Preston Henn

Swap Shop entrepreneur dies at 86
RIP

 

What a shame. He was one of a kind.

A life well lived.

 

Legendary collector. RIP.

 

Swap Shop founder Preston Henn dies at 86

Marcel Massini

 

Nürburgring September 2006.

Marcel Massini
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RIP.
Le Mans 1982 with the girls.
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legendary racer and team owner too.

sports car racing in the US owes him a lot.

 

I am sorry to hear of his passing. Preston Henn was a legend and lived a very full life.

He will never know it but he taught me an important life lesson many years back. I was at Mt. Tremblant for the Ferrari festival as a spectator and the FXX cars were running. Among the drivers was this old gentleman in a cowboy hat. I very wrongly passed judgment about him on nothing more than a look. It was only later that I learned more about the man and his tremendous accomplishments primarily in the racing world. I really felt ashamed for having thought different of him even though I had kept my ideas to myself. That REALLY taught me the lesson to never judge people without learning a little about them first.

Thank you Mr. Henn for setting me straight.

 

He was definitely one of a kind while I never met him I do recall seeing him around . and definitely reading about him..
I guess 86 is not a bad ticket..
A true legend.

 

Another of the "OG's" gone.

CW

 

He was always very friendly and open, he kindly hosted me at his impressive seafront house in Hillsboro 20 years or more ago so I could photograph 275GTB/C/LM#6885 for Scuderia in Japan who wanted to reprint my Cavallino article on it. He still had a black BB cut into a spyder which he pulled out that day.

Had several chats with him a genuine no nonsense enthusiast who could indulge, last time I spoke with him was in 2011 when I did an article on his ex 512BBLM and he said I loved that car I wish I could afford it again...yes sure He recalled how he got a bad start at Le Mans but the thing was soooo slippery and fast top speed wise he passed many cars on the Mulsanne on the first lap just smiling.

Now he can discuss that Daytona win and Foyt getting all the credit with Bob Wollek who did the actual winning in the great paddock in the sky...

RIP Sir.

 

That man had style, RIP Preston.

 

Is this article available?

Will PM you, separately.

Thanks,

CW

 

That fact that this thread is in the "Vintage" sections speaks volumes I'd say!

 

So sad, never thought he would be 86! Saw him at 275 tour in 2004, following 6885 on the road make you deaf for a while. And he ( and his daughter) raced for almost 20 years the Daytona competition that I own and race. Racing and collecting were definitely his two passions.

 

Very sad. But it seems like he lived his life how he wanted and to the fullest! Only exchanged brief words with him during Cavallinos events and you could tell he was not the type to take **** from anyone.

I thanked him for bringing his 275 Speciale and driving it on the track. That was always the highlights of Cavallino for me.

 

Was nice to meet him when he brings his FXX to Valencia track. RIP
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i got to know Preston Henn casually through some mutual friendships. He was truly a one of a kind character and will be missed. In addition to his well known racing exploits and legendary Ferrari enthusiasm he was one of Gulfstream's premier customers. I wonder what will become of 06885. I hope it stays in his family or with someone who will use it as enthusiastically, and share it as generously, as Preston did.

Sincere condolences to the Henn family.

 

Very sad news indeed. I saw that Preston Henn bought #6885 from Harley Cluxton when the car was stored in Lake Forrest in 1969. That car must have been a sight to see on the road in the late 1960's!!

 

RIP

 

Sad news. One of a kind...

 

Preston told me last year that the family would not be able to sell #06885, as he put it in some kind of trust. But the other cars are really something. Said he had a 918 to go with his 959.

 

Yep. Sad news.

He was an interesting guy.

Any one have a list of the various Ferrari's he has owned over his lifetime?

Anyone here have an Ex Henn Ferrari?

Have a sweet ride, R.I.P.

 

See here :
http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/vintage-thru-365-gtc4/389101-lost-daytona-spyder-2.html

The ad is from a '82 Car Collector magazine.
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This was published 1 year ago on Motor Authority:
Could this Ferrari be the most valuable car in the world?

from Autoweek:
"What happens to his exotics remains to be seen, though at present, they will likely pass to his wife of more than 60 years, who survives him.
Henn told Autoweek that his will had provisions to keep the Ferrari at Swap Shop on display past his death."