Feature: Fantastic Five
02/01/2008
Getting seat time in a Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano or Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren—let alone both in the same afternoon—can be a challenge. With limited production numbers and lengthy waiting lists that favor marque loyalists, the cars are rarely available to enthusiasts who want to sample the finest wares from Modena or Stuttgart. Enter World Class Driving (WCD), which seeks to remedy the situation with a simple solution: For a fee of $1,495 (plus $300 for passengers), anyone can partake of its high-performance fleet, which also includes an Aston Martin V8 Vantage, a Ferrari F430 and a Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder.Currently touring the country with its exotic stable in tow, WCD invited Robb Report to Santa Monica’s Viceroy Hotel for a spin in its brilliantly hued collection.
While each of the cars in this impressive lineup defines the go-fast mentality, we’ll be driving exclusively on public roads and WCD emphasizes that this isn’t a racing school. "Just because you are in a Ferrari does not make you Mario Andretti or Michael Schumacher," says Jean-Paul Libert, a former professional Le Mans driver and founding partner of the two-year-old company. "Many of us have a racing background, but this company is not about racing—it is about appreciating each automobile and enjoying the day."
For those who want to open the throttle and push the envelope, this sounds like a disappointing philosophy, but once we hit the expanse of the Pacific Coast Highway, the experience proves far more enjoyable than anticipated. A follow-the-leader convoy led by Didier Theys—a Sebring and Daytona champ—sets a quick pace right out of the gate. I find a swift stride at the helm of a Ferrari 599 as we enter the Malibu city limits. The smooth V-12 provides several blissful bursts in the lower gears, but maintains a comfortable touring ride as we continue up the coast. After 45 minutes, it’s time for a driver change. Ciao, Ferrari; hello, Aston.
I find myself smiling at the steering wheel of yet another superb automobile every 45 minutes, and the back-to-back legs provide plenty of opportunity for comparison: the V8 Vantage proves the most engaging with its manual transmission; the F430 is supremely agile, with a mid-mounted engine and rear-wheel drive layout; the visceral Gallardo blats and growls through the twists and turns; and the SLR McLaren wins the prize for most photogenic (everyone wants a picture with the $500,000 supercar).
"We tour America all year long, visiting more than 30 states with the best cars on the market today," says Libert. "Nobody else does what we do." And in March, WCD will host its first Hawaii Big Island Golf & Drive event ($1,995 per couple) at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa. In addition to the company’s standard driving program along a 300-mile route, the three-day excursion includes extras like participation in a WCD-sponsored golf tournament. "We are trying new things for 2008," explains Libert, who also promises a slew of new cars. Beginning in January, the WCD fleet will welcome standout performers including the Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Maserati GranTurismo, Lamborghini Murciélago LP640, Audi R8 and Ferrari F430 Scuderia. But don’t worry if you still have your heart set on the Ferrari 599 and SLR McLaren—both will be making the rounds for another year.
World Class Driving, 877.597.6403, www.worldclassdriving.com