Ferrari is an quite famous Italian sports car manufacturer based in Maranello. Founded by Enzo Ferrari in 13 September 1939 out of Alfa Romeo’s race division as Auto Avio Costruzioni, the company built its first car in 1940. Throughout its history, Ferrari is noted for its continued participation in racing, especially in Formula One, where it is the oldest and most successful racing team, holding the most constructors championships and having produced the highest number of drivers’ championship wins. C’est à dire, Ferrari’s brand is associated as a symbol of speed, luxury and wealth.
I saw at least two brands of fountain pens co-branded with Ferrari: Sheaffer and Cross. Easily I cast my vote on Sheaffer, and specifically to Sheaffer Taranis fountain pen! Those who read Astérix and Obelix surely recognised the name Taranis as the Celtic thunder god. They said that Sheaffer chose the name Taranis to emulate the titan’s rule of the heavens, and thus having a pen that will stand out among other pens.
The Taranis was designed by an American architect Charles Debbas, and he successfully combined the classic look and modern details into this pen. The barrel of the Taranis has medium width, with both ends of tapering off neatly to a square. Its length is 5.5″ / capped or 4.75″ / uncapped. It has medium weight at around 35 grams with its cap.
Taranis features a unique grip design integrating resin with the strength of metal. Its elongated clip has an internal spring for great flexibility and firm pocket placement. It has a smooth-writing hooded nib in stainless steel.
