It’s been over a year since I’ve posted an update here, and for the worst possible reason: my Ferrari 360 is no more. Unfortunately I was driven off the road back exactly a year ago, on my way to have the 360 serviced, and because of the motorway speed we were travelling at there was total carnage: because of one lunatic who didn’t look or signal before changing lanes I was forced to attempt an emergency stop, which didn’t pan out as expected and we span off the motorway, collecting another unexpecting driver on the way.

The scene was a complete mess: we had gone backwards through the crash barrier by the shoulder while the unfortunate 3rd party went through it head-on. Luckily they were in a Range Rover Discovery, so aside from the total wreck of their front axel, the passengers were without injury. Meanwhile, I realised that even though I had exited my Ferrari and was largely unhurt, my girlfriend was still in the passenger seat and covered in blood. Thankfully she was still conscious, and despite my gibbering from the drivers seat, a passing motorist was able to keep her awake until medical professionals arrived.

At some point I was whisked into the back of an ambulance and whilst my lacerated left ear was tended to I was able to alert my insurance company. A police officer also came to take a statement as well as ask how my camera was turned off ensuring that the footage it captured was saved for later review. I was the last to leave the motorway; I think we’d been there approximately 3 hours (between 3:30pm and 6, maybe 7) and I was being taken back to Watford, whereas my partner was being driven to Saint Mary’s—having one of the best major trauma centres nearby. There had been talk of airlifting her, and they even landed a helicopter on the opposing carriageway just-in-case.

After several weeks she was well enough to come home, but still required regular consultations with the maxillofacial consultant, and eventually further surgery to remove some of the metalwork they put in during the first. A year on, a lot of the physical injuries have fully healed, but there are still mental and emotional scars that require ongoing treatment.

So now as we pass the one year mark everything for myself has been settled and I’m beginning to mull things over to see if I can get a replacement 360—colours other than red are an option this time around—although I suspect insurance will no longer be as low as it was. Nonetheless, I won’t let that deter me; a couple months of aggressive saving (similar to before the first Ferrari) and I should be back in a position to at least afford to purchase another 360 and I’ll take it from there. There’s unfinished business to attend to, including track days and a road trip to Italy, so I will definitely be back, it’s just a question of how long…

Stay safe

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By Ashley

Life-long Ferrari fan, and eventual Ferrari owner. It has long been a dream of mine to own a Ferrari, and in the summer of 2014—shortly before I turned 30—I was lucky enough to be in a position to buy my first: a 2001, 360 Modena in rosso corsa with tan interior. Following an horrific accident in 2017, I had to work hard to get back into a Ferrari, this time opting for giallo Modena with black. This blog is where I aim to share my experiences along my Ferrari journey.

One thought on “The Unthinkable”
  1. Hi there, just read your story above whilst searching for Ferrari owners to attend a new supercar event I am organising in July and I was not expecting to read whatI read, but I’m glad your partner has just about recovered. On that note I would like to invite you to Supercar Fest on July 20th at Shelsley Walsh, even though you don’t have a new prancing horse yet I would still love for you to attend as my guest. We are working with lots of car clubs across the UK but unfortunately Ferrari Owners Club turned us down so I am sourcing Ferraris myself via contacts and word of mouth. If you would like to help out that would be great as we can accommodate about 20/30 cars in the main paddock on the day which will include a number of runs up the famous hill climb track and there would be no charge for this. Take a look at the event website and if you want to have a chat then feel free to call me on 07828797499.

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