Ascari was killed in a 750 Monza, that was later re-engined as a 500 Mondial. Similar body, but different engines, etc. -Jarrett
So is the car in question (this thread) even more powerful as it is a v12? Is a 750 Monza a 4 cylinder or a 6 cylinder? Pete
The 121 LM is a 4.4 liter inline 6. This is the same capacity as a 365 V12. For its time of 1955 it was a monster of a motor. Monza and Mondial are inline 4. Jeff
One can think of the 121LM engine as a 750 Monza with 2 cylinders added. The problem was reportedly excessive flex due to the length, causing crankshaft difficulies.
Here is a link to a photo on Bonham's site of 121LM S/N 0558LM at Le Mans in 1955... http://images1.bonhams.com/erez4/cache/Images_live_2008-10_08_7778243-2-1_jpg_tif_53c70aecb35e17fd.jpg
I know you know this, Jarret, but for everyone else,it was 0562M. there is speculation that the factory was testing a newer motor in 0562 the day Ascari died in it - possibly a precursor to the tipo 129 (860 Monza). Why would a factory team driver (Castellotti) be testing a run-of-the-mill 750 - the factory had been running 750s for quite awhile by that point - that hadn't even been painted yet. back on track w/ McAfee . . .
Not sure if we've answered the question if #0546LM was ever re-bodied due to the extensive damage from the accident..
There apparently was extensive sheet metal work but a new body was not constructed. Anyone who has a chance to come in contact with the car should ask the owner to see the scribed in statement from the man who restored it under the door edge. (door comes off its hinge pins in a matter of seconds.) There is a very nice statement about the car, his repairs to it and McAfee himself as I recall. Cheers, Bill
It's a slow process...I have his Ferrari necktie and the 1977 Daytona Pit Pass...LOL! Back to the thread...sorry....
Well, you just found the Right Place.........these folks posting are some of the most well informed experts of the planet. ...except me of course I just hang out and listen... ..you are in luck though, as many photographer's work of the day has become highly valued and preserved..Klementaski Collection, Jesse Alexander, Peter Coltrin...you have searched those archives?? HTH. Your welcome anytime to browse my books.
Hi Bill, I'd be grateful if you could tell us the address of the memorial placard for the Ernie McAfee on Forest Lake Rd. or maybe Portola Rd? I would love to pay a visit to the spot next time I am in Pebble Beach. Many thanks- Pebble Beach Fan
I do not know the address. It is not so hard to find. It is on a pine tree across from one of the last houses on the right as you approach the Equestrian Center heading north and right after the road splits. The owners of the house let their children rent out the yard on Sunday during the concours for people to park their cars. There are usually some dried flowers, sometimes fresh flowers at the base of the tree. If you have an I Phone, the Map Function might be easy to use to find it. If I can find it myself, I will see if I can pull up an address or map coordinate. Cheers, Bill
Not to be too macabre, but where exactly is the tree/placard? I went looking for it today and couldn't find anything. My understanding was that the crash occurred at Turn 6, which I believe is the present-day Forest Lake Road where it turns sharply right onto Portola Road. (There's a stop sign and a small traffic island there now.) Looking around at all the many trees at that intersection, I couldn't find anything. Any hints where I should look, or how high up? Thanks in advance.
check this out - July 2009 Vintage Motorsport: Feature on Ernie. http://www.vintagemotorsport.com/OnlineStore/group.asp?group_id=695&category_id=118 rgds elad
That's Ernie in 0546LM at Santa Barbara 1956. Very nice collection of photos it is. In another photo Ernie is seen in the 750 Monza 0502M at Hansen Dam 1955. Also there are photos of 0004M at San Diego July 1956 with Bob Drake finishing 1st in class, 0350AM at Torrey Pines with Bamford as well as Collins in 0372AM, the 750 Monza 0492M with no211 of Hill/Von Neumann and Shelby in 0268AM. At Pomona 1956 is the 500 Mondial 0438MD of Von Neumann. The same car again with Von Neumann is seen at the start of the Santa Barbara race in September 1956.
Hi Boudewijn. Car n°20c with Carroll Shelby is #0286AM. This is one of my favorite sites. Many nice and interesting photos. I think it was fun to see the races in those days.
Bob Carol(l) did the original "repair" work on the car back in the late 50's. My father and I were at his house about something when he showed it to us. He did a fantastic job. Bob Carol was another magician with aluminum like Willy Sutton.