Kim Henson visits a unique exhibition of interest to anyone who likes motoring history in general, sports/racing cars and Ferrari in particular…
(All words and photographs by Kim).
For most motoring enthusiasts the Ferrari name conjours up thoughts and images relating to speed, style, technical prowess, motorsport success and a unique sporting character.
Celebrating all of these aspects and more is a fascinating exhibition currently running at the Design Museum, adjacent to Holland Park, Kensington, London.
This week I was able to visit the exhibition, by arrangement through the Guild of Motoring Writers for a limited number of its members (so I count myself very fortunate to be able to attend!), and courtesy of Ferrari.
The one-off exhibition tells the whole story of Ferrari through the years, from the earliest days when, in 1929 Enzo Ferrari formed the Scuderia Ferrari motor racing team, and highlights the establishment, in 1947, of the firm, which for the last 70+ years has produced a string of carefully-crafted, highly desirable road cars, plus successful racing models, all iconic machines revered by enthusiasts. It includes models produced in recent years, right up to date.
Enzo’s renowned attention to detail and the quest for engineering/performance perfection shine through, these aspects being highlighted and brought to life by the exhibits, many of which are privately owned.
The exhibition displays some very rare artefacts (indeed, many of them are unique) relating to the company, its founder and of course its cars. These include photographs dating right back to the 1920s, original drawings and plans of the vehicles and their mechanical components, also (for example) clay models of the cars, used in their development, also wooden mock-ups used for panel fit checks (etc.) and wire patterns for the bodywork.
Complete engines are also on show (Ferrari engines have often been regarded as ‘works of art’ as well as being beautifully engineered and offering excellent performance), and in addition cylinder blocks, heads and other parts are shown.
For many it will be the complete vehicles that are the stars of the show, and there are many exceedingly rare, important and no doubt valuable Ferraris to be seen and admired there. Original brochures relating to these cars, plus a wealth of Ferrari Year Books, are also on display.
My photographs show some of the items at the exhibition, which runs until 15th April 2018, but if you are interested I would urge you to make your way to the Design Museum, London, to have a look for yourself; well worthwhile, I feel.
KIM’S VERDICT
A wonderful, unique Ferrari-related exhibition. If you like cars don’t miss it – please go and see it if you can!
MORE INFORMATION:
Tickets to the exhibition cost £18.
For further information, please go to:
https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/ferrari-under-the-skin
(Note: There are many other interesting designs relating to many different aspects of life – not just motoring – on show in the Museum.
Entry to the Museum itself is free of charge, but you will need to buy tickets to see the various individual additional exhibitions within the Museum).
