Here’s a nice medley of Ferrari Formula 1 Cars through the decades, thanks to the marketing communications folks at Shell.  Lots of nice touches, from including a front-engine Ferrari race car (that’s the first one), to the use of period-correct large-window full-face helmets for the racer from the 70’s, to the exquisite V12 & V8 soundtracks, well done.  Bravo.

It does feel like a bit of an homage to the Honda Impossible Dreams commercial, which benefits from tighter editing, a humorous plot line, and a wonderful soundtrack.  Not trying to be overly critical here, just calling it like I see it. While the Honda commercial evokes a strong emotional reaction, the Shell ad leaves one feeling a bit flat in comparison.  Nothing wrong with it, but if brands are all about how they make you feel, then a commercial which is all about building meaning should fire on all emotional cylinders, as it were. A reminder of how great reflective design is so hard to do.

Okay, excuse me while I go listen to those V12’s on overrun once again…  Forza Ferrari!

Many thanks to Doug from out in metacoolland for pointing this video out to me.

26march update: here’s a link to a Quicktime version of the Ferrari-Shell ad, much higher quality