Over 90 per cent of all Ferraris are still on the road: How Maranello supports older models

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More than 90 per cent of all Ferraris ever produced are still on the road today, according to the brand, and it's now invested more than ever to keep its older models fighting fit.

Speaking to media in Maranello, Italy during a showcase of the Ferrari Approved certified pre-owned program, head of Ferrari pre-owned Andrea Scioletti said more than 90 per cent of cars to have ever left the Ferrari factory continue to be on the roads today.

"More than 90 per cent of the total Ferrari production – beyond 300,000 cars – is still on the road," said Mr Scioletti.

"Pre-owned is often the main entrance for the [new] people accessing the Ferrari [brand]. For this reason, we have created several programs to preserve the experience… of the cars over time.

“Ferrari Approved is a way to guarantee that the experience for those buying a Ferrari remains unchanged over time.”

To have more than 90 per cent of all models produced still on the road is no small feat. It’s a number that eclipses that of rival Porsche and its 70 per cent figure for all its models still on the road today.

MORE: Why Ferrari insists on developing supercar parts in-house, when most don't

Ferrari has several after-sales programs and packages to ensure its older models continue running, including a three-year factory warranty, additional (at cost) extended warranty, and powertrain-specific warranties that last up to 16 years after a car's been delivered.

However, the brand believes "a Ferrari is forever" and even wants to handle the sales process of used cars.

The Ferrari Approved program is the manufacturer's certified pre-owned vehicle (CPO) scheme that goes beyond normal CPO arrangements in which cars are cross-checked against specific criteria and their maintenance histories.

Ferrari Approved differs by mechanically and aesthetically "restoring" these models back to factory condition for the next owners. It's then warranted for up to 24 months, depending on the country (just 12 months for Australian cars).

It's only available for models up to 16 years old (or 120,000km), but involves 201 individual points of inspection and compliance for a car to be "Ferrari Approved". These checks involve everything from cross-checking maintenance schedules, to paint inspections, and even replacing worn or damaged parts.

According to Ferrari, cars that are Ferrari Approved-certified hold a higher resale value.

"It could be also an opportunity [for customers] to enter [the] Ferrari world… through a different channel," said Scioletti.

It's no secret that Ferrari wait lists run years in some circumstances, so the relative availability of Ferrari Approved cars (especially with the specific inventory website) provides another avenue for Ferrari customers to get into a car without waiting.

Beyond the Ferrari Approved certification process, the manufacturer then offers the Ferrari Premium maintenance program for cars between 10 and 20 years old.

This then leads into the elite Ferrari Classiche circle. Ferrari's Classiche program is the top level of Ferrari certification that acts as Ferrari's own in-house restoration program.

Every single aspect of a car's provenance, maintenance, and physical condition is scrutinised by a team of experts in order for a car to achieve the highest Ferrari factory certification. This is an avenue for cars to compete at concours events or achieve the highest returns when sent to auction.

It's the ultimate form of vehicle preservation that sees cars from Ferrari's early days – such as the 1959 Ferrari 250 GT SWB – returned to the condition that they left the factory.

There is no set price to complete either of the Ferrari Approved or Ferrari Classiche services. The price tag of certification depends on the individual condition of each car.

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