Tuesday, 27 September 2022

A beautiful recreation of one of the most famous racing cars of all time
Based on a modified 1982 Ferrari 400i chassis
Powered by a Dino V-6 engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission
Handmade aluminum bodywork with signature pontoon fenders in the style of Scaglietti

Please note that this lot is titled as a 1958 Ferrari.

The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was the more powerful successor to the 500 TRC, introduced at the end of the 1957 racing season in response to new FIA regulations that would allow engines with up to 3.0 liters of displacement in the World Sports Car Championship. It shared many components with the 500 TRC but gained the much more powerful “Colombo” Tipo 128 V-12 engine tuned with six twin-choke carburetors—a winning combination that led Ferrari to a Manufacturers’ World Championship title in 1958.

With fewer than 35 believed to have been built from 1957 through 1961, some collectors wishing to experience the history and performance of the venerated 250 TR have commissioned recreations such as the example offered here. Crafted at the request of a previous owner, this tribute is based on a 1982 Ferrari 400i chassis that has been modified and fitted with handmade aluminum bodywork, replete with pontoon-style fenders and a rear fairing behind the driver’s seat. The V-6 engine is said to have been sourced from a Dino and is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The tan leather interior features a wood-rimmed steering wheel and lap belts. Chrome wire wheels with knock-off spinners complete the period look.

Joining the Gene Ponder Collection in 2016, this highly appealing 250 Testa Rossa recreation captures the aspect and aura of one of the most famous, and most beautiful, racing cars of all time.

Friday, 23 September 2022

The 365 GT4 2+2 is the most underrated V12 Ferrari | Thank Frankel it's Friday

Todays catch:

https://www.goodwood.com/grr/road/news/2022/9/the-365-gt4-22-is-the-most-underrated-v12-ferrari--thank-frankel-its-friday/

Saturday, 17 September 2022

Faulty / broken light stalk / switch

A little while ago I was aproached on tips to repair a faulty light stalk / switch (400i phase 2)

Unfortunately or fortunately I don't have any experience with this, nor any leading tips. I nevertheless made an attempt and found this company: http://www.unobtaniumsupply.com/

And this item:

https://www.classicferrariparts.co.uk/shop/1976-89-ferrari-400-412-vitaloni-turn-signal-indicator-stalk-119317/

apparently 119317 is also used in a Ferrari Mondial - so likely much cheaper and easier to source hopefully

Meanwhile he also came up with this company: http://www.oddparts.net/

Judging by the provided photo's and explanations they seem to be very knowledgeable in this area.
Adding it here just for the records.

Wednesday, 14 September 2022

Enzo Ferrari, avete mai visto l’auto del figlio Piero? La usava quotidianamente come un’utilitaria

This Italian article showed up today as a new post.

https://www.quattromania.it/2022/09/14/enzo-ferrari-avete-mai-visto-lauto-del-figlio-piero-la-usava-quotidianamente-come-unutilitaria/

Pointing out Piero's car choice. Which is a sensible choice in my opinion. It's obviously hinting towards the auction sale last year. See these blogs:

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2021/03/auction-bonhams-ferrari-400i-delivered.html

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2021/04/ferrari-400-gti-originally-owned-by.html

In any case, it did had a nice supporting photo:

Monday, 12 September 2022

MOT and maintenance completed

So today I received the bill from the garage. Meaning the 400 is ready to be picked up again. The actual MOT was in fact already done a few weeks ago. It was a pass in almost one go. I knew one lightbulb was broken so I informed them about that. And that was indeed the only failing item to pass the MOT.

In fact I informed them a day later or so on how to fix that. I should have done it myself but I was simply lacking time. I was affraid they would damage the front lense. Depspite the front lense has screws they are sealed with kit as well - so don't attempt removing it as the likelihood is great you will damage it.

As I did had a spare light housing unit on stock I could show them how these lightbulbs are fitted with these cross bars on the back.

(see blog: https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2015/11/ferrari-400-tail-lights-front-marker.html)

Unfortunately they read my email to late and the garage nevertheless had figured it out on how to reach them (from underneath) and get it replaced. So for the records the photo's I made:

Next to this I asked them to perform the following maintenance:

- Oil replacement

- Oil filter replacement

- Gasfilter replacement

I supplied them with these items. I purchased a can of oil (Agip 10W60 - 20 Liters) via Ebay in Germany. Including shipping to the Netherlands this costed about € 135,- which I consider dirt cheap.

