In October 2015, Patrick Früh received an invitation from his Zurich car dealer to test drive a California T in Monte Carlo. Reflecting on the experience, he vividly recalls, “We drove the old route of the Monte Carlo Rally, and everything about the event was just perfect—the weather, the cars, the people involved.
What more could you ask for?” It was an experience that instantly captivated the then 35-year-old, so much so that upon returning to Switzerland, he immediately placed an order for a California T in Rosso California, which he received the following spring. This marked the beginning of his passion for Ferraris, leading him to acquire a 430 Scuderia, then a 488 GTB, and eventually, his first V12. “An F12berlinetta!” he exclaims, adding, “From that moment on, I decided to start collecting the V12 models, not just the V8s.”
Früh, a successful Swiss entrepreneur in the events and exhibitions industry, sees V12s as the epitome of automotive excellence. “V12s combine exquisite design, high performance, and sporting heritage. All in one package,” he explains.
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What was it about that first V12 that made such an impact on him? Früh fondly recalls the F12berlinetta in Rosso Corsa, noting, “I just immediately liked the design—the styling on the flanks, the lines.” His voice brims with excitement as he describes it: “It’s just a masterpiece. In terms of design, as a lifestyle piece, and as a work of art.”
Since then, Früh’s V12 collection has expanded significantly, with each new acquisition fueling his passion further. His collection includes a GTC4Lusso, a 599 GTB, an F12tdf, and a trio of 812 models—the Superfast, GTS, and Competizione A. “Yes, over the years, my passion for these beautiful works of art from Maranello has developed into a really nice collection,” he says. “I’ve been adding to it constantly, including some older cars alongside the current models.”
Today, his collection boasts ten V12 models, ranging from a 330 GT 2+2 to a Purosangue. And he’s already eyeing the 12Cilindri and its Spider variant. Despite the extensive array of cars, Früh refuses to single out a favorite. “From the newer models like the 812 GTS or the F12tdf to classics like the 365 GTB4 ‘Daytona’ or my 1967 330 GT 2+2, they are all so much fun to drive,” he says. Describing the iconic V12 sound, he adds, “It’s something overwhelming, an earthy, deep sound that immediately puts a smile on your face.”
Früh takes pride in his collection, storing his V8 and V12 models in neat rows on either side of his garage, organized by the year of production. “Every time I go into the hangar, I’m struck by the sheer artistry of these cars,” he says. Visitors to his garage are equally enchanted. “Whenever I have visitors, we always end up pausing in front of the V12s, and we start talking and philosophizing about them. It’s not that the smaller engines are less interesting. It’s just that I think, for most petrolheads, the V12s still have that ‘wow’ factor.”
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