If you’ve driven by “Little Italia,” the neighborhood that hosts Giovanni Di Palma’s Italian empire, you may have seen a fair representation of Italy’s finer brands. Peroni beer- a sponsor for the upcoming “World Cup Village” Di Palma will create, Illy espresso coffee, Fiat and…a Ferrari, sitting pretty outside the newly opened Bar Amalfi.
Sleek, white, lean and sculpted like a thoroughbred horse, Di Palma’s Ferrari 458 Italia draws eyes and slows traffic on Hemphill Avenue. According to Di Palma, some of the crew for the movie Ride Along 2 asked if the car could be used in the movie. With such a superstar vehicle, we wanted to know more.
Are you worried someone is going to vandalize it?
There is a code in this neighborhood- you don’t mess with Ferraris. The side of Antico’s building used to be all graffiti, but since I cleaned it up, no one has touched it. If it’s nice, you don’t touch it.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Is it the norm in Italy to drive a Ferrari if you have one?
People who have Ferraris in Italy hide them in their garage because they don’t want people to know they have it. The Italians are crazy- they don’t lock cars, they double park, and they drive crazy.
What is your favorite part about the Ferrari?
The speed. It goes from 0 to 60 in 3.2 seconds. It’s a beautiful machine and when you gain a greater appreciation when you drive it.
Where does one drive a Ferrari around Atlanta?
I go over to Atlanta Motorsports Park, sometimes the mountains. In the city it’s not worth it. You can’t get out of third gear.
Americans want everything big. In Italy the roads are small and there is nowhere to park. Most of Europe is still on diesel because they are economic and don’t like to expend fuel. But when you drive one, you wonder why everyone doesn’t drive one.
GIVEAWAY ALERT: When Di Palma has his piazza grand opening party, one lucky Instagram follower will win the Fiat that is currently parked in the alley outside Bottega Luisa. Di Palma will announce a new Instagram that day.
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
Credit: Alexa Lampasona
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