It’s a tale that sounds too elite, too outrageous, and too Italian to be true—but entrepreneur and podcast host Jeff Fenster swears by it. In a now-viral Instagram video, Fenster revealed a surprising truth about Ferrari that has fascinated and frustrated luxury car aspirants for years: you can’t simply buy a new Ferrari—you must earn the privilege to own one. And that means, paradoxically, buying a used one first—often at a higher price.
The iconic Italian automaker has turned exclusivity into an art form, guarding its cars with a fortress of rules, rituals, and red tape. And in this world, your wallet is never your passport. It’s your reputation, history, and commitment to the Ferrari “family” that count.
The Ferrari Initiation: You Can’t Choose Ferrari—Ferrari Chooses You
When Fenster strolled into a Ferrari dealership years ago, he didn’t expect to be laughed at. All he wanted was to put his name down for the newly announced Ferrari SUV. But the response was swift and sobering: “Have you ever owned a Ferrari?” the dealer asked. When Fenster said no, he was politely (and firmly) told he wasn’t eligible. The kicker? Even used Ferraris cost more than new ones, simply because they serve as the gateway to the brand’s ultra-exclusive club.
This wasn’t about stock availability. It was about pedigree. In Ferrari’s world, you can’t drive their latest masterpiece unless you’ve first proven yourself worthy with an older model—at a premium.
A Marque That Monitors You
Owning a Ferrari isn’t like owning any other car. It’s like joining an exclusive society—think the Vatican, but with horsepower. New buyers undergo extensive background checks. Whispers within the industry say that older men with clean driving histories and scandal-free profiles are preferred. And just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Even after you’ve made it in, Ferrari still controls what you do with the car. You usually can’t resell it within the first year, and if you do wish to part ways, the company demands to be informed first. Flip it for a profit, and you risk being blacklisted for life.
No Lambo Lovers Allowed
Ferrari’s long-standing feud with Lamborghini takes a very real toll on aspirants. If you happen to own a Lambo—no matter how many Ferraris you’ve bought—you might never make it to the VIP list for limited edition releases. It’s brand loyalty or bust.
And forget those flashy YouTubers and reality stars. Ferrari has no appetite for loud personalities who treat the car as a prop. If your online persona doesn't align with the brand's image of sophistication and restraint, you’re out.
No Pink Paint, No Covered Badge, No DIY Mods
Want to tweak your ride? Think again. Ferrari is famously obsessive about keeping its designs “perfect.” Customization outside the official channels is frowned upon, and even simple changes—like unconventional paint jobs or covering the Ferrari badge—can earn you a stern letter from Maranello, or worse, a place on the company’s dreaded blacklist.
All repairs and maintenance must go through Ferrari-approved garages using Ferrari parts. Anything else? Warranty voided.
The Unwritten Ferrari Code
Buying your first Ferrari doesn’t make you a full-fledged member. It merely opens the door. To be truly embraced by the Ferrari elite, you’re expected to attend events, rub shoulders with fellow Ferraristas, and—unsurprisingly—buy more cars. Four Ferraris, according to popular belief, is the magic number to even be considered for special edition models.
And whatever you do, don’t badmouth Ferrari. Criticize the brand—even with evidence—and you’re done. Ask rapper 50 Cent or automotive journalist Chris Harris, both of whom faced the wrath of the brand’s guardians for daring to speak out.
Mystery, Ritual, and the Smile of a Lifetime
In a 2014 Wired interview, millionaire entrepreneur Robert Herjavec likened Ferrari ownership to a religious experience. “It’s kind of like the Vatican,” he said. “There are a lot of trinkets you have to wear, and a lot of rings you have to kiss.”
The payoff, however, is pure magic. “It’s the most beautiful thing ever created by human hands,” Herjavec said of his prized LaFerrari. “I could be having the worst day in the world, I see that car and it makes me smile.”
And that’s perhaps the best explanation for Ferrari’s cult-like allure. In an age where most things—status, luxury, even identity—can be bought or faked, Ferrari remains one of the last few brands that says: earn it.
