The Ferrari Roma Spider Gold Experience brought the spirit of la Nuova Dolce Vita to life, blending Italian elegance and thrilling performance with the relaxed backdrop of Australia’s Gold Coast and Byron Bay hinterland.
There is nothing quite like the thunderous thrum of the Ferrari twin-turbo V8 engine firing the Roma Spider into action at the press of a haptic button. Sitting at the wheel – mirroring the computerised, game-like versions seen in Formula 1 – and ergonomically cushioned by the signature-red adjustable contours of the driver’s seat, this is arguably the closest this editor will ever get to experience a semblance of what Lewis Hamilton or Charles Leclerc regularly do. That initial ignition settles into a pleasantly powerful rhythm that demands attention, signifies an unmistakable presence and will result in plenty of head turns, appreciative glances and joyful awe, no matter whether you’re leaving the dealership, pulling into the driveway of brand-new destination hotel Mondrian Gold Coast or flying along the highway.
The iconic Maranello marque released the Roma Spider back in 2023, but in an exclusive Ferrari Roma Spider Gold Experience, these elegant open-top convertibles zipped around the Gold Coast and Byron hinterland in a distinctively local take on the Italian spirit of la Nuova Dolce Vita – a nostalgic yearning for the chic, pleasure-driven lifestyle of the 1950s and ’60s. The allure of the Prancing Horse is one steeped in history and narrative-centric design where innovation and aesthetic considerations enhance and showcase the finer things life can offer. In this incarnation of the narrative, guests took to the coastal hinterland stretch between the borders of Queensland and New South Wales – soundtracked with specific evocative playlists via wireless connectivity for sojourns along streets, highways and motorways – to put the 8-speed gearbox within an all-aluminium chassis through its paces with the innovative soft top down.
For the sheer amount of somewhat intimidating horsepower – 0 to 100km/hr in a casual 3.4 seconds, for instance – driving the Ferrari Roma Spider is actually incredibly accessible and enjoyable due to its dynamic and responsive feel. The five-layer fabric soft top features special weaves in specific tones that lend a sophisticated and sporty edge; a two-tone weave adds a further bespoke haute couture allure to this playful addition to the Ferrari stable, while the technical fabric weave enhances the look with a striking iridescent signature red.
All these soft-top weaves work to showcase Roma Spider’s coupé-inspired tapered silhouette. The streamlined long bonnet and sinuous front wings – in line with Ferrari’s classic front-engine GT models – flow into a seamless, zippy body. This design is further elevated in bespoke colours and finishes: in one such custom iteration, an almost black purple is shot through with shimmering red that only reveals itself in the sunlight. The cabin reveals the sporty, fun nature of the Roma Spider with the passenger perfectly positioned to experience the drive nearly as much as the driver. The tailored cabin comes with all the tech you’d come to expect in a modern car – wireless connectivity, a sizeable touchscreen, haptic usability – but all these bells and whistles serve to emphasise the intuitive driving experience as you glide around corners and zoom along the open road, as if it was down the Rettifilo Tribune at Monza.
Alongside the luxurious joy of taking the Ferrari Roma Spider to the road, other experiences included lunch at beloved Bangalow eatery You Beauty and a relaxing bathhouse experience at The Banya. Back at the guests’ home base for the experience – the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast – the exemplary culinary offerings of LiTO and Haven were complemented by beautifully detailed and layered interiors designed by lauded Sydney firm Alexander &CO. The spaces harked to the coastal, beachside location with a blend of tactile finishes, colour and easy, grand gestures. All in all, an appropriate setting for a celebration of the Ferrari Roma Spider – impeccable design, timeless style and making time for memorable moments and experiences.
