A very unique spot in Milano last week:
It was spotted before somewhere last year in Milano as well:
And this one:
It was for sale in 2013:
Showing posts with label convertible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label convertible. Show all posts
Saturday, 24 August 2024
Ferrari 412 Cabriolet / Convertible by Scaglietti
Tuesday, 7 April 2015
R. Straman Ferrari 400 Convertible - Cavallino 12
Todays blog continu's nicely on yesterdays blog. I found on a German forum the following article about the Straman. It's taken from the Cavallino magazine No 12 1981.
Monday, 6 April 2015
History of the Ferrari 400A & the Straman Convertible
Those who thought Ferrari had deserted the sports and GT markets when he added power steering and air condition as standard equipment on some models were really in for a shock when the 1976 Paris show previewed a Ferrari equipped with an automatic transmission.
The car is basically the same as the previous 365 GT4 2+2, with the engine enlarged to 4823cc. It comes int wo versions: the 400GT, with a five-speed manually shifted transmission; and the 400A, with a turbo Hydra-matic three-speed automatic transmission.
The transmission is furnished by General Motors, and re-calibrated to fit the torque characteristics of the V-12. The five-speed manual is made by Ferrari.
Pininfarina had also done further work to add comfort and convenience to hte interior-redisgned seats, for example. The front seats slid forward ont heir tracks when the seatback was tilted forward (to allow more room for backseat passengers to get in or out) and were of a new shape that gave more comfort. A quadraphonic stereo system was made a part of the radio/tape system.
Outside, a small spoiler was now incorporated into the lower part of the front end, the taillights were redesigned, a remote-control outside mirror was attached to the driver's door, and the Cromadora wheels were now attached by five lug nuts instead of the center-lock knock-off hubs used before.
Neither this, nor the previous version, was made for U.S. sales, because Ferrari had decided to concentrate on the V-8 as his 'Americanized' Ferrari-and it's a pity.
Whilte Walter Mitty might imagine himself (in one of the earlier Ferraris) as Taruffi in the Mille Miglia, or Gendebien in the Tour de France, there is no mistaking the Rodeo Drive or Park Avenue feeling of the 400GT or 400A. The historic V-12 engine sound is there, muffled by insulation, but the luxurious interior with its air conditioning and stereo sound system leave no doubt about the purpose of this model.
The available power and the excellent suspension will allow high-speed touring in great comfort and with a feeling(real) of safety, but it isn't the Ferrari of old that asked to be driven hard on a winding read while chasing or being chased by Porsches and Cobras.
It is a Ferrari for those of us who now put creature comforts and style ahead of power and speed, without really sacrificing all of the latter.
And to take the 400 step further Richard Straman's firm, Classic Automobile Restoration began converting the 400's to Cabriolets in 1980. Straman's firm started out in restoring classic Rolls-Royces, Mercedes and the like, first made a name for itself in the Ferrari enthusiast's world by converting a 275 GTB to a spyder much in the fashion of that done originally for Luigi Chinetti by the Italian carrozzeria Scaglietti. After that came assignments to make Daytona coupes into drop-tops and now there are at least thirty California Ferrari owners driving around a Straman conversion.
But the biggest challenge so far was the 400A conversion. The top was cut off, and various braces were installed on the body to add rigidty. Straman prefered to fabricate his own top bows rather than to try and use a set from an existing convertible. One of the biggest challenges in the creation of the 400A convertible was creating a well for the top, and still leaving the rear seating area undisturbed. Finished, the car resembles a Rolls Corniche in its imperious air of luxury, although the aggressive wheels and exhausts give it more of an Aston-Martin Volante flavor. Pininfarina isn't likely to create a Ferrari open 4-seater, but if they did, odds are it would look very much like Straman's creation.
The Daytona Spyder conversions occasionally elicit comments from "purists" (ah, to belong to that rarified breed...) because of the fact that Straman was, after all, merely copying what Pininfarina, Scaglietti and Ferrari all created before him. Ethically, they're right. Practically, one has to have a Ph.D. in Ferrari Lore(proposed by several people) to tell the difference between the real Spyder and the replica. But in the case of the 400A, Richard Straman has gone beyond mere copying and gone where PIninfarina, Scaglietti, et al would likely go if they could be convinced of the feasibility, marketability, etc.,etc. And in Straman's case, the results are more than satisfactory.
