Holy crap!!! It has finally come up for sale..... | FerrariChat

Holy crap!!! It has finally come up for sale.....

Discussion in 'Vintage Ferrari Market' started by tx246, Feb 26, 2008.

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  1. tx246

    tx246 F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2003
    6,467
    Texas
    Full Name:
    Shawn
    There have been hints about something big, but i thought it was just a "dream":

    http://www.anamera.com/en/detail/car/19975/index.html?no_cache=1&ret=63

    i have seen this car before, at first glance, you look away, but after a bit of looking back, it will take your eyes for a ride.

    forget about what it was, what it is now is interesting enough. once the history gets under your skin, your skin will crawl....
     
  2. Nembo1777

    Nembo1777 F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2006
    10,147
    opposite lock
    Full Name:
    Marc Sonnery
    Anatoly Arutunoff's car: very different, saw it at the wonderful Concorso on the bayou the second year, 2001 I think. Those headlight covers that lift like a gladiator helmet's visor are very interesting.
     
  3. kvisser

    kvisser Formula 3

    Dec 11, 2004
    1,956
    Damascus, MD
    Full Name:
    Ken Visser
    That thing is funky looking! The headlight covers were very interesting. What's the story on the rebody? When was the work done? Very curious. Thanks for posting.

    cheers

    ken
     
  4. kvisser

    kvisser Formula 3

    Dec 11, 2004
    1,956
    Damascus, MD
    Full Name:
    Ken Visser
    Here is the text from the symbolic pdf.

