What happens when you order a Ferrari

When you buy a Ferrari, you are not picking a finished car off a lot. Ferrari builds each car to order, which means the factory starts construction only after you have paid a deposit and locked in your specifications. The entire process from order to delivery typically takes 12 to 18 months, depending on the model and current factory capacity. During that time, your car moves through multiple departments — design confirmation, chassis assembly, engine building, and final testing — before it ships to you.

This made-to-order approach is fundamental to how Ferrari operates. The company produces roughly 10,000 cars per year across all models, a tiny number compared to mainstream manufacturers. Because demand far exceeds supply, Ferrari controls the build schedule and can be selective about which customers receive which models and colors.

Key Takeaways

  • Ferrari builds each car after you order it, not before, so construction does not start until your deposit clears and specifications are confirmed.
  • The build process takes 12 to 18 months from order to delivery, with your car moving through design, chassis assembly, engine building, and testing in sequence.
  • You work with a Ferrari dealer to choose your model, exterior color, interior materials, and performance options before the factory receives your order.
  • The factory in Maranello, Italy handles most Ferrari production, while some models are assembled at other facilities depending on the line.
  • Once your car reaches final assembly and testing, you receive regular updates and can sometimes visit the factory to see your car being completed.

Placing your order and choosing specifications

You start by working with an authorized Ferrari dealer, not directly with the factory. The dealer takes your order, collects your deposit (typically a substantial percentage of the purchase price), and helps you configure the car. This is where you choose the model year, exterior paint color, interior leather or Alcantara, wheel design, brake caliper color, and any performance packages available for that model.

Ferrari offers a vast palette of colors, including standard options and custom shades. If you want a color not on the standard list, Ferrari's paint department can match it, though this adds time and cost. Interior options range from leather combinations to carbon fiber trim, and you can specify stitching colors and seat patterns. The dealer submits all these choices to Ferrari's order management system, which assigns your car a build sequence number and a target delivery window.

Once the order is locked in, changes become difficult and expensive. If you want to alter the specification after the factory has begun work on your chassis, you may face delays or cancellation fees. This is why dealers spend time with customers upfront to may support the configuration is final before submission.

How the Maranello factory organizes production

Most Ferraris are built at the main factory in Maranello, a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. The factory operates multiple assembly lines, each dedicated to a specific model or model family. A Ferrari 296 GTB line runs separately from an SF90 Stradale line, for example, because the cars have different dimensions, powertrains, and assembly requirements.

The factory does not build cars in the order they were ordered. Instead, Ferrari batches orders by model and specification to optimize the assembly line. This means your car might wait weeks before it enters the production sequence, even though your order was placed months earlier. Once your car enters the line, it moves through stations in a fixed sequence: chassis welding, powertrain installation, electrical systems, interior assembly, and final inspection.

Ferrari also operates a separate facility in Modena for some models and handles final assembly for certain variants at partner locations. However, the core engine and chassis work happens in Maranello, and that is where most customers associate their car's birth.

Engine building and powertrain assembly

Ferrari engines are hand-assembled by skilled technicians, not fully automated. Each engine receives a nameplate with the technician's signature, a practice Ferrari has maintained for decades. The engine builder is responsible for the quality of that specific engine and takes pride in the work. This approach means engine assembly is slower than at mass-production facilities, but Ferrari argues it ensures higher consistency and allows for adjustments during assembly if needed.

The powertrain — engine, transmission, and differential — is built as a unit and then installed into the chassis as a complete assembly. For hybrid models like the SF90 Stradale, the electric motor and battery pack are integrated during this phase. Testing of the powertrain happens both on the bench before installation and again after the car is complete, so any issues are caught before delivery.

Engine break-in procedures vary by model. Some Ferraris undergo a controlled run-in period at the factory, while others ship to the dealer with a fresh engine that the owner breaks in during the first service interval. Your dealer will explain the specific break-in requirements for your model.

