Gil Nikels (Ferrari Owner) died last Thursday | FerrariChat

Gil Nikels (Ferrari Owner) died last Thursday

Discussion in 'California & Nevada (Northern)' started by Mule, Nov 7, 2003.

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  1. Mule

    Mule F1 Rookie
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 25, 2003
    3,752
    Alaska
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    Mule
    #1 Mule, Nov 7, 2003
    Gil Nikels, the founder of Far Niente Winery in Napa Valley died last Thursday after a long battle with cancer. He had a mid-1950's MM and many other great cars (some Ferraris). He bought the land around his winery for $100,000 an acre saying, "I am paying tomorrow's prices today".

    Far Niente Winery is one tun off before Mondavi in the valley. Beautiful house surrounded by trees on a small plateau.

    Off topic - this month's Forza has an article on a 575M driving in Napa Valley. And, you guys lucky enough to live out there, go to Andretti's Winery.
     
  2. vincent355

    vincent355 F1 Veteran
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 8, 2003
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    Vincent
    #2 vincent355, Nov 7, 2003
    Mule,

    he was a great man. i didn't work with him very much, but he has done a lot of great things here, we'll miss him.

    Vincent.
     
  3. Artherd

    Artherd F1 Veteran

    Jun 19, 2002
    6,588
    Bay Area, CA
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    Ben Cannon
    #3 Artherd, Nov 8, 2003
    He will surely be missed. I never knew him personally, but knew people who did.

    Best!
    Ben.
     
  4. Gary(SF)

    Gary(SF) F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2003
    3,637
    Los Altos Hills, CA
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    Gary B.
    #4 Gary(SF), Nov 8, 2003
    Actually it's Gil Nickel, but he will be missed by everyone in the Ferrari world, as well as Napa Valley folks. A truly great man.
     
  5. ferraridriver

    ferraridriver F1 Rookie

    Aug 8, 2002
    4,134
    Bay Area Calif.
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    Dave
    #5 ferraridriver, Nov 9, 2003
    I've known Gil for a number of years, raced against him many times, and visited his winery. He was always friendly, and a very competitive racer. BTW, he was one of only three Americans to have won an FIA World championship. He won the FIA sanctioned vintage championship in his Lotus 23. He was particularly proud of that.
    He is sorely missed.
     

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