Lyle Tanner
A Ferrari Legend
In my Jay Leno article, I shared a bit about my years as a Ferrari parts broker, a journey that began in 2008. However, there’s so much more to this story — specifically, a chapter that revolves around Lyle Tanner, a man whose influence on my career and my passion for Ferrari is immeasurable.
By 2008, I was already building my second business — an up-and-coming motorcycle helmet company that was growing quickly. But as successful as that venture was, I felt a deep yearning for something more. Something that would align with my love for Ferrari.
That passion began the day my father took me to see a Testarossa at Ferrari of Walnut Creek, a dealership that has since closed. From that moment on, I was hooked. The sleek lines, the roar of the engine, the mystique of Ferrari — it was an obsession I couldn’t shake. I soon built a website called Ferrari Nation, which later became Northern California Ferrari Specialists. My business flourished, but things took a turn when Ferrari, SPA, shut me down with a cease-and-desist letter — a battle I’ll save for another time. What mattered was that, at 26 years old, I was deeply entrenched in the Ferrari world, building a name for myself and loving every second of it.
This is where Lyle Tanner enters my story.
Lyle was a legend in the Ferrari parts business. Known far and wide for his extensive knowledge and unparalleled expertise, Lyle was the kind of man who inspired fierce loyalty — and equally fierce criticism. To me, he was like an uncle — a mentor who took me under his wing and imparted everything he knew about Ferrari. I’ll never forget how every time I walked into Lyle Tanner Enterprises, I knew I was in for a lesson.
Lyle had a unique approach to teaching. He would quiz me on this model or that feature, always testing my knowledge. “Which part from this car fits on another model?” he’d ask. I’d dig deep into the recesses of my mind, and he would patiently wait, guiding me when needed. But it wasn’t just about the parts — it was about the history, the stories, and the people who had played a part in Ferrari’s incredible journey.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Lyle’s life was his extensive history with Ferrari — he had owned some of the most iconic cars in the brand’s lineup. Every car had its own story, and Lyle would share them with an enthusiasm that was contagious. I could spend hours listening to him talk about the cars he had acquired, each one with a rich, unique history. But it wasn’t just the cars that fascinated him — it was the culture, the legacy, and the people behind the marque.
A subject Lyle loved to discuss was Luigi Chinetti, Ferrari’s American distributor and one of the most influential figures in the brand’s history. Lyle would regale me with stories of Chinetti’s impact on Ferrari in the 1980s — not just as a businessman, but as a pop culture figure. Chinetti wasn’t just a dealer; he was a larger-than-life personality who helped shape Ferrari’s presence in America, and Lyle, having worked alongside him, had a wealth of stories to share.
Through Lyle, I learned not just about the parts that made up these incredible machines, but about the very soul of Ferrari. The passion, the craftsmanship, and the people who dedicated their lives to building something extraordinary.
But Lyle wasn’t just a teacher — he was a force in the Ferrari world. His reputation for being both incredibly knowledgeable and unapologetically opinionated meant that people either loved him or found his blunt style challenging. To me, it was a gift. Lyle didn’t hold back, and his challenges pushed me to learn more, dive deeper, and understand Ferrari not just as a brand, but as a living, breathing legacy.
It was under Lyle’s mentorship that I began to see Ferrari in a new light. I didn’t just learn about the cars or the parts; I learned about the culture, the history, and the passion that drives everything Ferrari stands for. Through Lyle, I realized that Ferrari wasn’t just a car — it was a symbol, a lifestyle, and a community of enthusiasts with an unshakable bond.
As I reflect on my time working alongside Lyle, I’m reminded of a few key moments that defined my journey. In 2010, I received a call from a gentleman who wanted us to build a brand-new center console for a Ferrari 308. It was a challenge, as Ferrari parts were notoriously hard to find. We sourced an old console from a junkyard, used it as a base, and rebuilt it from scratch. Fiberglass, two full hides of Connolly leather, refurbished switches, and remanufactured parts — we created a factory-spec center console from the ground up. The customer was thrilled, and I felt proud to know we had brought this classic car back to life.
There was also the time we received a request to create floor mats for a Ferrari that wasn’t exactly a Ferrari at all — the iconic “Ferris Bueller” car. The customer had bought it from Paramount Pictures years earlier, and the mats were in terrible condition. Since it wasn’t an original Ferrari but a reproduction, we used the original mats as a reference to create a new set. Little did I know that years later, while shooting my film High Rise 4: Peril to Prosperity, we would use a real $14 million 1957 Ferrari 250 California in a scene as a tribute to Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. It was an incredible moment, tying together both the real Ferrari and its place in pop culture.
Sadly, my Ferrari business came to an end after five years, largely due to Ferrari’s famously litigious nature. But even though the business is no more, the knowledge, the passion, and the relationships I built continue to influence everything I do today. My motorcycle business is still thriving, 18 years later, and I owe a huge part of my success to the lessons I learned from Lyle Tanner.
Lyle’s legacy in the Ferrari world is undeniable. He was more than just a parts supplier — he was a storyteller, a mentor, and a true Ferrari aficionado. He may not have been the most conventional teacher, but his impact on me — and on the Ferrari community — is something I’ll never forget.
As I reflect on my time with Lyle, I’m reminded of the immense influence one person can have on your life. Lyle didn’t just teach me about Ferrari; he taught me about passion, about dedication, and about the importance of building something that lasts. For that, I’ll always be grateful.
