Getting the best parts for your Ferrari usually means going to the source.

That doesn’t necessarily mean Ferrari itself, and this article will explain why.

Although the Prancing Horse badge is proudly emblazoned over many parts of every Ferrari, like all other car manufacturers, the company does outsource the manufacture and supply of certain components – even some of those fitted to its cars from new.

This is usually because Ferrari either just hasn’t the capacity to do the work itself, or it has a close working relationship with a third-party supplier because it can trust it to have the same exacting standards, and may have possibly even used it for many years itself.

Below, we sketch out six reasons why sourcing Ferrari parts from what’s known in the trade as an original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, is a wise move.

Genuine OEM Parts Are Guaranteed

While lots of parts specialists can – and do – knock up replica parts from an original pattern, tiny variations in tooling and quality control can lead to the fit not being as precise.

OK, so we may only be talking about millimeters, but for Ferrari parts, that can have consequences for your car’s performance, driving experience and ultimately, its lifespan. Original Ferrari parts will carry a warranty telling you that they’re made for that – and only that – purpose.

So is the prospect of saving a few pounds worth it in the long run? You decide.

You Know They’re Going To Fit

Lots of people who work on cars can improvise a little. So the materials might be the same as your original Ferrari part, but the machining might not be quite as precise.

An experienced Ferrari mechanic will spot the difference instantly – and so might you over time. Because a Ferrari is made with such precision and attention to detail that making genuine parts – consistently – is best done by the people whose job it is day-to-day.

Made Of The Right Stuff

Only the person who made it will often know if a Ferrari part has been made from the exact same grade of raw material as an original.

Many aftermarket part manufacturers sacrifice a few millimeters on the likes of a brake disc or a drive belt, knowing that they can then retail it more cheaply.

That’s fine for day-to-day use – but eventually, you’ll pay more through having to replace these parts more often.

Beyond the basic raw materials, an original part will also have been extensively tested, refined and even modified as a result of real-life use. As car models are steadily improved during their lifespan, so to are many parts, particularly in high-performance cars.

A Better Driving Experience

As we mentioned above, many parts of high-end cars undergo a constant process of refinement. Highly-skilled technicians are motivated by achieving the highest levels of performance from the parts they design.

Just right isn’t good enough for them – and as a prestige or performance car owner, this is something you’ll know only too well. A part made for your model three or four years ago may have been completely revamped in the intervening time.

So not all Ferrari parts for a 512 – which could have been built any time between 1976 and 1996 – will have stayed the same over those three decades. Ongoing development produced a host of differences between the models, so when you’re buying replacement Ferrari parts, you’ll get better service from a business that knows these cars from top to bottom.

These dedicated people will take pride in getting to know you and your car, so they can find you exactly what you need.

Bought From People Who Know – And Love – Their Cars

And so, to possibly the most important consideration when choosing any parts for your cherished car. If you want some advice on buying Ferrari parts, you could go to someone who has maybe worked on the odd one or two and likes the idea because it looks good for their business.

Or you could go to a business that eats, sleeps, breathes (and yes, actually drives) Ferraris and similar high-performance and luxury cars.

Such a business can give you advice based on real knowledge – not just something that they’ve read in a manual, but which has come from getting their hands dirty, taking parts out, and putting them back – properly!

Thank Us Later

When it comes to parting with your pride and joy, if you can certify that you’ve only used OEM Ferrari parts in maintaining it, it will hold onto more of, or even boost, its value to a new owner.

So using original Ferrari parts should be seen as an investment. Now, in making sure that you can continue to enjoy it as it was meant to be enjoyed, and later when it finds a new owner who is just as dedicated as you to enjoying their own piece of Ferrari history.