I also asked them to renew the brake fluid. They also cleaned the reservoir. And it was noticed the front brake pads required new ones. Which they replaced accordingly and the rearside was cleaned as well. So all is properly working again.

On my request they also renewed the "automatic gearbox supporting mounting rubber / bushing" Not sure how to describe it. In fact they pointed out last time it was not in a great condition, so this time around it got renewed. Sorry, no photo ...

Next they replaced the oil hoses to the oil-cooler. In fact this was something pointed out by one of the blog readers. See this blog:

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2022/06/top-tech-tip-oil-return-house.html

Apparently they have also replaced a gashose in the trunk (0,6 meter). No idea what's that about, need to check that. I know I once replaced a gas return hose, see blog:

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2018/01/gas-leak-repair.html

Next they fixed the electric power windows, which was caused by a failing relais. They also cleaned the relais housing unit and secured all the fuse fittings. The failure by the way occured on my last trip. All was working the day before I left. Luckily this was temporary fixed by bypassing the fuses with extra power wires from another source when I arrived in the evening. It was not exactly a pleasant first day trip with 30+ degrees Celcius burning on the front screen. Which brings me to the next point.

The airco was serviced. I was actually not to bothered about the airco as it's a very old system. In the past I had it serviced and working. But thats already ages ago. See blog:

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2014/06/ferrari-400-maintenance-ac-airco-part.html

Back then it seemed to have been working temporary and very poor in my opinion. Meaning it did not got really cold. So I thought any further money would be wasted, likely the whole system needs replacement (dryer, pump, hoses, etc). But they found something wrong with some "adapters" and I thought ok, give it a go and just throw some more money at it and let's see. So they replaced it and filled it up with 800 gram and presto:

I can't believe it, almost 12 degree Celcius. I can't wait to pick it up and feel that.

One more item that occured on the last trip and that more or less manifested on the way back home. Since we were stuck in a huuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuge traffic jam I had to drive very slowly and I noticed this strange wobble from the left backside of the car. For a moment I thought we lost some wheelnuts so I had that checked but they were all there and tight. Also tyre pressure looked ok. Was it a driveshaft issue? Flaky shock absorbers? Later on when moving again at certains speeds it felt strange with small bumps. Most of the speeds were ok, it was more around 80 and 120 kmh when it manifested.

They checked it and the tyres are not fully round anymore due to broken/damaged steelbelts in the tyre. I'm pretty sure this must happened on the poor Italian roads as I sensed twice a hit on the left rear side. So ultimately I think the shocks needs replacement. Something that can be done on the next round. I already informed about overhauling the koni levellers which is quite pricey. Getting replacements is even more pricey. So I can do some savings again ...

Luckily I still have a set of wheels with tyres, so I will get these on again. Coming weekend I will be picking the car up. Looking forward to that!

I'm still waiting for the guys to finish the compilation video of the last trip. Hereby a small footage of me driving by with an open window ;-) Happy driving everyone!

Update 13-9-2022: Oops, I forgot the credits for this work. All done by www.classicparadise.nl

Update 1-10-2022: Earlier this week I finally collected the car from the garage and drove it back. Needless to say, it was a very pleasant drive. The left rear wheel was replaced with the spare one from the trunk. Which did happen to have a Michelin XWX tyre, so all is still identical. And better, the silly wobble is gone now.

The brakes felt firm again with the new front brake pads and having fresh brake fluid.

I also questioned the fuel hoses that were replaced. It appears these were the ones fitted to the fuel filter in the back. Apparently these were in a poor condition and explains the gas smell in the trunk (which was present as long as I have the car). At the time I only checked the rubber fuel hoses connected the pipe to both tanks and they seemed fairly new, so I figured they had looked into this gas smell issue but unable to cure it. It never crossed my mind to deeper inspect the fuel hoses to the filter (there was no leakage or whatsoever that hinted towards a poor hose). So if you have a gas smell you definately want to consider checking and replacement.

