'95 Ferrari 355 Challenge - s/n 104504 (ex Earle)... | FerrariChat

'95 Ferrari 355 Challenge - s/n 104504 (ex Earle)...

Discussion in 'Challenge/GT Cars/Track' started by rob lay, Nov 22, 2020.

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  1. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    I have the Challenge back in Dallas! It is still available for sale or trade offline, but I no longer have it listed. I'm going to start a 2 year plan to do the following before auctioning. 2023 will be my 20th year of ownership and since I retired from racing, it will be time for another racer, tracker, and care taker.
    • Updated service for tracking by Norwoods Auto Italia in Dallas.
    • Ferrari Classiche Certification currently under process by Boardwalk Ferrari in Dallas.
    • Title and registration for the street in Texas now that it is 25 years old.
    • Compile a complete race history with service records.
    I'll document everything here along the process, reach out if any questions or interest. Great to have it local again in great hands!

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    rob lay, Nov 22, 2020
    #1
    Performify, open roads, StregaP and 6 others like this.
  2. KMR968Turbo

    KMR968Turbo Formula 3

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    Looks good. Would love to hear what is involved in the Classiche Cerification. Are you going to keep us up to date?
     
    KMR968Turbo, Nov 22, 2020
    #2
  3. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    yes, this thread is to document the history plus working through the plan the next 2 years.

    I don't know if Ferrari has done too many Challenge cars, so some teething right now. They should take the lead of the IACPFA that basically says Challenge cars should stay intact and original to the car with allowances for safety modernization and meeting rules for current racing. I don't think anyone including Ferrari should want to restrict the cars to 1999 completely which would make them unusable for current racing series including vintage. It would be like racing with a M95 racing helmet. The original bolt in cages are illegal for almost any racing organization from early as 2000 on (started with SCCA). Also seats, seat belts, and fire systems have to be updated. We'll see though, Ferrari is Ferrari.
     
    rob lay, Nov 23, 2020
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  4. tomgt

    tomgt F1 Veteran Rossa Subscribed

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    they take note of almost everything that has been modified or replaced.
     
    tomgt, Nov 23, 2020
    #4
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  5. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie Silver Subscribed

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    Thank GOD you didn't sell this car. This car has so much history to it- not only in racing but its also the "mascot" for FerrariChat. You have had this car for a very unique part of your life and it's been though all kinds of **** with you.
     
    PaulK, Nov 23, 2020
    #5
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  6. Rothbauer_Racing

    Rothbauer_Racing Formula Junior

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    Awesome car! I think adding a corner balance to the CV will add some value for the future owner.
     
    Rothbauer_Racing, Nov 23, 2020
    #6
  7. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    yay, Steve Earle liked this thread himself, a legend! have there been more models made of any other Ferrari s/n?

    s/n 104504 in its Steve Earle racing livery 1996-1999.

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    s/n 104504 after Steve moved up to the 360, Ferrari of Houston went all silver, and Ed Martinez started racing it.

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    rob lay, Nov 24, 2020
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  8. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    rob lay, May 6, 2022
    #8
    Performify, Robb, [email protected] and 6 others like this.
  9. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ BANNED Rossa Subscribed

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    Texas Forever, May 6, 2022
    #9
  10. MBPaki

    MBPaki Formula Junior

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    MBPaki, May 7, 2022
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  11. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    yes, still races hard and on FerrariChat.
     
    rob lay, May 7, 2022
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  12. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ BANNED Rossa Subscribed

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    Texas Forever, May 7, 2022
    #12
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  13. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ BANNED Rossa Subscribed

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    Thinking about it, how long has Earle been racing? I saw him at the 2004 Montreal F1 Challenge race, and that was supposed to be his last Challenge race. He went to France after that. It is possible he has been racing for 30 odd years?
     
    Texas Forever, May 7, 2022
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  14. JAM1

    JAM1 F1 Veteran Rossa Subscribed

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    I wonder if in 40 years someone will discover the original 104504 tub and use its bits to build a second 104504. Then we’ll have another saga thread to watch in what’s sure to be “vintage” by then! :eek:
     
    JAM1, May 7, 2022
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  15. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    brings up an interesting conversation that should probably get more traction on FerrariChat than it will, like originality of old cars stamped metal chassis vs. modern carbon tubs without stampings (R&R like other race parts)? what then becomes the standard of originality unusable compromised carbon tub vs. new fitted tub with original driveline, accessories, and match VIN plates?

    Dr. Steve Earle on this thread can confirm, but I believe he had a nickname for #104054 of "Spaghetti" or "Noodle" by the time he had driven it to several hard fought championships. After Ed Martinez wrecked it then this became one of the freshest in 2002-2003. Especially for the race cars, the carbon tubs are wearable items that need to be completely replaced and not just patched for the best performance. Certainly a different mindset than the old metal chassis.
     
    rob lay, May 7, 2022
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  16. StregaP

    StregaP Karting

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    What an honor!! Thanks so much!! IlDottore
     
    StregaP, May 8, 2022
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  17. StregaP

    StregaP Karting

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    Recovering from massive crash at Estoril last weekend GT Open series #11/Kessel Racing!! IlDottore
     
    StregaP, May 8, 2022
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  18. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    here's to a healthy recovery!
     
    rob lay, May 8, 2022
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  19. Texas Forever

    Texas Forever Eight Time F1 World Champ BANNED Rossa Subscribed

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    I hope he is not hurt badly. Racing cars are so much safer today.
     
    Texas Forever, May 9, 2022
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  20. StregaP

    StregaP Karting

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    Noodle!!! IlDottore
     
    StregaP, May 11, 2022
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  21. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    awesome to hear that passed around story by the man himself, thanks!
     
    rob lay, May 11, 2022
    #21
  22. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    rob lay, Dec 5, 2024
    #22
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  23. StregaP

    StregaP Karting

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    Buon giorno! Rob I am still partial to the yellow livery but grigio looks good in photos...back to Ferrari Challenge EU in 2023(488 Challenge Evo),Team Champion and Gentleman's Finali Mondiali;2024 with 296 Challenge what a car!! 5 seconds a lap faster for me than 488.....2025 back to Challenge EU unless Ronnie Kessel has other plans for me..IlDottore
     
    StregaP, Dec 6, 2024
    #23
  24. rob lay

    rob lay Administrator Staff Member Admin Miami 2018 Owner Social Subscribed

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    congrats doctor! amazing how much technology has come along quickly.
     
    rob lay, Dec 6, 2024
    #24
  25. 488Julius

    488Julius Formula Junior

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    Curious as to why you sold this magnificent piece.

    A man always needs a race car in his collection (I now thankfully have 2), and one that is so significant to you, to the community and to even Ferrari you let her go.... why?
     
    488Julius, Dec 26, 2024
    #25
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