The Roma Spider beneath cherry blossoms in full bloom.Photography by BG
“Is this really a Ferrari?”
It is a familiar yet challenging question that returns among fans whenever a new Ferrari appears. It was no different when I first encountered the Roma, carrying on Ferrari's V8 GT lineage. Its flowing, restrained silhouette departed from the impression left by the California and Portofino, and came as a refreshing surprise. The Spider that followed brought that feeling into sharper focus. Even now, with the Amalfi unveiled, the Roma Spider remains on my dream-car list.
The Roma Spider I encountered this time was even more special. Its distinctive exterior color, soft top with a texture reminiscent of denim, and restrained selection of options revealed a clear sense of taste. It left a very different impression from the Ferraris I had encountered in Korea. So elegant and composed was its appearance that, without the Prancing Horse emblem, I might briefly have forgotten it was a Ferrari at all.
Looking down at the Roma Spider through cherry blossom branches.Photography by BG
The Roma Spider shone even on a road lined with cherry blossoms in full bloom. It blended naturally into the lavish scenery without losing its own presence. Not every car is granted this degree of beauty.
Blossom shadows across the bonnet and Ferrari emblem.Photography by BGRed embroidery and stitching on a white seat.Photography by BG
Along the cherry blossom-lined road, the V8 engine made its presence felt. There was plenty of dynamism, yet also a sense of ease. This was Ferrari's own kind of gran turismo, embracing both powerful performance and the romance of everyday life.
Just then, it began to rain. But I had no desire to raise the soft top. Instead, I wanted to feel a little closer to the drifting cherry blossoms and raindrops. In moments like these, the Roma Spider's appeal became even clearer.
The Roma Spider on a cherry blossom-lined road.Photography by BG
Looking back, the Roma Spider was a car that revealed new possibilities for Ferrari. It had the power to appeal not only to longtime Ferrari enthusiasts, but also to those who place importance on their own lifestyles and tastes.
A Ferrari does not always have to be flamboyant and aggressive. Sometimes, the most elegant Ferrari is the one that stays with you the longest.
A rear view along the avenue of cherry trees.Photography by BG
How often do you come across a Ferrari on the streets of Seoul these days?
주보균 / 포토 에세이 / 01
페라리 로마 스파이더, 오래 기억에 남는 우아함
벚꽃과 빗방울 사이에서 만난 로마 스파이더. 포토그래퍼 주보균이 바라본 페라리의 우아한 얼굴.
새로운 페라리가 등장할 때마다 팬들 사이에서 되풀이되는, 익숙하면서도 도전적인 질문이다. 페라리의 V8 GT 계보를 잇는 로마를 처음 마주했을 때도 그랬다. 캘리포니아와 포르토피노에서 이어지던 인상과는 다른, 유려하고 절제된 실루엣은 신선한 충격이었다. 뒤이어 등장한 스파이더는 그 감정을 더욱 선명하게 만들었다. 아말피가 공개된 지금도 로마 스파이더는 여전히 나의 드림카 리스트에 남아 있다.
이번에 만난 로마 스파이더는 더욱 특별했다. 독특한 외장 컬러와 데님을 연상시키는 질감의 소프트톱, 절제된 옵션의 조합에서 분명한 취향이 느껴졌다. 내가 국내에서 마주해 온 페라리와도 사뭇 다른 인상이었다. 프랜싱 호스 엠블럼이 없다면 페라리라는 사실조차 잠시 잊을 만큼, 우아하고 차분한 모습이었다.
벚꽃 가지 사이로 내려다본 로마 스파이더.사진 주보균
벚꽃이 만개한 길 위에서도 로마 스파이더는 빛났다. 화려한 풍경과 자연스럽게 어우러지면서도 자신의 존재감을 잃지 않았다. 이 정도의 아름다움은 아무 자동차에나 허락되지 않는다.