    Year 1961
    Make Ferrari
    Model 250 GT SWB
    Type "Spider California"
    Coachbuilder Scaglietti
    Chassis No. 2491/GT
    Chassis Type Tipo 539
    Engine No. 2491/GT
    Engine Type 168
    Engine Numero Int. 702F
    Gearbox Type 539
    Gearbox Numero Int. 105/509 "8 x 32"
    Rear Axle Type 539/671
    Rear Axle Numero Int. 358/F
    Rear Axle Ratio "8 x 32" or 4.0:1
    Wheel base. 2400mm
    Carburetors 3 x 40 DCL6
    Carburetor Nos. 2079, 2095 and 2114
    Known Facts specific to this car:
    This particular Ferrari was the 17th of just 56 "short-wheelbase" California Spyders
    completed by Ferrari. This car was issued a "Certificato d'Origine" on "13.7.61" or July
    13th, 1961.
    This car was ordered new sold to Sig. Attilio Cupido of Portofino, Italy. Sig. Cupido
    ordered the car through the official Genoa, Italy Ferrari Concessionaire. It was road
    registered to Sig. Cupido in his home province of Genoa, Italy on July 21st, 1961.
    This car was delivered with the following known features:
    -Metric gauge faces in black.
    -40mm 40 DCL6 carburetors
    -Velocity Stacks.
    -Ribbed Alloy Gearbox.
    -8 x 32 or 4.0:1 final drive ratio.
    The car was later purchased by Luigi Chinetti and still later delivered to Carrozzeria
    Zagato in Turin, Italy sometime prior to December 1970.
    Over a seven month period in the Summer of 1971, the car was given an new open
    "Spyder" body for the Turin Motor Show which was held in October of 1971. The car
    was given the name "3Z" by Zagato. While at Zagato undergoing work and completion
    the car was fitted with Zagato test plate "PROVA MI 725." The car was photographed
    repeatedly in and around Zagato's workshops as well as in front of various well known
    public buildings in an around Milan.
    Carrozzeria Zagato's own statements on the car are as follows:
    "1971 saw a strange new collaboration between Ferrari and Zagato. More than 20 yeas
    had passed since the completion of the first Zagato Bodied Ferrari, the 1951
    "Panoramica." This car the "3Z" was completed for Luigi Chinetti and based on chassis
    2491 GT. This car was designed by Giuseppe Mittino who from 1970 on was responsible
    for the designs executed by Carrozzeria Zagato. The design of the "3Z" with it's very
    powerful and aggressive 12 cylinder engine was itself powerful and bold. The car had
    many original new features such as the "eyelid" treatment of the front that hid the lights
    partially from view. The car was current when completed with the philosophy of Zagato
    at the time. The car had clean, unmarked geometric lines that were also seen on the Alfa
    Romeo Junior Z which was the first "wedge" car of the period.
    From this point on the true identity and original configuration of this car has been
    misidentified by almost every Ferrari publication and journal as originally being a "short
    wheelbase berlinetta."
    The original Ferrari records, delivery to the original Italian owner and purchase by
    Chinetti, delivery to Zagato etc… clearly and without question confirm this car was
    originally an SWB California Spyder!
    After the Turnin Motor Show, Chinetti imported the car to the Unites States. The car was
    sold to a local Doctor the same day it went on display in his showroom.
    In the late 1970s, former Tulsa, Oklahoma Authorized Ferrari Dealer, Anatoly Arutunoff
    began to search for the car again as he had seen in at the Turin Motor Show and was told
    at the time that it was not for sale.
    The car was located for him by Stan Nowak in Long Island, New York. In 1979, shortly
    after locating the car, Toly Arutunoff agreed to its purchase and has had the car ever
    since.
    1987 the well known automobile historian and author, John de Boer corresponded with
    Ferrari and was informed of the following facts by letter:
    "2491 25SWB Spider Scaglietti "California" 2400mm telio 539, motore Tipo 168 N. 2491GT (N. Int.___)
    cambio 539 N. 539/105 , ponte tipo 539.671 N. 358F (8/32) con autobloccante, Borrani 6.00 x 16 13.7.61
    Certificato d'Origine Attilio Cupido – GE 1972 transformata in Spider "3Z" dalla Zagato (blu
    metallizzato) Luigi Chinetti Salone Torino 1971"
    In 1994 he published the above information on page 139 of the Italian Car Registry. He
    further added the following information:
    "Purchased by present owner the day after it was put on display in the window of Chinetti's North
    American showroom" Anatoly Arutunoff - OK, US OK Lic. "ExSWB3Z"
    In 1997, Arutunoff was invited to participate with this car in the official Ferrari Factory
    "50th Anniversary" celebration. While there he was approached by Jean Sage, the head of
    the Ferrari Factory Historic Archive Department.
    Sage corresponded with Arutunoff informing by formal letter on March 24th, 1997 the
    following: (attached at end of this document)
    Dear Mr. Arutunoff,
    Following my fax dated 22-3-97, I would like to inform you that your car 2491 is not a berlinetta short
    wheelbase but a spyder California delivered by the GENOA (Italy) dealer to Mr. Attilio CUPIDO of
    Portofino on July 21, 1961. This information to contradict Mr. H. RABB chassis number list which claims
    it is was a berlinetta!
    Best regards,
    (Signed Jean Sage)
    A physical inspection of this car was performed on September 28th, 2007. The following
    information was confirmed:
    Chassis No. 2491/GT
    Chassis Type Tipo 539
    Engine No. 2491/GT
    Engine Type 168
    Engine Numero Int. 702F
    Gearbox Type 539
    Gearbox Numer Int. 105/509 "8 x 32"
    Rear Axle Type 539/671
    Rear Axle Numero Int. 358/F
    Rear Axle Ratio "8 x 32" or 4.0:1
    Wheel base. 2400mm
    Carburetors 3 x 40 DCL6
    Carburetor Nos. 2079, 2095 and 2114
    Additionally it was noted that the engine and gearbox all bore multiple matching "match"
    marks of "NN". The steering box was date coded "5/61" or May 1961. The Koni
    adjustable shock absorbers are all dated coded "10/61" or October 1961.
    The car retains all of its original Ferrari 55mm x 92mm frame and support members to
    the alloy body work.
    The original 250GT SWB California Spyder fuel tank, steering box, radiator, brake
    master cylinder, booster, original inner Ssaglietti Coachwork, inner alloy body /
    transmission tunnel, front and rear bulk head and riveted FIAM fuel tank are all present,
    correct and un-altered.
    Conclusion:
    With the exception of the visible Alloy Zagato body work, trim, glass, wheels and
    interior, this car retains 100% of its original as delivered components approximate to its
    construction in the late Spring / Early Summer of 1961.
     
