Norwegian Joy is expected ot be christened on June 27, 2017. This luxury Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) ship becomes the first one built for the growing Chinese market. If you like car racing, you will really love the awesome Ferrari branded race track!

In partnership with Ferrari Watches and ​Scuderia Ferrari Watches, Norwegian Cruise Line has developed the very first racetrack at sea. Located on the top deck of the new Norwegian Joy cruise ship, the Ferrari branded race track covers two-levels. Adjacent to the track, shop for Scuderia ​Ferrari Watches in the retail store.

When the NCL Norwegian Joy cruise ship sets sail on its maiden voyage, 3,850 passengers will have a VIP experience in sleek, electric go-carts. The goal of the Norwegian Joy cruise ship is to offer “First Class at Sea” experiences. I’m sure you will agree that flying around the Ferrari branded race track in the middle of the ocean meets that criteria.

Up to ten ​drivers ​can race at one time. What a cool way to have fun. Race each other and when done, your picture will be taken at the finish line to capture your experience. If you are staying in the ship’s The Haven and Concierge class, you will receive a number of complimentary rides.

The ​Norwegian Joy call both ​Shanghai and ​Tianjin, as her home port. The christening ​ceremony in June should be an unbelievable event. It’s exciting to know that the “King ​of Chinese Pop” ​Wang ​Leehom will be featured.

All of the luxury cruise ship’s experiences and amenities have been tailored specifically to the vacation desires of Chinese guests. Expect the best accommodations available. For example, The Haven by Norwegian is NCL’s exclusive, ship-within-a-ship suite luxury complex. Guests will enjoy an all-new Observation Deck. As a result, you can expect amazing 180 degree views.

In the ship’s Concierge level, discover an all-new accommodations category. Privileged guests will be treated to a VIP
experience. With endless luxury amenities and larger balcony staterooms, it will be like living in royalty style. The luxury cruise ship offers staterooms designed especially for families. Another nice option is a connected stateroom. Therefore, perfect for extended family passengers or large groups.

In addition to the awesome two-level Ferrari branded race track, cruise passengers can enjoy an open-air laser tag course, interactive video walls, two multi-story water slides, plus thrilling simulator rides. To get some time alone, stroll in the peaceful open space park.

If shopping is your passion, you are in luck. The Norwegian Joy will feature a large, upscale shopping district. It is the biggest among all NCL cruise ships. Stroll along and choose from the best luxury retail brands, in addition to duty-free shops. A great way to pick up the perfect luxury gift or simply shop for yourself.

To enjoy the Ferrari branded race track, please contact us to book a luxury cruise on the new Norwegian Joy cruise ship. Come back again to read more luxury travel stories, here in our luxury blog.

Photo: Norwegian Cruise Line

Each year, the prestigious Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction is the place to be and view some of the most incredible luxury supercars in person. Car enthusiasts can relive their glory days of youth or view the hottest luxury supercars on the market today.

Covering four decades, many of the best and rarest supercars will be on display and available for auction. The auction will be held once again at Quail Lodge & Golf Club. This luxury resort is found beautiful Carmel Valley, California. The Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction takes place on this Friday, August 19th. This popular event is also being held during the iconic Pebble Beach Car Week.

The supercar that everybody is talking about is the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari (photo above). It’s arguably the top of the list when discussing most popular supercars over the last 10 plus years. Only 499 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari cars were manufactured, so you know your looking at a true, limited edition supercar. In fact, just 120 were shipped to the U.S., so unless you travel around the world, personally seeing one is quite rare.

What makes this beautiful 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari so unique, is it’s the very first one to go on sale publicly. You want practically a pristine car, you got it. This luxury, V12 hybrid superar has only 230 miles on it. That’s it! If you’re a die-hard car collector or just want own the 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari, this is your rare chance. Bonhams has placed an estimated value on the LaFerrari at between $3.6 and $4.2 million. That’s a lot of money, but for some …. worth every penny.

But that’s not all. This supercar auction is offering a selection of elite vehicles, covering Germany, Great Britain and Italy. Here’s a sample of what you can expect to see and bid on at the upcoming car auction.