These cars are a very rare breed, there are several other coach builder who've tried to cut Ferrari and no ones' come close to Straman in terms of quality. And twenty five years ago, the conversions cost over $20,000. Today, you'd have to multiply it by 4 and it's cost prohibitive. It's not done anymore, that era is over. These car were the last of there breed. And Where do you find them in nice shape? It's very difficult because there were so few made. And lastly, where can you find a nice open top V12 Ferrari Convertible for under $50,000? Very difficult if not impossible. With the values of other V12 Ferrari cars sky rocketing out of sight, these cars are probably one of the great values left in the V12 Ferrari market.
Source: www.cannillomotorsports.com
The car is basically the same as the previous 365 GT4 2+2, with the engine enlarged to 4823cc. It comes int wo versions: the 400GT, with a five-speed manually shifted transmission; and the 400A, with a turbo Hydra-matic three-speed automatic transmission.
The transmission is furnished by General Motors, and re-calibrated to fit the torque characteristics of the V-12. The five-speed manual is made by Ferrari.
Pininfarina had also done further work to add comfort and convenience to hte interior-redisgned seats, for example. The front seats slid forward ont heir tracks when the seatback was tilted forward (to allow more room for backseat passengers to get in or out) and were of a new shape that gave more comfort. A quadraphonic stereo system was made a part of the radio/tape system.
Outside, a small spoiler was now incorporated into the lower part of the front end, the taillights were redesigned, a remote-control outside mirror was attached to the driver's door, and the Cromadora wheels were now attached by five lug nuts instead of the center-lock knock-off hubs used before.
Neither this, nor the previous version, was made for U.S. sales, because Ferrari had decided to concentrate on the V-8 as his 'Americanized' Ferrari-and it's a pity.
Whilte Walter Mitty might imagine himself (in one of the earlier Ferraris) as Taruffi in the Mille Miglia, or Gendebien in the Tour de France, there is no mistaking the Rodeo Drive or Park Avenue feeling of the 400GT or 400A. The historic V-12 engine sound is there, muffled by insulation, but the luxurious interior with its air conditioning and stereo sound system leave no doubt about the purpose of this model.
The available power and the excellent suspension will allow high-speed touring in great comfort and with a feeling(real) of safety, but it isn't the Ferrari of old that asked to be driven hard on a winding read while chasing or being chased by Porsches and Cobras.
It is a Ferrari for those of us who now put creature comforts and style ahead of power and speed, without really sacrificing all of the latter.
And to take the 400 step further Richard Straman's firm, Classic Automobile Restoration began converting the 400's to Cabriolets in 1980. Straman's firm started out in restoring classic Rolls-Royces, Mercedes and the like, first made a name for itself in the Ferrari enthusiast's world by converting a 275 GTB to a spyder much in the fashion of that done originally for Luigi Chinetti by the Italian carrozzeria Scaglietti. After that came assignments to make Daytona coupes into drop-tops and now there are at least thirty California Ferrari owners driving around a Straman conversion.
But the biggest challenge so far was the 400A conversion. The top was cut off, and various braces were installed on the body to add rigidty. Straman prefered to fabricate his own top bows rather than to try and use a set from an existing convertible. One of the biggest challenges in the creation of the 400A convertible was creating a well for the top, and still leaving the rear seating area undisturbed. Finished, the car resembles a Rolls Corniche in its imperious air of luxury, although the aggressive wheels and exhausts give it more of an Aston-Martin Volante flavor. Pininfarina isn't likely to create a Ferrari open 4-seater, but if they did, odds are it would look very much like Straman's creation.
The Daytona Spyder conversions occasionally elicit comments from "purists" (ah, to belong to that rarified breed...) because of the fact that Straman was, after all, merely copying what Pininfarina, Scaglietti and Ferrari all created before him. Ethically, they're right. Practically, one has to have a Ph.D. in Ferrari Lore(proposed by several people) to tell the difference between the real Spyder and the replica. But in the case of the 400A, Richard Straman has gone beyond mere copying and gone where PIninfarina, Scaglietti, et al would likely go if they could be convinced of the feasibility, marketability, etc.,etc. And in Straman's case, the results are more than satisfactory.
These cars are a very rare breed, there are several other coach builder who've tried to cut Ferrari and no ones' come close to Straman in terms of quality. And twenty five years ago, the conversions cost over $20,000. Today, you'd have to multiply it by 4 and it's cost prohibitive. It's not done anymore, that era is over. These car were the last of there breed. And Where do you find them in nice shape? It's very difficult because there were so few made. And lastly, where can you find a nice open top V12 Ferrari Convertible for under $50,000? Very difficult if not impossible. With the values of other V12 Ferrari cars sky rocketing out of sight, these cars are probably one of the great values left in the V12 Ferrari market.
Source: www.cannillomotorsports.com
Friday, 6 March 2015
This Ferrari is a Gran Toupee-ismo
Well, I guess this week the convertible 400 is popular somehow. I just have added this article to the online section: http://jalopnik.com/5751498/for-29500-this-ferrari-is-a-gran-toupee-ismo
I think I recall this one as last year it was up for sale if I'm not mistaken. This particular one appears to be a Straman conversion. According to this FChat thread: https://ferrarichat.com/forum/ferrari-discussion-not-model-specific-sponsored-algar-ferrari/252228-straman-convertible-registry.html
there have been 51 conversions made of the 365/400/412 by Straman.
Pavesi has made 18 conversions. How many has been done by Lorenz & Rankl is unknown to me. And recently we discovered at least one conversion by EBS.
I think I recall this one as last year it was up for sale if I'm not mistaken. This particular one appears to be a Straman conversion. According to this FChat thread: https://ferrarichat.com/forum/ferrari-discussion-not-model-specific-sponsored-algar-ferrari/252228-straman-convertible-registry.html
there have been 51 conversions made of the 365/400/412 by Straman.
Pavesi has made 18 conversions. How many has been done by Lorenz & Rankl is unknown to me. And recently we discovered at least one conversion by EBS.
Thursday, 5 March 2015
Ferrari 400i convertible by EBS
Via the known FB Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/8727831092/ I came across of this unique 400 convertible performed by a small company in Belgium called EBS. The company no longer exist and has become part of the following company: http://www.act-research.be.
The pictures were obtained via the Dutch register:
http://www.ebsregisterholland.nl/page/other-ebs-cars
I suspect it's a one-off. Anyone any idea if it still exists today?
The pictures were obtained via the Dutch register:
http://www.ebsregisterholland.nl/page/other-ebs-cars
I suspect it's a one-off. Anyone any idea if it still exists today?
Wednesday, 4 March 2015
Ferrari 400 Lorenz & Rankl brochure - convertible / cabriolet
My archive is now extended with this brochure. I got ahold of it via the seller of the 400 photo's on the Torino Autosalon. He was some kind of automobilia reseller. A good moment to further look into this brand. There is a nice German Wiki about this company: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/LR_Fahrzeugbau
Which provided me the Original website for this company: http://www.lr-fahrzeugbau.de/
But it also provided a particular fansite regarding a car brand developped by the same company: http://www.silverfalcon.de/index.html
From there it is a simple click away to find more history about the work carried out by L&R on the Ferrari models. Which obviously included the 400:
http://www.silverfalcon.de/ferrari.html
And as you can see, it does include pictures, (German) articles and even some pricelists.
It's that simple and easy. The write up of this blog took longer then finding and collecting this piece of information.
Which provided me the Original website for this company: http://www.lr-fahrzeugbau.de/
But it also provided a particular fansite regarding a car brand developped by the same company: http://www.silverfalcon.de/index.html
From there it is a simple click away to find more history about the work carried out by L&R on the Ferrari models. Which obviously included the 400:
http://www.silverfalcon.de/ferrari.html
And as you can see, it does include pictures, (German) articles and even some pricelists.
It's that simple and easy. The write up of this blog took longer then finding and collecting this piece of information.
Update 8-4-2015 : On Facebook someone posted these 2 pictures. We suspect these are the same one as used in the brochure:
Friday, 21 November 2014
R. Straman Co - Ferrari 400A cabriolet + 400i convertible
On Ebay I spotted these two Straman brochures. But I couldn't be bothered to purchase them.