  5. Ferranki

    Ferranki Formula Junior

    Mar 9, 2007
    773
    Buffalo NY
    Full Name:
    Ken
    Some Dino's coming up for sale?
     
  6. James in Denver

    James in Denver Formula 3

    May 23, 2006
    2,136
    Centennial Colorado
    Full Name:
    James in Denver
    Price? I guess if you have to ask, you can't afford it?

    James in Denver
     
  7. Ashman

    Ashman Three Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Silver Subscribed

    Sep 5, 2002
    31,629
    MA
    Full Name:
    John
    Surely the steering wheel was part of the "trim" added by Zagato during the conversion? Very nice to see the car in an unrestored condition.

    John
     
  8. donv

    donv Two Time F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jan 5, 2002
    23,988
    Portland, Oregon
    Full Name:
    Don
    So, is it worth more as-is, or if it were rebodied back to a standard cal spyder?

    I have to say I kind of like it, which I can't say about that many Zagato designs, especially from that era.

    I love the blue GTE on their website, incidentally! Heresy, I know, but I think I'd take that before I'd take the spyder.
     
  9. billnoon

    billnoon Formula 3
    BANNED

    Aug 22, 2003
    1,176
    La Jolla, California
    Full Name:
    Bill Noon
    I have received most of the remaining history from Ferrari and will try and post it later today. Cheers, Bill Noon
     
  10. michael bayer

    michael bayer Formula 3

    Aug 4, 2004
    1,292
    The nicest Fiero conversion I have seen
     
  11. Jeff Kennedy

    Jeff Kennedy F1 Veteran
    BANNED Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 16, 2007
    6,546
    Edwardsville, IL
    Full Name:
    Jeff Kennedy
    This car was one of the articles in Style Auto #31 pages 109-112. The original color was mid blue with light beige interior. Style Auto was a professional automotive magazine in the late '60s through the mid '70s.

    Jeff
     
  12. Napolis

    Napolis Three Time F1 World Champ
    Honorary Owner

    Oct 23, 2002
    32,118
    Full Name:
    Jim Glickenhaus
    Does Ferrari consider this car an Authorised Re-Body?
     
  13. neilmac

    neilmac Formula 3

    Apr 18, 2005
    1,252
    Oakville, Ont.
    Full Name:
    Neil
    Ugh. Don't like it at all. How could the company that created the glorious Aston Martin DB4 GT Zagato have been responsible for this?

    I guess we know where the inspiration for some of Michelotti's work and also (IIRC) the Bertone 308 GT Rainbow came from.

    Neil
     
  14. dan360

    dan360 F1 Rookie

    Feb 18, 2003
    2,669
    Boston
    I saw this car a few weeks back when I visited with Bill at Symbolic.

    I guess the expectation is to turn this back into a SWB california?
     
  15. sicqnus

    sicqnus Formula Junior

    Jul 11, 2005
    637
    Paris - France
    Full Name:
    Cyril Chartier
    Truly unique car. Seen in so many publications you can't tell.
    Those who will try to make total crap like re-bodying this as a Scagg California should be shot dead as the Talibans they are.
    No matter if you like the design or not, there are numerous Scaggs on the market and this one is unique.

    And what is unique is priceless...

    If you want a car that no one else will have... This one is for you.
     