2005 Porsche Carrera GT:
This Porsche Carrera GT is perfect condition. With only 2,000 miles, the sporty GT is equipped with a removable top. The car’s silver metallic over terracotta color scheme looks impressive.
Bonhams has an estimated value on the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT of between $600,000 and $750,000.

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1989 Ferrari F40:
If you want to figure out which Ferrari model most closely matches the company founder’s legacy – Enzo Ferrari, it’s the 1989 Ferrari F40. The classic F40 by Ferrari going up for sale has only 2,800 miles or 4,500 km. This baby really turns heads and would make the perfect purchase for anyone.
Bonhams has estimated the sell price for to 1989 Ferrari F40 to be $1.0 to $1.2 million.

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2008 Lamborghini Reventón:
Only 20 models of the 2008 Lamborghini Reventón (photo below) where ever made. This meticulous supercar doesn’t even have 1,000 miles on her. It’s been professionally maintained and really well cared for.
Bonhams has an estimate of $1.2 to $1.6 million for this extremely, limited edition 2008 Lamborghini Reventón.

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2014 McLaren P1:
The sensational 2014 McLaren P1 hypercar (photo below) is special. As only 375 were ever built, this particular mode is number 90. Like the others, this McLaren comes with just under 1,200 miles. What more can you say, but to see it person is really a VIP experience.
Bonhams has placed a value of between $1.9 to $2.1 million for this 2014 McLaren P1.

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1985 Ferrari 288 GTO:
This model (photo below) is extremely popular and high on the list of most Ferrari car lovers As far as sports-racing cars go, this one sets the standard. When the 288 GTO first was introduced, it’s radical body design shook up the industry. Only 272 where ever built, and this car has only had one owner. But don’t worry, it’s now available for you to buy and become its second owner.
Bonhams has estimated the auction price of this 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO to sell from $1.8 to $2.2 million.

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The history of Bonhams is mind blowing. It was originally founded way back in 1793. The brand is synonymous with prestige. The luxury brand is definitely one of the world’s leading auctioneers of both antiques and fine art.

You will need to contact Bonhams directly to get registered. In case you can’t attend the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction in person, you will be able to bid online.

We hope you can attend and bid on a luxury supercar. Let us help make your last minute travel plans to the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction. Stop by soon to follow our luxury blog and stay on top of the latest car industry news and model releases.

Photos: Bonhams

Many car enthusiasts consider the iconic Ferrari F40 as the greatest supercar ever built. But for whatever reason, the Ferrari F40 has not achieved the same fame as other Ferrari’s during public auctions.

A new record was just set for a gorgeous 1992 Ferrari F40 supercar. The staggering price for the winning auction bid was $1.2 million or €1.12 million. The Ferrari F40 was the last car sold by Ferrari founder – Enzo Ferrari.

The auction was held in Nürburgring, Germany – which is a popular motorsports complex near the German town of Nürburg. The auction was sponsored by Coys and they state the winning bid was a record breaker for a Ferrari F40.

Recently, prices for the F40 have risen rapidly. Not too long away, you could have picked up one on eBay Motors for under $600,000 using the “Buy It Now” option. Looks like that bargain price will now be a thing of the past and car lovers of this classic, 1992 Ferari F40 supercar will have to depart with a lot for money.

The Ferrari was first sold in 1987 and records show only 1,315 were manufactured. The F40 was built for just several years. But when it was available, it was definitely the fastest and most powerful car form Italian carmaker Ferrari. It was also quite pricey and also the most expensive, Ferari road car.

Historians will note that the Ferrari F40 was launched in 1987 to honor 40th anniversary of Ferrari. Great cars always stand the test of time.

The 1992 Ferrari F40 wasn’t the only high priced car sold during the Coys auction. For a winning bid of €562,000 or $616,250, a 1937 BMW 328 Roadster was sold.

Is a 1992 Ferrari F40 supercar on your radar to buy? The Life of Luxury works with many specialty and vintage car dealers and we can help locate that perfect car to add to your collection or for your driving pleasure. Read our luxury blog for more luxury car stories.

Photo: Motor Authority

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is one of the largest auction houses of fine art and antiques anywhere in the world. Bonhams holds numerous luxury car auctions including the popular Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction.

