Ferrari, the Italian brand known for its luxury designs, speed and design, has opted to diversify its catalog entering in nautical mobility. The 21st century is witnessing the rise of boat races, with protagonists such as Achille Castoldi and Enzo Ferrari. Ferrari’s new design is named after the Arno XI Hydroplane, a hydrofoil with an engine that has proven its power on Formula 1 circuits. It is not only a breakthrough in the world of engines, but the way in which Ferrari intends to leave its legacy.
Ferrari
With origin in Modena in 1929, the well-known brand Ferrari was founded by Enzo Ferrari, who, at the age of 19, debuted as a professional driver. The creation of Scuderia Ferrari was born to take care of the sports management of the Alfa Romeo brand. Their last efforts have been focused on the design and commissioning of a new vehicle that we will not be able to see in the circuits but in the water.
Arno XI Hydroplane
Already in 1952, the collaboration between the speedboat racer Achille Castoldi and Enzo Ferrari took the racer to the top. With a 4.5-litre Lampredi V12 engine in his boat, Castoldi broke the speed record and keeps it until today.Also the Formula 1 vehicles have carried these engines, so the record has been more than justified. What characterizes the Arno XI? An engine with a power of more than 600 horsepower – thanks to the use of fuel and methanol and the addition of identical superchargers-as well as a three-point plane in hardwood and mahogany veneer, all with a red finish, as to honor Ferrari.
This exterior design, owned by Cantieri Timmosi, together with the Ferrari engine, make it a lightweight and durable machine.The trinomial formed by Ferrari, Timmosi and Castoldi has created an unbeatable hydro-plane. According to Stefano Meazza, chief engineer of Ferrari, “We applied lessons from the racetrack to the water, ensuring the Arno XI was as fast as any Ferrari on land”.Â
Breaking world-wide records
The world record was broken by Castoldi on 15 October 1953, who crossed the finish line in the hands of Ferrari. On board the Arno XI, I reached a speed of 150,49 mph (241,708 km/h), breaking all possible records. Today, people wonder if someone will be able to beat that record, or if it will be Ferrari who makes history again. What is the difference to the Italian model? Primarily, its three-point design of the seaplane allowed the aircraft to glide over water, limiting obstacles and promoting speed.“
This was not just a boat—it was a Ferrari on water, built for one purpose: speed”, stated Castoldi. With a record of 140.74 mph, Mario Verga lost his record as I can not beat the Italian Castoldi´s hydro-plane. Since 1952, the invention has changed hands many times and has undergone many repairs. One of them may include the use of 100-octane gasoline, favoring its exposure. In its last change of owner, it has taken the decision to put on sale the Ferrari Arno XI, with a price that exceeds $1 million.
Today, the boat is appreciated by historians of Ferrari, who explain that the mission of Ferrari is to go beyond the limits of engineering. You can visit in prestigious and enjoy its grandeur.It is not known if Ferrari will develop another hydro-plane of these characteristics or if they prefer to continue remembering their great feat. What we can say with certainty is that the union of Timmosi, Ferrari and Castoldi has been one of the most successful and profitable, having been able to unite engineering, speed and design.
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