Coroner: Benjamin Gladman Died in Ferrari Crash

Benjamin Gladman, 31, died on 25 January when his Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale left the road and struck a tree near Marlingford, Norfolk; a coroner recorded a conclusion of death by road traffic collision. The inquest heard he had revved the 3.6-litre engine so his girlfriend, Barbara Zart, could hear its “race” sound and was driving faster than his usual pace on a narrow lane with muddy verges when the car began to lose control. Ms Zart survived with serious but not life‑threatening injuries, and witnesses described engine revs as “off the chart.” Police told the hearing there were no defects with the car or road and no evidence of drink or phone use, but exact speed could not be calculated. Former prime minister David Cameron and his close protection officers were among the first to try to help at the scene, and family statements described Gladman as a “beautiful, generous soul” who shared a lifelong passion for Ferraris with his twin brother and had bought the car as an investment.