This year the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction will be held on Friday, August 15 at the Quail Lodge & Golf Club in scenic Carmel Valley, California. Preview days will be held on both August 13 and 14.

This premier auction is known for offering incredible racing and sporting cars and this year will no different. Bonhams just announced it has consigned several Ferrari cars from the company’s Maranello factory.

Here is a summary of some of the announced classic Ferrari cars that will be on display at the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction later this summer.

– Of the only 17 built, the 12th 1952 Ferrari 212 Europa Coupe by Pinin Farina will be at the show. This Ferrari is both a matching-numbers car that has been certified by Ferrari Classiche, plus a Mille Miglia Storica veteran and a Tour Auto participant.

– An awesome 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB the represents the fifth from last car built is recognized as the most developed version of this popular Ferrari car model. This gorgeous sports car is just one of four cars to leave the Ferrari factory in color Verde Scuro.

– A 1973 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider that could be possibly be one the most original and finest preserved examples of the Ferrari car model found anywhere.

– Singer Pat Boone’s 1966 330 GT Series II Coupe was originally delivered to him by Luigi Chinetti.

– 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Series II Cabriolet with matching numbers that also comes from Pinin Farina. This highly desired Ferrari car is a beauty.

– A 1959 Ferrari 250 GT Series I Coupe that was previously owned by Prince Bertil of Sweden. This classic Ferrari comes with its original red interior. The car’s exterior is two-tone white and silver.

– A 1971 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta that is almost brand new with under 6,600 miles on the engine.

– A 1973 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider that could possibly be the most original Ferrari around.

So for true car enthusiasts, be sure to attend the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction. Enjoy checking out all the amazing Ferrari’s. You may actually end up bidding and owning one.

To learn more about the Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction to be held in Carmel, California – please contact The Life of Luxury. Do you like reading about classic sports cars like the Ferrari? Follow this luxury blog to stay on top of all the best luxury car news.

When the incredible Ferrari World Abu Dhabi opened in the UAE, it became the largest indoor and first Ferrari theme park. We covered the story here – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Well Ferrari just announced its plan to build a brand new theme park near Barcelona, Spain inside the PortAventura luxury resort. The new theme park will be called Ferrari Land.

In addition to Ferrari Land, the first Ferrari-themed hotel is planned for PortAventura. This five-star luxury hotel will offer 250 guest rooms, fine dining restaurants, in addition to a driving simulator.

Ferrari Land will be built on eighteen and a half acres of land. PortAventura Entertainment SAU is a subsidiary of Investindustrial and signed a licensing agreement with Ferrari. The company has rich history in the luxury car industry. In 2012, they bought about a third of luxury car brand Aston Martin, plus they own Ducati.

The luxury, Ferrari Land theme park will feature highest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe. It’s a terrific opportunity for the whole family to learn about the luxury car brand and experience world-class entertainment.

Ferrari Land is scheduled to open in 2016 and comes with a hefty price tag of about $139 million or 100 million euros.

If you need help in booking a luxury vacation to Europe or anywhere in the world, please contact The Life of Luxury and one of our travel concierge specialists can assist with your entire itinerary. Be sure to re-visit our luxury blog to follow the world of luxury.

Bonhams was founded in 1793 and is one of the world’s largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. Bonhams just announced an exciting new addition to the upcoming Quail Lodge motorcar auction in Carmel, California.

Designed by Giovanni Michelotti for Vignale and then sold new to the famed North American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti, the amazing 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupé Vignale will be up for auction.

This incredible Ferrari was announced as one of the early car consignments at the Quail Lodge motorcar auction to be held in August.

Truly a one-of-a-kind Ferrari sports car, the luxurious 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupé Vignal was originally the star attraction at the January 1954 New York Auto Show at Madison Square Garden.

This Ferrari was part of the luxury carmaker’s legendary 250 model range. It was also tailor made to showcase a wealth of exquisite design and styling details that put it in a class of its own. Impeccable and correct in every detail, the tobacco and bruno siena-colored Ferrari (its original livery colors) would be a welcome entrant and fierce competitor at any major concours d’elegance around the globe.

