Ferrari Fans Devoted Through Decades of Movie, TV Roles

Nov. 20, 2006 — -- If you've seen "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," you surely remember the day three high school kids took a Ferrari for a daylong joyride that unfortunately ended in the car's destruction.

The Ferrari crashed through a wall and took off, only to crash and burn in the forest below.

The Ferrari in the movie was the 250 GT California Spyder.

Despite its untimely cinematic demise at the hands of Ferris and friends, the Ferrari brand itself has endured -- for the fans who can afford them.

Ferrari's latest edition, the 599, hits North American stores this week, the company's 59th year in production.

The company's loyal fanatics see the cars as more than just a means of transportation, with many being loyal customers for decades.

And the cars' exotic designs have made them a staple in Hollywood movies and television over the years.

"This thing is just so much more than a car, it's part of me," said Bob Coates, director of the Empire State Ferrari Club, who bought his first Ferrari 35 years ago.

"At that point in time, there were less than 4,000 Ferraris in the world. Back in those days, most people didn't even know what a Ferrari was," he said.

But times have changed. There are now 80,000 Ferraris on the road despite an average six-digit sticker price, thanks in part to the Ferrari's role in so many movies and television shows.

Who can forget "Miami Vice"?

Detective Sonny Crockett drove what looked like a Ferrari Daytona, but Ferrari fans who did their detective work discovered something different.

"The black Daytona from 'Miami Vice' was a Corvette. It didn't quite look right. You could see it was the Corvette windshield; the door latches were the Corvette door latches," Coates said.

When the Ferrari 599 hits North America this week, the Ferrari fanatics predict it too will be a hit for those with deep pockets.

And who knows, it could be starring soon in a theater near you.