Any serial number collectors around?

Hello Ferrari friends around the world,

For about 17 years now, I have been keeping a database on individual Ferrari cars by serial number (chassis number, VIN). Since about six years, I have added a similar database on modern Lamborghinis too (Countach to current production).

This means I collect details like model, colours, plate and ownership history, when/where a car has been for sale (with mileage and price), crashes and modifications.
For me it is very interesting to follow the individual cars this way, as many have quite surprising histories. You will see some examples originally delivered in Europe being sold to the USA, going through several owners & dealers there, being sold to Japan, then back to the USA, meanwhile having been restored with new paint & interior. Just as an example!

Now, there are thousands of people (or should I say: men) worldwide taking down numbers and keeping databases on airplanes or trains ("spotters"). But car-s/n-spotters are somehow a much more rare species. So I'm wondering, are there more people with the same hobby/passion like me out there? If yes, it would be nice to get in touch with you!
You can respond to this thread, or send me a pm if you like.

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

That is indeed a good idea: I'll post a similar thread there as well.

Thanks!

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Well, I'm not too big a fan of putting everything on a website, as I don't want to invade the privacy of the owners. Also, I have in the past often received and exchanged data from other collectors, under the condition of keeping it for my database only.

You are quite right on values, these are historically speaking the least important. But it's not much additional work to enter these in the database either and often it´s fun to see the rise in asking price when a car goes from one owner or dealer to the next. F.e. you see a car privately advertised one day and two weeks later it's for sale by a dealer - usually at a clearly higher price than the previous owner was asking (which is normal business, of course). So, that´s why I also include values.

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Hi Dave,

Nice to hear from you again too! I'll respond to your pm later today, ok?

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Yes, I already got to know Carbon, who shares my passion for serial number collecting. Thanks!

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Hi Steve,

Actually, I'm one of the founders of the Telaio group, which was started by three other Dutch guys and me well over ten years ago in the Netherlands. Indeed the gentlemen mentioned above and Carbon too are all respected members.

The group isn't really secret though, but a private forum only for members - due to the sometimes delicate information that is discussed. After all, a public forum is not really the right place to talk about the latest purchase from Mr X., who payed amount X etc. Again, it's a question of respecting the privacy of the owners and therefore keeping the information within a selected group of trustworthy members. That doesn't at all mean that all info is always protected: Me and most other Telaio guys are quite happy to tell Ferrari owners what we know on the history of their car. It makes our hobby more valuable for other people as well!

Ciao,

Lars T.

 

Interesting story! Yes, actually several car brands have dedicated fans who keep registers on the cars that have been built. I think these registers are important for the history, as valuable information would otherwise get lost through time.

Ciao,

Lars T.