I would seriously doubt if it's any of the 5 cars prepered by the factory, unless you can get verified proof from the Factory, as I know 2 were certainly dismantled, 1 was roll-crash tested, so only leaves 2, and neither as far as I'm aware, are in the US? Argento Argento
Argento, Thanks for that information. Do you have any idea where those 2 that theoretically still exist might be? They would be able to be distinguished from the normal WSR cars by the fuel cell system, strengthened rocker pannels, and build date, right? The test was in 1998 from what I have gathered. The WSR cars were 1999 and 2000. Thanks, Ed
Hi Argento A couple of questions for you: i) Why was the car at Verdi's overpriced? ii) What was/is wrong with the car at Verdi's (given that it was in not so good condition)? iii) What is your knowledge based on? I have owned several 550's - this will be my 3rd. Please can you let me know, as I'd value your opinion. Also, I tried to PM you - but the email got bounced back re: the register. Please let me know how best to contact you? Thanks in advance regards Anjum (Still smiling gratuitiously) PS - My car has had new cambelts (these weren't due) - the car is due in for a full respray. All pipes and seals have been looked at - some replaced.
About the record: October 12, 1998 at Honda's Transportation Research Center in Marysville, OH. One car was brought to the event by Ferrari and it was driven by Duilio Truffo of Quattroruote magazine and Csaba Csere of Car and Driver. Each drove 30 minutes. The record average includes the driver change/pit stop with tire change. According to the C/D article (2/99) the only modifications were a 7.9 gallon fuel cell in the trunk leading up to a dry-break refueling rig, roll cage, racing belts, automatic fire extinguishing system, Ferrari option sport seats, stiffer suspension, and an electronic vacuum pump to assist the brakes. Infrared tire temperature sensors were also installed. Tires were stock Michelin Pilot SX MXX3's. Records: 188.905mph for 100km, 190.132mph for 100 miles, and 184.164mph for 1 hour. At the time it was also the highest speed recorded for a stock engine Ferrari at 198mph.
Thanks for the info, very interesting. See if I can better it on the drive to Italy in a few weeks Onno
Hi Argento. Thanks for you help with this matter. I will post some pics, post restoration. I absolutely get your point regarding minor details (switches, kick plates etc.) - but I believe these are signs of a car being used. I have already put 3,000 miles on the clock since purchasing the car. With regards to condition - just give me 6 weeks - when the car will be pristine again. I've already done the engine bay (well - as much as I believe is appropriate) - I've changes colling hoses and performed a cambelt change. I've also installed a sat nav/ipod/cd changer to replace the becker unit - and all body work aspects are getting restored. The wheels have been refurbished and all seals are being replaced. I have all of the service history - will post the pictures when the car is ready. Maybe we can then hook up - and we can go for a drive - and you can let me have your thoughts? If you know about the cars that I've owned - they are always maintened regardless of costs and always prepared as the manufacturer intended. Regards Anjum
Really cool, wasn't aware of this edition. Beautiful car, and of course an incredible performer with a lot of comfort for cruising.
Hey, good man! Mine's also going to be used when I'm home - another 6000 kms will be put on in a couple of weeks driving through Europe. It's what they're built for. Enjoy the car, and looking forward to the pics. Onno
Rik, Unlike the USA, they have "track days" in Europe that allow access to most tracks. The circuits offer them and some organizations "bundle" the time and offer semi-private events, too. Heck, you can rent the Monza GP circuit for a morning or an afternoon, if no one else has it! -Peter www.peterkrause.net
Right then I've had car back on and off for a few months - with the minor restoration work completed - and put on another couple of thousand miles. The car has just returned from having the gearbox reset for me as there was some minor play that needed adjustment. Had the suspension actuators reset - but I think the drivers side front needs replacing - so I'll get that done this weekend (I hope!). The car will then have had the following work completed: i) Front respray (removing Stone chips) ii) Rear respray (removing stone chips) iii) Roof respray (removing light polishing scratches) iv) Full body polish v) All paintwork blended and featherd in to a very high standard vi) Front Air dam inlets repainted back to black (and front lip) vii) All exterior rubber either relplaced or restored (where possible) viii) Wheels refurbed ix) New Tyres (again!!!!) x) New wipers xi) Fixed wiper jets (cleaned and reset) xii) Underfloor Tray straightened and reset xiii) Drivers side Carbone Fibre kick plate restored and reset xiv) Steering wheel re-sueded (if thats the correct term) xv) Gearbox rebuilt and rehoused xvi) Brakes are finally no longer graunching xvii) Fixed Drivers side door, hinge and bracket xviii) Air-con reconditioned. (Working very strongly and no excess humidity in the cab) xix) Dash Leather reconnellised. xx) Passenger Airbag panel "reskinned" and reset xxi) All interior sport seat Leather fed, reconnelised (and sympathically recoloured where worn) xxii) Treated and cleaned all leather lined roll cage - including the bits by the rear quarter windows - I'm glad it wasn't me do that - it looked really tricky! xxiii) Cleaned and treated all carpets xxiv) Realigned Carbon Fibre Gearnob so that it is straight! xxv) Fixed internal ariels to help with SAT NAV/DVD/DigitalTV reception And is now a joy to drive! Well - it will be when I fix the suspension actuator! I'll get some pictures takenand posted soon. Regards Anjum
Anjum Fantastic, thats a lot of work you've had there, it must look amazing now. I'd love to see pictures. Who did you get the work done by?
Rather than start a new thread I thought I'd ask here.... Were any WSRs sold in the US market? Thanks. Jack.
So if all WSR's are Titanio with a Rosso interior then what is this? http://nl.autoscout24.be/Details.aspx?id=190628985
I saw that last week too and assumed it was an error. Having stated this, it does have many WSR options on it.
