

Book the Trip of a Lifetime with the Motorsport Lab

After years of oohing and aahing at your favorite exotic supercars, now is the time to see them for yourself. While you might have a Ferrari or Lamborghini sitting in your garage right now, nothing compares to the exhilaration of seeing and driving one of the legends themselves in real time.  

When you book your trip with us, the Ferrari Museum and the Lamborghini Museum are just two of the highlights of your tour. You will also be able to explore:

  • The Panini Collection. Home to Maserati’s most captivating models, you can see prototypes that were never released onto the market. 

  • The Pagani Museum. You can experience Horacio Pagani’s vision and take in some of Italy’s fastest supercars. 

Register with our team today to learn more about the Cradle of Supercars Motor Valley, Italy tour!  We are excited to be a part of your journey into the automotive world. 

Ray Chang