  16. George J.

    George J. Formula Junior

    Apr 18, 2005
    540
    Bay area, CA
    Full Name:
    George J
    While I truly dislike the look it seems to be a bit of Ferrari history and to my sensibilities a conversion back to SWB Cal would be a mistake. Admittedly a good looking mistake, but still the wrong move. At that point it would truly be just a modern body on a real chassis; a bitsa car. Glad it will be someone else's dilemma as I would be an unhappy owner either way. Cheers, George
     
  17. Ed Niles

    Ed Niles Formula 3
    Honorary

    Sep 7, 2004
    2,493
    West Hills, CA
    Full Name:
    Edwin K. Niles
    Toly: An interesting character who always stood out in a cast of interesting characters. Gotta love a man who would hang on to a car that long!
     
  18. kare

    kare F1 Rookie
    Consultant

    Nov 11, 2003
    3,627
    Market doesn't seem to care how bad a rebodied car looks. If this car gets rebodied with all likelyhood the result is almost as different from original as it is now (wrong features, wrong detailing, wrong shape) but nobody seems to care as joe average in the car event doesn't see any difference. Sad but true. Best wishes, Kare

    PS. FWIW sudden claim that it started life as a Cal Spider also smells... suspicious to say the least. Doesn't make much difference as long as the car stays as what it is, but if it gets rebodied... well then it suddenly will make a huge difference.
     
  19. billnoon

    billnoon Formula 3
    BANNED

    Aug 22, 2003
    1,176
    La Jolla, California
    Full Name:
    Bill Noon
    Sorry this took so long. Below is the history with the additional inputs from Ferrari and others as referenced.

    Email or ring me if I can assist anyone specifically with the car. ([email protected] (619) 840-7811)


    Year 1961
    Model 250 GT SWB
    Type "Spider California"
    Coachbuilder Scaglietti
    Chassis No. 2491/GT
    Engine No. 2491/GT
    Engine Numero Int. 702F
    Chassis Type Tipo 539
    Engine Type 168
    Exterior Color Grigio Argento (Gray Silver)
    Interior Color / Type Red (Conolly Leather ref VM3171)
    Gearbox Type Tipo 539
    Gearbox Numero Int. 105/509 "8 x 32"
    Rear Axle Type 539/671
    Rear Axle Numero Int. 358/F
    Rear Axle Ratio "8 x 32" or 4.0:1
    Wheel base. 2400mm
    Carburetors 3 x 40 DCL6
    Carburetor Nos. 2079, 2095 and 211

    17th of 56 "short-wheelbase" California Spyders completed. Issued a "Certificato d'Origine" on "13.7.61" (July 13th, 1961.) Ordered new, sold and invoiced to Sig. Attilio Cupido of Portofino, Italy. Order processed through official Genoa, Italy Ferrari Concessionaire, PARAUTO and processed by Sig. C. Barbarossa.. Road registered to Sig. Cupido in his home province of Genoa, Italy on July 21st, 1961.

    This car was completed and delivered with the following features:
    -Covered Head Lights (Fari anteriori Coperti)
    -Tipo 130 (10mm Camshafts) (Alberi distribuzione 130/17229/230 Alzaia 10)
    -9.5:1 Compression Ratio (Rapp. 9.5)
    -40mm “40 DCL6” carburetors (Carburatore Tipo WEBER 40 DCL6)
    -Velocity Stacks (Press d’aria Trombette)
    -Ribbed Alloy Gearbox (Cambio Tipo 539/55485)
    -8 x 32 (4.0:1) final drive ratio (Coppia conica 8 x 32)
    -Abarth Exhaust System (Marmitta di scarico ABARTH)
    -100-liter Fuel Tank (Serbatoio carburante tipo 539/820286 capacita lt. 100)
    -Metric gauge faces in black. (Stumenti di bordo Borletti competizione in km.)

