2006 Ferrari F430 Test Drive

Road Rapture

A recipe for celebrity, without annoying paparazzi.

While cruising the streets of Santa Barbara, Calif., in a red Ferrari F430 Spider, gaudy designer sunglasses snapped in its direction, bystanders dropped conversations mid-sentence and shouts of appreciation erupted from the sidewalk and nearby vehicles, even as the car's extroverted V8 engine muffled many of the specifics.

Sometimes there's a price to be paid for such attention. Within 10 minutes of getting behind the wheel of the two-seater F430 Spider, flashing red police lights lit up our rearview mirror.

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We were sidelined, though only briefly: Our test car's New Jersey plates piqued the cop's curiosity. Interestingly, the Dodge Viper in our caravan had Michigan tags, but managed to escape similar probing.

The fanatical fascination over this exotic car is due in part to its recent arrival in the U.S. During four days of driving, we didn't spot another F430, let alone a Spider — even through the toniest parts of L.A. and Santa Barbara.

The wait list for a 490-horsepower F430 Spider is at least two years, says James Del Pozzo, Ferrari Beverly Hills sales manager. Pricier Rolls-Royce Phantoms and Maybachs are rarer still, yet aren't as magnetic: Ferraris deal in raw emotion and embody automotive passion — visual, aural and technical.

Like riding a motorcycle, owning a Ferrari is an induction into a special culture club. Ferrari owners often exchange a knowing nod or wave upon crossing paths, basking in their unique stature, regardless of their car's vintage.