So if you’re dreaming of that Prancing Horse on your garage floor, remember—it’s not just a car. It’s a calling.
The iconic Italian automaker has turned exclusivity into an art form, guarding its cars with a fortress of rules, rituals, and red tape. And in this world, your wallet is never your passport. It’s your reputation, history, and commitment to the Ferrari “family” that count.
The Ferrari Initiation: You Can’t Choose Ferrari—Ferrari Chooses You
When Fenster strolled into a Ferrari dealership years ago, he didn’t expect to be laughed at. All he wanted was to put his name down for the newly announced Ferrari SUV. But the response was swift and sobering: “Have you ever owned a Ferrari?” the dealer asked. When Fenster said no, he was politely (and firmly) told he wasn’t eligible. The kicker? Even used Ferraris cost more than new ones, simply because they serve as the gateway to the brand’s ultra-exclusive club.
This wasn’t about stock availability. It was about pedigree. In Ferrari’s world, you can’t drive their latest masterpiece unless you’ve first proven yourself worthy with an older model—at a premium.
A Marque That Monitors You
Owning a Ferrari isn’t like owning any other car. It’s like joining an exclusive society—think the Vatican, but with horsepower. New buyers undergo extensive background checks. Whispers within the industry say that older men with clean driving histories and scandal-free profiles are preferred. And just because you can afford it doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Even after you’ve made it in, Ferrari still controls what you do with the car. You usually can’t resell it within the first year, and if you do wish to part ways, the company demands to be informed first. Flip it for a profit, and you risk being blacklisted for life.
No Lambo Lovers Allowed
Ferrari’s long-standing feud with Lamborghini takes a very real toll on aspirants. If you happen to own a Lambo—no matter how many Ferraris you’ve bought—you might never make it to the VIP list for limited edition releases. It’s brand loyalty or bust.
And forget those flashy YouTubers and reality stars. Ferrari has no appetite for loud personalities who treat the car as a prop. If your online persona doesn't align with the brand's image of sophistication and restraint, you’re out.
No Pink Paint, No Covered Badge, No DIY Mods
Want to tweak your ride? Think again. Ferrari is famously obsessive about keeping its designs “perfect.” Customization outside the official channels is frowned upon, and even simple changes—like unconventional paint jobs or covering the Ferrari badge—can earn you a stern letter from Maranello, or worse, a place on the company’s dreaded blacklist.
All repairs and maintenance must go through Ferrari-approved garages using Ferrari parts. Anything else? Warranty voided.
The Unwritten Ferrari Code
Buying your first Ferrari doesn’t make you a full-fledged member. It merely opens the door. To be truly embraced by the Ferrari elite, you’re expected to attend events, rub shoulders with fellow Ferraristas, and—unsurprisingly—buy more cars. Four Ferraris, according to popular belief, is the magic number to even be considered for special edition models.
And whatever you do, don’t badmouth Ferrari. Criticize the brand—even with evidence—and you’re done. Ask rapper 50 Cent or automotive journalist Chris Harris, both of whom faced the wrath of the brand’s guardians for daring to speak out.
Mystery, Ritual, and the Smile of a Lifetime
In a 2014 Wired interview, millionaire entrepreneur Robert Herjavec likened Ferrari ownership to a religious experience. “It’s kind of like the Vatican,” he said. “There are a lot of trinkets you have to wear, and a lot of rings you have to kiss.”
The payoff, however, is pure magic. “It’s the most beautiful thing ever created by human hands,” Herjavec said of his prized LaFerrari. “I could be having the worst day in the world, I see that car and it makes me smile.”
And that’s perhaps the best explanation for Ferrari’s cult-like allure. In an age where most things—status, luxury, even identity—can be bought or faked, Ferrari remains one of the last few brands that says: earn it.
So if you’re dreaming of that Prancing Horse on your garage floor, remember—it’s not just a car. It’s a calling.
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