9 replies to this topic

[David M. Kane]

In the mid-1990s I visited the Ferrari Factory in Maranello and Mike Parkes old fiancee/girlfriend was still working there. I think her name was Walters or something like that? Pe ter Sachs of the Klemantaski Collection had given me her name for a soft entry...

Anyway, a very charming and a very nice person. Can anyone give me a better understanding of their relationship?

[JB Miltonian]

You must be referring to Brenda Vernor. There was an article about her in "Classic Cars" magazine, January 1998. I can scan and email the article to you if you wish.

[David M. Kane]

JB:

Please do, I would very much appreciate that. I believe she was Enzo's secretary for years.

My email is sbeale@flash.net.

Thank you very much!

[James L. Kalie]

David, Brenda is both charming and nice. She is also outspoken and some might even say cantankerous. I was fortunate to spend a few days with her in Maranello and Modena during the summer of 2004 and it was one of the highlites of my life. I also got to enjoy a wonderful pasta lunch that she fixed at Michael T. Lynch's house in La Jolla when she came over for the Ferrari Weekend at Monterey. Some 'factoids' you might enjoy:
1) She told me Mike Parkes was "the love of her life".
2) Enzo had more than one secretary at a time. She was the last female I believe. 13 years.
3) If I remember right, she spent a lot of time with Piero while he was growing up and continued as his secretary when he moved away from Ferrari to start his HP Engineering company in Modena. Sadly their parting was less than friendly.
4) Assuming Lina Lardi is still alive I'll bet Brenda is still visiting her.
Brenda is available as a guide around Ferrariville. I can't imagine anyone better and I would be happy to share either her phone number and/or her e-mail with anyone who can convince me they are not interested in wasting Brenda's time (and no I am not her agent). There seemingly isn't anyplace she can't get you into. We went to the favorite Ferrari restaurants where we were treated like family. She even got me an interview with Franco Gozzi in his house. Her ability to speak both Italian and English is priceless. Trust me, anyone spending what will be required to make that trip would be smart to spend a little more and enlist Brenda's help. If I could have a favorite "Irish Grandmother" she would be my first choice. Thank you for bringing back one of my finest memories. James L. Kalie, Bellevue, WA, USA 425-462-1976 jkalie@msn.com

[zoff2005]

There is a lot about Brenda Vernor in the Donaldson biography on Gilles Villeneuve. She comes over as a wonderful person.
Incidentally I visited the Ferrari factory in 1964 (I was younger then, well 15 or so) and I was allowed to sit in a bright yellow Ferrari 275GTB, which had not yet been announced. In the garage next door was Mike Parkes' E-type - I wonder to what extent the GTB was influenced by that car?

[Pablo Vignone]

Is Brenda Vernor still working for Ferrari?

[hansfohr]

Is Brenda Vernor still working for Ferrari?

Most likely, she still lives next to the factory in Maranello. This is a pretty recent pic of Brenda, taken in September 2008.

[David M. Kane]

Is not the second gentleman from the left Giulio Borsari?

Edited by David M. Kane, 14 February 2010 - 05:12.

[Bruno]

yes, Borsari.
and at left ex-mecanic chief Paolo Scaramelli, and at rigth Valerio Stradi, man confidence Enzo ferrari

[GVborsari]

Is Brenda Vernor still working for Ferrari?

No she is not working for Ferrari the company, nor for Piero. But she still lives in the area.
I have now idea who ever posted this picture got it ,since I took it !