In any case both hoses have been replaced by now. Funny that I also only noticed now that the fuel filter is actually FIAAM (not FIAMM) and I had supplied them with a UFI filter. Not a big deal obviously but only an observation

Furthermore they did not only replace the oil hose towards the sump but also both hoses to the oil cooler were done. These are however original stainless steel so I was less concerned about these becoming brittle or snapping. For now I have not worry about these for the coming years.

And last but not least, the airco is working again! So yes, it was a really nice drive back home. Next items on my list are the rear shocks and levellers. And finetuning the carbs, at least it needs to run idle slightly higher

Saturday, 10 September 2022

Hooper International - Toni Bienemann - Ferrari 400 + Fiat 130 Coupe

I will spare you the details but this evening I ended up in a snackbar. Next to a schnitzel with fries I grabbed a magazine from the shelf (Dutch Panoroma) and I hit this article about a Dutch business man called Toni Bienemann. I had read about this guy before as he has a huge car collection, mostly Rolls and Bentleys. See this snippet from a Dutch article:

https://www.quotenet.nl/lifestyle/quoto/a40507608/verzamelaars-toni-bienemann-rolls-royce/

I also know he has a museum:

https://www.hooperinternational.com/

And after reading the article and seeing this particular photo I know I have to arrange a visit.
I'm pretty sure he has a Camargue too :-)

Friday, 9 September 2022

more stamps - Antigua & Barbuda + Nevis

So far I spotted these:

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2014/05/st-vincent-grenadines-1976-ferrari-400.html

https://erwin400.blogspot.com/2021/10/postage-stamps-from-chad-ferrari-412.html

And now I have encountered a few more. They both seem to be 60 years of Ferrari edition.

Thursday, 8 September 2022

The 400i: Ferrari's First Fuel-Injected Production Car

Just for the records:

https://www.autoevolution.com/news/the-400i-ferrari-s-first-fuel-injected-production-car-197710.html

Wednesday, 7 September 2022

outside the Ferrari factory

Spotted this one on Facebook. Yes, the other ones are 288 GTO's ...

Tuesday, 6 September 2022

Bonhams - Goodwood revival - Peter Morgan Ferrari 365GT4 2+2

https://www.bonhams.com/auction/27523/lot/345/1973-ferrari-365-gt4-22-berlinetta-chassis-no-17327/

1973 Ferrari 365 GT4 2+2 Berlinetta
Registration no. BWP 671M
Chassis no. 17327

• One of only 524 made
• Rare right-hand drive example
• Benefiting from considerable recent expenditure
• Ferrari Classiche certified

Footnotes

Introduced towards the end of 1972, the 365 GT4 2+2 was the biggest and best equipped four-seater Ferrari so far. Flagship of the Maranello range, it reaffirmed Ferrari's determination to compete with the world's finest luxury saloons. Based on the preceding 365 GT 2+2, albeit lower, longer and wider, the newcomer was fitted with a four-cam version of the 4.4-litre V12 engine while retaining its predecessor's mechanical underpinnings. A total of only 524 had been completed by the time production ceased in 1976.

A rare right-hand drive manual transmission model supplied new in the UK via Maranello Concessionaires, this fine example of the ultimate Ferrari of its day was purchased by the immediately preceding owner from a UK auction in 2014. The comprehensive history file reveals that the Ferrari's first owner was Andrew Grima, the society jeweller, he then sold it to Peter Morgan of the Morgan Motor Company who registered it with his private registration number 'AB 16'. The car comes complete with Mr Morgan's engraved umbrella together with the original handbooks, warranty card, tool roll, and bill of sale.

update 16-9-2022 : Goodwood

Monday, 5 September 2022

1973 Ferrari 365 2+2 Rusty Auto Foto Fotoprint

Via Ebay: https://www.ebay.de/itm/393906258473

Offering a lot of 3 photographs showing a car labelled as a 1973 Ferrari 365 2+2. Car appears in rough condition with rust and other damage. Great images!

From the estate collection of noted British automotive writer Michael J. Worthington-Williams. Sold as-found and I do not have further information on the age or story (photos in this archive are mostly from the UK but also around the world).

Sunday, 4 September 2022

Automobilia auction items

Am back from holiday and today the Automobilia Ladenburg auction finished. It was a special auction about 75 years of Ferrari. I spotted the following 400 related items. Unfortunately I was outbid again on a few. Just for the records: