Feature: Fantastic Five
February 1, 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