No doubt this beauty would become the crown of any luxury car collection. This show-stopping Ferrari will be offered along with many other cars of distinction at the 16th annual Bonhams Quail Lodge Auction during the world-famous Monterey Peninsula Car Week, in scenic Carmel, California.

To learn more about the 1953 Ferrari 250 Europa Coupé Vignale or make reservations to attend the Quail Lodge Motorcar Auction in Carmel, California, lease contact us using the below form:

330 LM GTO Ferrari – Dave Wendt

Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance is now in its second decade and the luxury car show is among the top automotive events in the world.

The 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will be held March 9-11 on the 10th and 18th fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

“The Amelia” is its commonly known, draws nearly 250 rare vehicles from car collections around the world to The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach and The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island for a celebration of the automobile like no other.

The 330 GTOs were Ferrari’s in-house hot rods: prototype Grand Touring cars with four-liter V-12 engines instead of the GTO’s traditional 3-liter V-12. Just two were built; a cross between a pure prototype and a road going Grand Touring car.

Assigned to Ferrari Engineer and racer Mike Parkes and factory F1 and sports car ace Lorenzo Bandini, Jim Jaeger’s 4-liter GTO (#3765) appears as it did on June 23, 1962 when gridded seventh at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

In 1967 “3765” came to America. Jim Jaeger took possession of this prototype GTO in 1985 and began a historically fastidious restoration. Once he had obtained the car’s original 4-liter V-12 engine block, Jaeger returned the car to its original 1962 Le Mans livery. Today “3765” wears the number seven, just as it did 50 years ago at Le Mans on Saturday afternoon, June 23, 1962.

330 LM GTO Ferrari – Dave Wendt

Amelia founder and Chairman Bill Warner was quoted, “This is our ‘marquee car.’ It’s the car on our website and, with its deep and pronounced hood bulge, the most recognizable and voluptuous of the GTO breed.” Jaeger’s GTO is one of the first two four-liter GTOs built by the Ferrari factory.

For more information, visit http://www.ameliaconcours.org or call 904-636-0027.

1962 Ferrari 250 GTO – Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance

The 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance will be held next year from March 9-11 on the 10th and 18th fairways of The Golf Club of Amelia Island at Summer Beach next to the luxury The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island.

1962 marked the iconic debut of this most significant Ferrari – the Ferrari GTO. 2012 will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the classic Ferrari GTO.

This will be a rare gathering at 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, including legendary GT racers that made its international debut at the 1962 12 Hours of Sebring and proceeded to rule international GT racing for three years.

The Ferrari GTO was built between 1962 and 1964, but yet only 36 three-liter cars and two four-liter cars were created by the factory. Ferrari 250 GTOs were constructed to meet new racing rules for the FIA’s World Championship Grand Touring category.

The stylish racing car’s name is derived from the Italian language as GTO means “Grand Turismo Omologato” and translates to “Grand Touring Homologated.”

Racing was Enzo Ferrari’s life. As the legendary GTO went from drawing board to metal, shockingly a civil war within Ferrari rocked the organization to its foundations. The disagreements left 26 year-old Mauro Forghieri to pick up the pieces and bring Ferrari’s newest GT racer to life.

Due to its limited production numbers, sleek GT styling, and rich competition history, Ferrari GTOs are highly prized and considered a work of art by collectors and automotive journalists around the world.

The Ferrari GTO sold originally for about $18,000 in the United States. On the rare occasion when one does change hands, it is usually in extremely private circumstances and the price tag is easily in the multi-million dollar range.

Courtesy of: Ferrari

We reported last week about the grand opening of world’s largest Ferrari Store in Dubai. Also coming is the world’s first Ferrari theme park and largest attraction of its kind.

The theme park named, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will feature an iconic sleek red roof, inspired by the classic double curve side profile of the Ferrari GT body. The roof will span over 2 million square feet and showcase the largest Ferrari logo ever created.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi park is scheduled to open in 2010 but already has the racing car industry buzzing in anticipation.

There will be a number of attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, including multiple rides for children of all ages and the world’s fastest rollercoaster, which will travel at speeds exceeding 124 mph.

