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Profile: Eugene "Gene" Enlow
Ferrari driven: 2010 California
"I guess I'm a bit of a car nut," Gene Enlow says. Then, in between praises for his first-ever Ferrari, a black-on-black 2010 California, Enlow shares that he grew up in a town where being a car nut might seem mandatory – Speedway, Indiana. This town-within-a-city is home to the Indianapolis Speedway and, of course, the Indy 500.
"My mother used to rent out our basement to Indy 500 drivers," Enlow says. "It was in my blood."
Entrepreneurial spirit and success have allowed Enlow to sample the world's best and fastest road cars. He rattles off names that would send any car nut back in Speedway into a high-speed daydream. "I've had Porsches and driven them on the track. I've had a Viper, and I have a Bentley." Enlow says. Boyish excitement in his voice is palpable when he adds; "My favorite car to drive had been a Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG –
until I got my California."
It's not that Enlow had been entirely immune to the allure of Ferrari over the years. He says he's always admired the 1980s/1990s Testarossa, calling it "just the coolest looking car." Indeed, Enlow had ordered an F430, then switched his interest to a 458 Italia when 430 production ended. Meanwhile, he saw the California and told his dealer, "Get me one of those." He took delivery last fall.
"I think the final decision rested on it being a hardtop convertible," Enlow says, quickly adding, "and, of course, the styling." Enlow makes it known, however, that he is also captivated by the machinery under the seductive Pininfarina-designed aluminum body, such as the front/mid-mounted V8 with direct fuel injection and the brand's first seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Enlow stays focused on how the California feels. "What really surprised me was how easy and comfortable it is to drive, and at the same time it's got amazing handling. I used to think nobody beat Porsche at handling – but I feel this car blows Porsche away."
Enlow still drives his other cars, of course, but looks for reasons to take the Ferrari. "When I go someplace special, I take the California," he says. That includes trips to the golf club.
Interviewed in winter, Enlow carefully considered the idea of taking long trips in his California. "I don't want the car exposed to the elements -- it's just so beautiful. But I'll probably get over that. There's no sense having it sit in the garage," he says. He has not cancelled his order for a 458 Italia, but it wouldn't replace his California.
Finally, without saying as much, Enlow reveals how the Ferrari mystique has taken hold. The lilt in his voice changes slightly when he says, "A friend called me to ask if his son could come over and just look at the California, just
touch it!"
In that moment, you could hear the boy from Speedway talking.
* Stock image not actual owner vehicle
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