Vicki Butler-Henderson

I have yet to own my first Ferrari, but I vividly remember the first time I drove one - a shiny new dark blue 456. I was a Road Tester for a car magazine and I couldn't contain my excitement as I fired it up and roared off on an unnecessarily long route from the office door to the car park.

I still get a massive thrill every time I'm in one because of many factors - they sound fabulous, look sensational, they're reasonably rare, jolly expensive and come with a rich heritage that somehow weaves its way into the metalwork of every new model.

I always give a Ferrari at least a second look whenever one passes by, and I usually find myself smiling a little too. I had a good gander and a great grin when a bright yellow 308 came and went the other day, complete with racing stickers that must make it at least a second a lap quicker than the rest of us on the M25.

If you're really thiking of taking the plung, my friend James Ruppert gives the low-down on what to look out for on all the cars except the brand new ones...