Inside Frankie Dettori’s stunning car collection, including the legendary Ferrari ‘that scared him’

FROM racehorses to horsepower, Frankie Dettori’s love of “all things fast” is undeniable – and his collection of stylish cars certainly reflects this.

The British-based Italian jockey, considered the most famous in the world, has a clear choice when it comes to owning four wheels.

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Given that he is a purebred Italian, it should come as no surprise that Dettori’s garage is dominated by Ferraris – and the legendary jockey always dreamed of owning the “black prancing horse.”

He told the Telegraph that he had always wanted to drive a Ferrari and had planned to get his first one before he turned 30.

“I’m Italian, which means I’m programmed to love football and Ferrari.”

“I told myself back then that I would have a Ferrari when I was 30.

“When I was 29, I was involved in a fatal plane crash – and I thought I had to get one now.”

“As soon as I got out of the hospital, I went to the dealer and bought one.”

Dettori’s first Ferrari was the classic 360 Modena – a car named after the birthplace of Enzo Ferrari.

It was a two-seat coupe powered by a 3.6 liter V8 mid-engine.

Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, Dettori’s 360 Modena was capable of producing a whopping 400 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.

Dettori raised his Ferrari level when we bought the famous 360 Spider in 2002 – the facelifted version of his previous Modena.

It was the Italian car manufacturer’s 20th road convertible and was powered by a powerful 3.6 liter V8 engine.

The car featured an F1-style automated manual transmission with paddle shifters – and was capable of producing an insane 400 horsepower and reaching a top speed of 180 miles per hour.

Eight years later, the legendary jockey sold both Ferraris to own the beautiful Ferrari 430 Scuderia.

According to Dettori, this was not a normal Ferrari, let alone a normal car, and he was horrified when he realized its power.

Speaking to The Telegraph, he joked: “When I ordered it I didn’t know it was a racing car with a number plate.”

“It was a beast of a Ferrari.

“It had carbon ceramic brakes and incredible G-forces when cornering.”

The 430 Scuderia or F430 was a road-legal supercar – and was developed jointly by Ferrari and legendary F1 racer Michael Schumacher.

In addition to the distinctive design language inspired by the brand’s racing division, the Scuderia’s concept was to offer drivers a track-oriented experience and a race-like experience on the road.

Under the hood was a powerful 4.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine capable of producing 453 horsepower and a tire-squealing 346 lb-ft of torque.

The prancing horse could reach an insane top speed of 310 km/h.

Dettori said he was afraid of driving the 430 Sceduria – so much so that he was forced to sell it shortly.

“Every time I rode it I got bruises!

“It scared me so I got rid of it,” said the Italian jockey when talking about the F430.

But the frightening experience didn’t end Dettori’s love for the Italian carmaker or stop him from buying his next Ferrari.

In 2017 he sold his previous property to buy the ultimate Ferrari 488 Spider for £190,000.

“I am very happy to be a Ferrari owner again.

“But I only take it out when it’s dry and keep it in a special heated garage,” he shared in an interview.

To everyone’s surprise, Dettori also owns two Mercedes: S-Class and Viano.

The lavish sedan features an exquisite interior custom-crafted for ultimate luxury and is powered by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine.

It produces 500 hp and sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds.

According to the jockey, the Viano, a multi-purpose transporter, is mainly used to transport his children around.

In addition to the Mercedes, there was also a Bentley Continental GT in Dettori’s garage, but he swapped the luxury sedan for the Scuderia.

“My biggest regret is selling my Bewntley.

“When I got the Scuderia I thought: ‘Oh God, what have I done!’”

While Dettori’s collection of fancy cars is a treat for motor enthusiasts, what is unusual is that he started building his garage with a used Mazda 323 that he purchased in 1988.

“It was pretty broken down and the seat belts didn’t work, but it only cost £200.”

“I drove it to Manchester to take my test without a license and failed,” said Dettori, remembering his first car.

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