Cool car. The original front bumper is much more elegant.
From the photo angles, it may be observation error on my part, but the spats from post 74 & 94 appear to be huge. That is in comparison to the published photos from post 99. Were the spats repaired/replaced by the current owner? Was it common to have spats back then on cars? Thanks, David
I think it has to do with the photo angle but also with the piece of sheet metal now at the beginning of the spats, which originally were not on the car. This is a minor detail that can be removed, of course. Yes, there were several Ferraris with spats. Also think about the white ex-Bill Harrah 400 Superamerica #2861 SA of the early 1960s. Marcel Massini
And the original airintake (or just an ornament) will be under there? When was the car repainted? I suppose she started live with the blue color.
There is ZERO proof that the car was blue before. That Ilario model is incorrect. They didn't even get the chassis number suffix right and say "EL" instead of "EU". Never trust a model maker. They sometimes create models in all sorts of colors just to sell more units. They also say "Genève" on their tag, although, to my knowledge, 0233 EU was not shown at the Geneva motor show. It was shown at the April 1952 Torino motor show. Marcel Massini
I am not saying that it was blue, I found photos of the model Ilario, so I had them on. Thanks for the warning.
According Ferrarissima 14, should be exposed to gray in Turin, the design should be the same version of Geneva. Please include photos published in Ferrarissima 14 page 29 to 32 chassis number 0233EU?
I was thinking that saying the Ghia convertible of this thread was born as "0233/EU" was the joke of the year but now saying it was not shown at the 1952 Geneva show but at the 1952 Torino show is even better...
CORRECTION: It was shown 20-30 March 1952 at the XXII Geneva motor show. Not Torino. Apologies for the confusion. Marcel Massini
They say the early bird gets the worm.... Guess you must be up all night-all the time !!! How do you top this ??
From the Italian car magazine "Auto Italiana", issue #7-8, Anno XXXIII, dated 15-30 April 1952, page 96. Marcel Massini Image Unavailable, Please Login
Job well done, indeed! It's fantastic to see these brought to the light of day again. To my eyes and love of a good story, a dirty old Ferrari is more beautiful than any diaper-rubbed trailer queen. Question for Marcel & Tom: What has the car been doing all these years? Was it non-op since purchased for $600 or was it retired later? How was it tracked down? Will it be restored or sold? Naturally, I understand privacy and "trade secret" issues may prohibit answers, which I respect. Any crumbs for this curious fan would be appreciated!
It was parked in a modest garage during 40 years. It may well be restored now and hopefully one day can be admired at Pebble Beach. Marcel Massini
Hmmm, admired?, nope don't think so, but yes shown at Pebble Beach. Not a styling master piece in my opinion, but yes not quite as ugly as the Abarth Ferrari. I do though see strong similarities with the Abbott Ferrari 212 Export #0165EL. Pete
Marcel, I note in "Making a Difference" you do not identify either of the two Ghia cabriolets (on pages 131 and 160-1) shown at Turin on the Ferrari and Ghia stands. Are you now affirming that it was defininitely not one of these two, or do you leave the door open that perhaps it was? Can you identify either of the two definitely? Many thanks.
0233 may not be the most beautiful or significant ever but to compare it to the Abbot disaster is not fare. just one man's opinion tongascrew
Alberto, English coach builder constructed 0165 EL's (212 Export) Cabriolet body. Most people consider it a complete failure as a design. The car has been rebodied. Best, Dave
Yes Walter didn't, I did. And yes it is significant because it is unique ... but I don't think it will ever be admired, which was my point. It, and we, were very lucky that it was not period rebodied! Pete
Well I googled both the Abbott and Abarth Ferraris. While this one is no stunner it is FAR better than either one of those. WOW!!!!!
The picker found the car by blind luck. He went to an estate sale at the house and noticed an old car in the garage. He had no idea what he had found other than it was a Ferrari and Ferraris are valuable. I've wriite up the story for the Ferrari Market Letter. The first installemnt will be in the next issue.