So for the records:
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/FERRARI-400-I-CONVERTIBLE-R-STRAMAN-CO-CALIFORNIE-PROSPECTUS-/171548977087
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/FERRARI-400-A-CABRIOLET-R-STRAMAN-CO-CALIFORNIE-PROSPECTUS-/311181120395
So for the records:
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/FERRARI-400-I-CONVERTIBLE-R-STRAMAN-CO-CALIFORNIE-PROSPECTUS-/171548977087
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/FERRARI-400-A-CABRIOLET-R-STRAMAN-CO-CALIFORNIE-PROSPECTUS-/311181120395
Sunday, 13 July 2014
Ferrari 400i Pavesi
I catched this Dutch Fabebook update. It was posted in https://www.facebook.com/groups/Oldtimerliefhebbers/?fref=nf.
Somehow I cant fetch the 'embedded html code' from this page, so I took it from the personal Facebook page of the person who posted it. As such it's now missing the brilliant comments. In any case, this FB post mentions there is an upcoming article in a future edition of the magazine "Het Automobiel" (https://www.facebook.com/HetAutomobiel / http://hetautomobiel.nl/) So expect a scanned article upcoming. Furthermore I noticed on the license plate the name http://retrolegends.nl/ And on their website the car is offered on sale: http://retrolegends.nl/stock/2644/ It does mention only 12 Pavesi convertibles have been made. Still I don't fancy them.
Update: By surprise I just noticed the Pavesi website is alive again: http://www.pavesimilano.it/
(still some construction work going - no English yet). If you wonder how the old website looked like in Feb 2002:
https://web.archive.org/web/20020203190810/http://www.pavesimilano.it/
Seems like the houses have been renovated, compared with the video snapshot. During my summer holiday leave I think I will make a city breakout trip to Milan and make a visit to this place.
Somehow I cant fetch the 'embedded html code' from this page, so I took it from the personal Facebook page of the person who posted it. As such it's now missing the brilliant comments. In any case, this FB post mentions there is an upcoming article in a future edition of the magazine "Het Automobiel" (https://www.facebook.com/HetAutomobiel / http://hetautomobiel.nl/) So expect a scanned article upcoming. Furthermore I noticed on the license plate the name http://retrolegends.nl/ And on their website the car is offered on sale: http://retrolegends.nl/stock/2644/ It does mention only 12 Pavesi convertibles have been made. Still I don't fancy them.
Update: By surprise I just noticed the Pavesi website is alive again: http://www.pavesimilano.it/
(still some construction work going - no English yet). If you wonder how the old website looked like in Feb 2002:
https://web.archive.org/web/20020203190810/http://www.pavesimilano.it/
Update: Just was sniffing around a bit more. I noticed via web archive some more updates where done in 2013. It seems like that was a temporary website with a new (different) design layout. It did contain also a section with a few YouTube videos (currently not available on their new website). In any case this triggered me to lookup their YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCryWJQJUXHDUboOpkYQa11w On their channel you will see a nice video on the Testarossa convertible. At the start and the end you will see the entrance of the Pavesi premises. It seems to be located somewhere on a city street in Milan. Just checked this on Google maps. Isn't that a remarkable location:
Bericht door Aart van der Haagen.
Tuesday, 13 May 2014
Ferrari 400 Straman Convertible
Catched this article today:
http://www.thepetrolstop.com/2014/05/ferrari-400-straman-convertible.html
http://www.thepetrolstop.com/2014/05/ferrari-400-straman-convertible.html
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Ferrari 400 Cabrio by Lorenz & Rankl
I saw this brochure on Ebay. Although I'm not a huge fan of topless 400's I will include this for the records.
For the collectors amongst us, here is the link:
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/LORENZ-RANKL-Ferrari-400-Cabrio-sehr-schone-Prospektblatt-Raritat-wie-neu-/310920103620
And another one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-LORENZ-RANKL-FERRARI-400-400i-CONVERTIBLE-BROCHURE-/371039769433
For the collectors amongst us, here is the link:
http://www.ebay.nl/itm/LORENZ-RANKL-Ferrari-400-Cabrio-sehr-schone-Prospektblatt-Raritat-wie-neu-/310920103620
And another one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-LORENZ-RANKL-FERRARI-400-400i-CONVERTIBLE-BROCHURE-/371039769433
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Very rare Ferrari 400i Cabriolet Convertible at Schloss Dyck Classic Days 2013
Just posted on YouTube 15 hours ago. Sorry, but I don't like these convertibles. I will take the Indy next to it instead.
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
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