Abarths abound at Maranello Rosso
Fabrizio Violati founded Maranello Rosso in 1989 as the first Ferrari Museum open to the public.
By Pete Vack
Time flies when having fun–in December Maranello Rosso will celebrate its twentieth year of keeping the legend alive. Maranello Rosso is really two museums, one featuring Abarths and the other signficant Ferraris. There is also a study center and art gallery, and all of this is located in the tiny Republic of San Marino close to the Imola racetrack. Among the main themes of Maranello Rosso are History, Style, Technologic Evolution and The Men behind a century of motorsport achievements and Italian art.
The museum also features a large shopping area, specifically designed for Ferrari and Abarth enthusiasts. Bring Euros.
Maranello Rosso’s twenty-five classic Ferrari cars include the 250 MM Berlinetta, serial number 0312, bought by Bill Devin and raced by Phil Hill; a Ferrari 250 GTO , a 250 Pininfarina Spyder once owned by Marilyn Monroe, the F.1 car of Gilles Villeneuve, the 330 P driven by Graham Hill, the 365 P2/3 raced by John Surtees, and a rare 250GT with a Superamerica body, serial number #3615.
The Abarth museum is even more interesting. Maranello Rosso has gathered 40 of the most important Abarth competition, Grand Touring, sport, prototype, rally and formula cars produced by the Turinese race car builder. The collection includes the 1000 Record Monza that established a 72 Hour World Record, a Abarth Simca 1300, the 2000 Simca Abarth and the World Champion Fiat Abarth 131 Rally, the winner of the Rally World Championship.
The museum is very proud of the fact that Maranello Rosso has been honored by the Italian President Sen. Giorgio Napolitano as an example of “Made in Italy”.
The collection was founded by Fabrizio Violati, but the driving force is Sandra Lodi, who took on the challenge to create a facility with the primary intention to safeguard the collection and the cultural heritage for the people. She writes and speaks English very well, and can be contacted at museo@maranellorosso.com. Be sure to tell her when you are arriving and that VeloceToday sent you. The website for the museum is Maranellorosso.com, where there are directions, information and reservation forms, all in English.
Below, a few images from Maranello Rosso. Local hotels and museum times follow the photos.
Maranello Rosso is always open to the public from 10,00 to 13,00 and from 14,00 to 18,00.
Saturday, Sunday and holidays by reservation. Groups and special formats only on reservation.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS NEAR MARANELLO ROSSO
SAN MARINO
Grand Hotel San Marino – in the historic centre of of San Marino a 10 min. drive to Maranello Rosso
Ph + (378) 0549 902007 – www.grandhotelsanmarino.com
Grand Hotel Primavera a perfect solution in between the countryside of San Marino and the Riviera coast
Ph + (378) 0549 902007 – www.grandhotelprimavera.com
Hotel Il Monte on the main road to Maranello Rosso and the ancient city of San Marino
Tel. 0549/904056 – www.hotelilmonte.com
RICCIONE
Hotel Promenade on the sea combine the riviera atmosphere and a beautiful spa … charm and relax
Ph +39 0541 600852 – www.hotelpromenade.it
CATTOLICA
Palazzo Viviani di Montegridolfo a complete medieval village converted in a unique resort on a hill overlooking the sea
Ph. +39 0541 855350 – www.mobygest.com
RIMINI
DuoMo Hotel & NoMi club a design hotel in the historic centre of Rimini –
Ph +39 0541 www.duomohotel.com
Hotel Luxor Rimini on the Rimini coast only 15 minutes from Maranello Rosso –
Ph +39 0541 390990 – www.riminiluxor.com
Hi Pete
Of course, the Abarths are more interesting. Again a delight to see you featuring something other than Ferrari!
Adrian
Abarth cars are something that we definitely don’t get enough of… they are amazing!