Ferrari fans know Il Cavallino, the restaurant in Modena, Italy, favored by Enzo Ferrari. They also likely know that the restaurant was managed for 36 years by Giuseppe Neri. Now, they may be excited to learn that Neri’s collection of Ferrari automobilia is being offered for auction February 6 at a special Ferrari Automobilia sale by Artcurial Motorcars.
Neri, who died in 2020, was born in Modena in 1938 and grew up in his family’s construction business. In the 1970s, under Neri’s leadership, that business expanded to include restaurants.
Restaurant exterior Restaurant interior
Neri also grew up as a Ferrari fan, though it wasn’t until the 1970s that Neri and Ferrari met on a construction project commissioned by Ferrari. A friendship was founded. Neri organized the first Ferrari Day in 1982 and fed lunch to 2,000 people.
Two years later, Ferrari asked Neri to handle the renovation of Il Cavallino, the restaurant located near the factory at Maranello. Neri became the restaurant manager, a role he held until January 2020.

F412 T2 engine from 1995 season Michael Schumacher 2005 helmet
Among the items going to auction from Neri’s collection are the engine and monocoque (separate lots) from the F1 412 T2 driven by Gerhard Berger in 1995, pieces of bodywork from the 641 raced by Alain Prost in 1990, an engine cover from a F-2002, and a Michael Schumacher helmet from the 2005 season.
Also going up for bidding is a collection of items from another consignor including spare parts, tools and technical manuals from the automaker’s workshops.
To view the docket, visit the Artcurial Motorcars website.