Life with Legends Episode 019: Brenda Vernor, PA to Enzo Ferrari

Brenda Vernor, Personal Assistant to Enzo Ferrari

When we reflect on history, no matter the subject, it is easy to focus on the central figures and forget, that to simply operate on a daily basis there were key people who helped them function. People so close to the source that they are truly sole witness to the making of that history. The supporting role in the movie of their life so to speak.

One such person is Brenda Vernor, who for many years was the legendary Enzo Ferrari’s personal assistant, based at the factory in Modena.

I have known Brenda for many years thanks to her friendship with my father, Derek, since he was at Ferrari in 1970 racing in Formula 1.

Which is why, when the opportunity came to spend a morning with Brenda at her friend’s house in West Palm Beach after the Ferrari Cavallino event, I thought it a great idea to take Dad with me as a surprise!

Brenda is 90 now but sharp as a knife and still faithfully loyal to ‘The old man’ but what a lovely experience, talking to someone that was right there as the Ferrari brand took off under the stern but brilliant leadership of Enzo himself.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this episode, as the Brenda’s of this world won’t be with us forever and their firsthand stories are too intimate and special to pass undocumented!

The lady who worked with Ferrari!

Enjoy.

JB