On tap is another exciting ride that will rocket passengers through the roof up to about 203 feet. This experience will simulate the G-forces that are experienced by Formula 1 car drivers.

The site for Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is located on Yas Island, which is on the North East side of Abu Dhabi’s mainland.

It’s just a short 10-minute drive from the Abu Dhabi International Airport and about 50 minutes from Yas Marina Circuit, which will host the inaugural Abu Dhabi GP later this year.

Are you a globetrotting billionaire and now bored with private jets? Maybe this is for you.

If you are someone whose diary has breakfast meetings, lunch conferences, dinner date and all the in-between activities of the day scheduled in different countries, you are sure to appreciate the announcement of Aerion’s supersonic business jet that will take you places in minutes. The demise of Concorde has ensured that enough thoughts are given to the design and commercial viability of the jet. While Concorde was a civilian flight, the SBJ is aimed solely at the corporates and jet setting billionaires to ensure the return of their invested money.

The preliminary orders the company booked in just three months is nearly $1.5 billion with an initial deposit of $250,000 for its $80 million SBJ. Aerion’s key innovation is the plane’s so-called ‘laminar airflow’ wing. The design helps minimize drag at high speeds. The SBJ flies at a maximum of Mach 1.6 to reduce the need for costly high-temperature materials. It will also fly at a maximum of 51,000 feet like other other business jets. So, ready to take the skies on the world’s first supersonic business jet? Not so soon, you have to wait until 2014 before the first flight takes off; unfortunately time doesn’t fly at supersonic speed!  Full article

Ferrari’s 599 GTB Fiorano was an all-new model for 2007, and only about 250 will be made per year by hand. Its engine is the same 6.0L V12 screaming beast that is found in the Enzo. Putting out 612 horsepower and redlining at 8,400 rpm, it also does 448 pound-feet of torque, almost all of which is available at only 3,500 rpm. Mash it, and all 12 cylinders let out a roaring melody, pushing you toward 60 mph in three and a half seconds. Take your foot off the pedal, and the motor unwinds in a series of sweet backfire pops, reminding you just how closely related this engine is to its racing parentage.

The drivetrain is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup, with the engine and transmission mounted very close in-board-so much so, Ferrari calls the 599 a front-mid engine design. The “SuperFast” paddle-controlled transmission is a new six-speed clutchless manual. It’s faster than ever, changing gears in about 100 milliseconds. Stopping the car are big vented discs all around. Opt for the race-derived carbon-ceramic disc brakes, and the Fiorano gets six-piston calipers up front, the ability to stop from 60 mph in 105 feet, and a loss of 30 pounds. All for the price of a Honda Civic.

Supporting the car is a new magnetic-fluid suspension system. Developed in cooperation with Delphi, the fluid can change viscosity when electric charge is passed through it. This system allows minute adjustments in suspension firmness many times a second, resulting in virtually no body lean and endless grip on just about every kind of paved road. This type of suspension also allows for more user control.

A steering wheel-mounted “manettino” knob allows the driver to literally dial in how much driving help he or she wants. The suspension can be set more or less firm, the engine redline can be altered, the throttle response can be increased, and the shift speed made faster. The Fiorano includes a very intelligent race car-derived traction and stability control system that is adept enough to actually improve lap times. The responsiveness of these systems can also be altered according to the driver’s preferences.

Going fast is important in any Ferrari, but in the Fiorano, it means going fast very comfortably. Inside, the power-adjustable seats have high bolsters and are trimmed in supple leather. A leather-wrapped dashboard, leather covered console, and a leather steering wheel accompany the seats, and even the door trim and headliner are leather. Ferrari will outfit this leather interior in as many as 14 colors. And despite the preponderance of Ferraris painted Corsa red, there are 15 other colors to choose from. If that’s not enough, for just under $6,000, Ferrari will paint your Fiorano in a color of your choice.

If you prefer carbon fiber over leather, choose a carbon fiber package, and the doors, shifter, dash and steering wheel’s leather are replaced with the lightweight material. Front and rear parking sensors are available for $2,069, and a navigation system can be had for $2,361.