Detour #194: Supercar Valley, Italy
Photo Ferrari
Italy's Supercar Valley is home to the most romantic names in motoring: Maserati, Lamborghini, Pagani and Ferrari. On the roads of Emilia Romagna you will fall for them all.
Modena is best known for two things: the sour delights of its balsamic vinegar and the sweet sounds of internal combustion coming from the stunning supercars made in the region. That’s where this circular journey begins and ends.
Maserati is the oldest of the Italian supercar makers with a history that dates back to 1914 so the company’s Modena showroom makes the perfect starting point. You’ll want to allow a couple of hours here to explore the free-to-enter exhibition space, or a bit longer if you fancy a factory tour.
It’s a short drive on the SP255 for the next icon on the agenda: Lamborghini. 2023 marks the company’s 60th anniversary and to celebrate it has completely refreshed its museum at Sant’ Agata. It’s easy to spend another few hours gawping at Gallardos and musing over Miuras. You can also take a guided tour of the factory to watch the magic being made.
If the sight of all these supercars has you salivating, then Ristorante Da Taiadela is the perfect spot for lunch. It's walking distance from Lamborghini which is why you're most likely to find yourself dining alongside the Raging Bull's workers on tasty local dishes.
Take the SP16, and SP9 south and you’ll soon find yourself at Pagani Automobili. It’s the new kid on the Modena block, having been founded by Horacio Pagani in 1992 after he left former employer Lamborghini. In those three decades since, the company has caused quite a stir with its almost steampunk-styled multi-million-dollar hypercars. Once more you’ll want devote a few hours to viewing Pagani’s incredible machines and watching how they’re assembled.
Now it’s time to follow the famous Prancing Horse, beginning with a literal taste of history. Follow the signs to Maranello, passing the Hotel Maranello Village (the only Ferrari-themed hotel in the world), past the Ferrari factory and the Fiorano circuit (don’t worry you’ll soon be returning) and bring your appetite to Ristorante Montana. Here, among the posters and memorabilia you will eat the most delicious, traditional food knowing that multiple world champions, have done exactly the same.
Retracing your steps to overnight at the Hotel Maranello Village is a good move. The rooms don’t command Ferrari prices and you’re well-placed for an early start on the very roads that Ferrari’s test drivers use.
You don’t need to be in a Ferrari to enjoy the SS12 Abetone Pass (I had a hoot in a Fiat Panda), but for the full experience the hotel can arrange a rental. No matter what you’re driving you’ll soon discover why the pass is a favourite among the firm’s development drivers and every journalist or influencer taking a car out for test.
Photo Ferrari
Heading out towards the hills of Tuscany you’ll relish the challenging curves and steep climbs that take you to the ski resort town of Abetone. Keep going as far as the beautiful walled city of Lucca and the road continues to provide bend after glorious bend.
From Lucca there’s a speedier way back to Maranello along the A11 Autostrada to Florence and then, if you’re up for more twists and turns there’s the SS65 Futa Pass which forms part of the Mille Miglia route. If you're lucky you might even catch sight of one of the Prancing Horses getting its exercise – just don't try to keep up!
When you reach Bologna you’ll turn left to return to Maranello and a visit to the Ferrari Museum. It’s a truly spectacular celebration of the brand and perfect for petrol heads of all ages. A factory visit is an absolute must, especially since it includes a lap of the Fiorano circuit (albeit in a coach).
The final leg of this tifosi tour takes you back to where it all began – the house in Modena where Enzo Ferrari was born and raised. Now fully restored as the Enzo Ferrari Museum, and with a small gallery of supercars alongside, it's a more intimate way to discover more about Modena's most famous son, and a fitting finish to this terrific trip.
Photo Ferrari
ROADBOOK
CLASS:tifosi tour
NAME: supercar valleY
ROUTE: moden to modena
COUNTRY: italy
Distance: 264 Miles
You could spend a night with a whole stable of Italian stallions thanks to a unique offer from Airbnb - but you’ll need to be as fast as a Formula 1 driver to catch it.