The Reason Ferrari Employees Are Banned From Buying Their Own New Cars

Based on information from ZipRecruiter, the average annual pay for a Ferrari employee in the United States sits at $59,453 yearly. If the pay scale in Italy is even remotely similar, it doesn’t seem like any model of Ferrari — discounted or not — is within reach of most of its employees. And that’s fine because employees are not allowed to purchase a new Ferrari. Ever. 

That’s according to the automaker’s Enrico Galliera, who revealed the information during an interview spotted by The Drive. The big exception is that Formula One (F1) drivers, who are considered employees, are exempt from this and can purchase directly from the factory because they’re considered global superstars who make for good brand ambassadors. The mandate sounds draconian, to be sure.

Still, it makes complete sense with a global customer base that constantly outweighs the limited number of cars the auto manufacturer kicks out every year. It boils down to the fundamentals of supply and demand. Ferrari makes something universally wanted, allowing it to attach a very high premium to that product. Despite the (exhaust) pipe dreams of would-be employees, selling said product at a reduced price does not make good business sense, nor does allowing employees to get first dibs on cars that clients are waiting for.

As long as Ferrari has professional athletes, movie stars, musicians, and world-famous car enthusiasts (with the financial means) on its waitlist, employees shouldn’t hold their breath at ever getting a shot at a brand new ride. The rule, however, does not apply to used Ferraris, so there’s still hope of riding off into the sunset in a pre-owned, secondhand model. Driving around in a lightly used Ferrari shouldn’t sully one’s reputation too much — it’s still a Ferrari, after all.