by Children Turned Ferrari into a Playground: Owner Files Lawsuit
Imagine returning from a business trip and finding that your luxury supercar has become a toy for children. This is exactly what happened to a Ferrari owner in China, who is now suing the parents of the kids who caused significant damage to his vehicle.
Incident in Kunming: How Children Damaged the Car
The incident occurred in the city of Kunming, Yunnan Province in southwestern China, at the end of May. Four neighbor children under the age of 10 noticed a red Ferrari 488 GTB parked in an open area. Its aerodynamic silhouette sparked their curiosity.
As seen in surveillance camera footage that appeared on social media, the boys climbed onto the mid-engine Ferrari, lounged on the windshield, moved across the roof, and then used the rear window as a slide before taking an interest in the V8 engine under the hood. They also touched the bodywork with long bamboo sticks.
Owner’s Reaction and Attempt at Amicable Resolution
When the owner returned from his work trip, he discovered deep scratches on the hood, roof, fenders, taillights, and windows, as well as a cracked front bumper. However, being a father himself, he tried to resolve the situation gently.
In an interview with local media, the owner said he avoided contacting an official Ferrari dealer, as repairs there would cost over ¥100,000 ($14,700). Instead, he turned to local workshops and chose non-original parts, which reduced the bill to ¥29,360 ($4,300).
Lawsuit Due to Parents’ Refusal
The owner brought the receipts to the police, where he met with the children’s parents. However, according to the South China Morning Post, the parents offered only ¥5,000 ($730) in compensation and did not bring the children to apologize. This forced the Ferrari owner to break off negotiations and file a civil lawsuit for the full repair amount.
Under Chinese law, children under the age of 14 are exempt from administrative detention, so civil court remains the only avenue for property owners to hold their legal guardians accountable.
Technical Specifications of the Ferrari 488 GTB
The Ferrari 488 GTB is equipped with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 661 hp (492 kW / 670 PS). It was produced from 2015 to 2020, replacing the 458 Italia, and later gave way to the F8 Tributo and the electrified 296 GTB. The owner said he paid ¥3.6 million ($530,000) for the new car and had never scratched it before this incident.
This situation highlights the complexity of legal relations between property owners and parents of minor children in China. While the law protects children from administrative liability, it does not remove financial obligations from their parents. It is worth noting that similar incidents are not uncommon; previously, reports emerged of children scratching dozens of cars at a dealership or carrying out a “disassembly” in a used car showroom. This serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance on the part of parents and responsible attitudes toward other people’s property, even when it comes to the most expensive items.
