By the time we hear about the latest limited-production supercar, it is, as often as not, already sold out. A little disappointing, sure, but what are you going to do? Sue the company?
Yes, absolutely, you go right ahead and attempt to sue, at least if you’re Florida flea market emperor/noted Ferrari collector/onetime race driver Preston Henn.
Over the weekend, a Verified Complaint for Damages filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida, Fort Lauderdale Division, appeared in our inbox. The document, which we’ve attached below, is a mini-drama in 20 parts; it outlines Henn’s history with the Ferrari brand stretching back to the Luigi Chinetti days and highlights his extensive Ferrari collection -- including the 275 GTB/C 6885 Speciale, which some (including, we’ll note, Mr. Henn) speculate may be the most valuable car in the world.
It details Henn’s desperate attempts to secure a LaFerrari Spider -- including a $1,000,000 deposit check mailed directly to Sergio Marchionne, an interesting tactic to be sure -- and Ferrari’s “demeaning” rejection.
You might think that being denied the opportunity to park a LaFerrari Spider next to the LaFerrari coupe you already own would be reason enough to take Ferrari to court, but Henn boldly goes a step further: He’s hoping to pursue a defamation suit.
“The publication of the statement that Preston Henn is not qualified to purchase a LaFerrari Spider is an untrue statement which harms Henn’s reputation and holds him up to ridicule, disrespect and disrepute in his profession, trade, occupation, avocation, and among his friends and business and social associates,” the document continues. How much Henn is seeking from Ferrari remains unclear; all we know is that it is something “in excess of $75,000.”