Chassis, suspension, and interior assembly

The chassis is the structural foundation, and Ferrari welds and tests it before any other major components are installed. For carbon fiber chassis models, the composite layup and curing happens in a dedicated area, and the finished chassis is inspected for defects before moving to the next station. Aluminum chassis models follow a similar process with welding and stress testing.

Suspension components — control arms, springs, dampers, and anti-roll bars — are installed and adjusted to Ferrari's specifications. Each car is aligned and tested on a dynamic platform to may support suspension geometry is correct. Brakes, wheels, and tires are installed next, followed by the fuel system and cooling lines.

Interior assembly is one of the most time-intensive phases. Leather is cut and stitched, seats are assembled and upholstered, and the dashboard is fitted with the infotainment system, climate controls, and switchgear. Stitching patterns, color matching, and material alignment are inspected closely because interior quality is highly visible to the owner. If stitching is uneven or leather grain does not match expectations, that section is redone.

Testing, quality control, and final delivery preparation

Before your car leaves the factory, it undergoes multiple rounds of testing. The powertrain is run on a dynamometer to verify horsepower and torque output. The car is driven on a test track to check handling, braking, and acceleration. Electrical systems are tested for proper function of lights, windows, climate control, and infotainment. Paint is inspected under bright lights for runs, drips, or color inconsistencies.

If any defect is found, the car is routed back to the relevant department for repair. This can add days or weeks to the build timeline. Ferrari publishes a target delivery date, but that date is not may provide — it is a window, and delays due to quality issues are not uncommon. Your dealer keeps you informed of progress and any delays.

Once the car passes all tests, it is prepared for delivery. This includes a final wash, a check of all fluids, and a walk-around inspection. The car is then either driven to the dealer (if nearby) or loaded onto a transport truck for shipment. International deliveries are typically shipped by air freight or sea freight, depending on destination and urgency.

Delivery and handover at your dealer

Your Ferrari arrives at the authorized dealer in your region, not at your home. The dealer performs a pre-delivery inspection, checking that the car matches your order specifications and that no damage occurred during transport. You then schedule a delivery appointment, where you meet with the dealer to review the car, sign paperwork, and receive instruction on how to operate the vehicle.

This handover typically includes a walkthrough of the infotainment system, how to use the launch control and traction settings, tire pressure monitoring, and service intervals. Some dealers offer a track day or high-performance driving school as part of the delivery experience, though this varies by region and dealer.

After delivery, your car is covered by Ferrari's warranty, which varies by region but typically covers the powertrain and electrical systems for a set period or mileage. Your dealer handles all warranty service and maintenance for the first few years.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the factory while my car is being built?

Some Ferrari dealers arrange factory tours for customers, and you may be able to see your car during final assembly if you visit at the right time. However, this is not may provide and depends on Ferrari's production schedule and your location. Ask your dealer whether factory visits are possible for your order.

What if I want to change my order after it is submitted?

Changes are difficult once the factory begins work. Minor changes like seat stitching color might be possible if caught early, but major changes like model or powertrain are usually not. You may face cancellation fees or delays if you request changes after production has started. Confirm your specification with your dealer before final submission.

How long does the entire process take from order to driving the car?

Typically 12 to 18 months, though this varies. High-demand models or custom colors can take longer. Your dealer will give you a target delivery window when you place the order, but delays due to production or quality testing are common and do not always trigger compensation.

Does Ferrari build cars in any country other than Italy?

Most Ferraris are built in Maranello, Italy. Some models or variants may have final assembly at partner facilities, but the core engine and chassis work is done in Italy. Your dealer can tell you where your specific model is assembled.

What happens if there is a defect found during testing?

The car is sent back to the relevant department for repair and then retested. This can add weeks to your delivery date. Ferrari does not typically compensate for delays caused by quality issues, as they consider thorough testing part of ensuring you receive a properly built car.