To the young boy, there was no car like a Ferrari. It's the same now he's a man

Toronto Star

a day ago

It was love at first sight. He was transfixed by the brilliant red car on TV, blazing around the Formula One race track. To the young boy, there was no car like a Ferrari.
It's the same today for Azeem Sheikh.
Sheikh was born in Pakistan, grew up in the Netherlands and has lived in Mississauga since the age of 16.
Why is he so passionate about Ferraris, especially his current one, a 2012 Italia 458 coupe with a 562 horsepower, 4.5-litre V8 engine?
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'From the moment I could comprehend speed, sound, and soul, Ferrari had carved a space in my heart. The roar of the V10s, the ballet of pit stops, the prancing horse on the nose cone — it was more than racing; it was poetry in motion.
I learned about the man behind Ferrari and how he built the brand over time. Ferrari has similar ideology as Rolex (the watchmaker) — build the best, make it limited, bring the demand up by reducing supply. It's one of most powerful brands in world. The name resonates. It wasn't so much about the car for me. It's a mindset. Ferrari has brand value, a reputation and a heritage. It's not so much about how cool the car looks. It's about driving a piece of history, touched with a bit of childhood nostalgia.
Ferrari wasn't just a team; it was a symbol of passion, precision and relentless pursuit of excellence. It's one of the most powerful brands in the world.
In 2006, my dad gave me a poster of the Ferrari F430 Spider. I still remember the moment — he handed it to me with a smile, not knowing he was giving me more than just a piece of paper. That poster became a promise. I pinned it above my bed, and every night I'd look at it and whisper to myself, 'one day.' That image of the F430, with its sculpted lines and raw presence, became my north star. It wasn't just about owning a car — it was about becoming the kind of person who could.
Years later, I bought the F430 Spider. The first time I turned the key and heard that engine come alive, I felt something shift inside me. It wasn't just the sound — it was the culmination of years of dreaming, working and believing. That car wasn't a purchase; it was a milestone.
Then came the 599 GTB, a grand tourer with the heart of a racer. It was elegant, powerful and unapologetically Ferrari. Driving a machine with decades of racing pedigree felt like I was holding history in my hands.
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Now, I drive the 458 Italia. I just got it. It's the third Ferrari I've owned in six years. It's the one I've always wanted. It's peak Ferrari in the iconic red colour, with a naturally aspirated F1 engine. It's one of best rated Ferraris in history in its driving dynamics. It's a masterpiece. Every curve, every note from the engine, every flick of the paddle shifter — it's an emotional experience. It's not just about speed. It's about connection. When I drive a Ferrari, I feel like I'm part of something bigger: a legacy of champions, engineers, dreamers.
I've owned 48 different cars over the years. Some of the most exciting ones include the Porsche 911, Mercedes SL, Jaguar F-Type, Aston Martin DB9 and the breathtaking Aston Martin DBS. I graduated from Mercedes to Porsches to Ferraris. I kept going up the ladder in the car world. Each one brought its own flavour of thrill. But nothing makes me feel more alive behind the wheel than a Ferrari. I've always had four or five cars at a time, and I'll get bored and switch them, but the one brand that's been consistent is this one.
A Ferrari, to me, is not a material object; it helps keep me motivated in my career. It pushes me to do more, so I can continue to surround myself with the things that inspire me. Every one I've owned is a chapter in my story, and I'm not done writing (it).
I work in tech sales as an account executive. It's a fast-paced, ever-evolving world, and my passion for cars, especially Ferraris, keeps me driven. The discipline, innovation and performance the brand represents mirrors the mindset I bring to my career every day.
Beyond the cars, I've found purpose in the community. I proudly serve as the charity events chair for the Ferrari Club of America — Canada East Region, where we use our passion for cars to make a difference. I also run a private car club called Lacorsa Rally, a gathering of people who share a love for sports cars and exotics of all makes. Together, we participate in meaningful community events, bringing joy to special needs children at Holland Bloorview Hospital, supporting Melanoma Skin Cancer initiatives through the Yorkville Exotic Car Show and so on.
My favourite driving event was our Lacorsa Rally to Omni Bedford resort in Pennsylvania. It was scenic, twisty roads and the amazing company of friends.
Ferrari isn't just a car for me. It's a feeling. A fire. A lifelong love affair. Through it, I've found joy and motivation, and a way to give back.
NOTE: You can see Sheikh's 458 Italia Ferrari, along with many other exotic, classic and supercars at the Yorkville Exotic Show, Sun., June 15 from noon to 5 p.m. on Bloor St from Avenue Road to Yonge St.