    1969, sold by Cupido to Luigi Chinetti via PARAUTO di L. Ravina and then delivered to Carrozzeria Zagato, Turin, Italy. Chinetti commissioned a new open "Spyder" body for the car in time for the Turin Motor Show for October of 1970. Delays and revisions to the car’s appearance forced the car to instead make its new debut in the October 1971 Turin Motor Show. The car was given the name "3Z" by Zagato. While at Zagato undergoing work and completion the car was fitted with Zagato test plate "PROVA MI 725." The car was photographed repeatedly in and around Zagato's workshops as well as in front of various well known public buildings in an around Milan.

    Carrozzeria Zagato's identifies the car as follows:
    "1971 saw a strange new collaboration between Ferrari and Zagato. More than 20 yeas had passed since the completion of the first Zagato Bodied Ferrari, the 1951 "Panoramica." This car the "3Z" was completed for Luigi Chinetti and based on Ferrari 2491 GT. This car was designed by Giuseppe Mittino who from 1970 on was responsible for the designs executed by Carrozzeria Zagato. The design of the "3Z" with it's very powerful and aggressive 12 cylinder engine was itself powerful and bold. The car had many original new features such as the "eyelid" treatment of the front that hid the lights partially from view. The car was current when completed with the philosophy of Zagato at the time. The car had clean, unmarked geometric lines that were also seen on the Alfa Romeo Junior Z which was the first "wedge" car of the period."

    From 1971 on the true identity and original configuration of this car was lost. All subsequent publications and journals identify the car as originally being a "short wheelbase berlinetta, or “short wheelbase competition berlinetta.” The original Ferrari records, delivery to the original Italian owner and purchase by Chinetti, delivery to Zagato etc… clearly and without question confirm this car was originally an SWB California Spyder!

    Immediately after the Turnin Motor Show, Chinetti imported the car to the Unites States. The car was sold upon arrival to a local Doctor from Long Island, New York.

    On April 1st to the 8th, 1979 the New York Times ran an advertisement for Concours International Motors at 671 Glen Cove Avenue, Glen Head, New York. The advertisement listed the following: “RARE 1966 ZAGATO CONVERTIBLE All Aluminum-one of a kind” The following Sunday on the 15th of April, they ran another add identifying the car as follows: “1966 FERRARI ZUGATO CONVERTIBLE-1 of kind” The same add repeated again on Sunday, April 29th. Ferrari historian-enthusiast and part-time dealer, Stan Nowak saw the add and immediately informed authorized Oklahoma, Ferrari Dealer, Toly Arutunoff that it was available for purchase. Arutunoff contacted Concours International Motors owners, Chuck Nesbitt and Al Meyer and immediately agreed to the car’s purchase. He flew out to JFK in the first week of May, 1979, purchased the car on the spot and has owned it ever since. This was not however Arutunoff’s first experience with the car, at the Turin Motor Show eight years earlier, he inspected and photographed the car in detail. He had also spoken at great lengths with Zagato’s representatives regarding the possibility of purchasing the car directly off the show stand. His offers were flatly refused and when the car became available for only the third time ever, he did not hesitate to proceed with its purchase.

    In 1987 the well known automobile historian and author, John de Boer corresponded with Ferrari and was informed of the following facts by letter:

    "2491 25SWB Spider Scaglietti "California" 2400mm telio 539, motore Tipo 168 N. 2491GT (N. Int.___) cambio 539 N. 539/105 , ponte tipo 539.671 N. 358F (8/32) con autobloccante, Borrani 6.00 x 16 13.7.61 Certificato d'Origine Attilio Cupido – GE 1972 transformata in Spider "3Z" dalla Zagato (blu metallizzato) Luigi Chinetti Salone Torino 1971"

    In 1994 he published the above information on page 139 of the Italian Car Registry. He further added the following information:

    "Purchased by present owner the day after it was put on display in the window of Chinetti's North American showroom" Anatoly Arutunoff - OK, US OK Lic. "ExSWB3Z"

    In 1997, Arutunoff was invited to participate with this car in the official Ferrari Factory "50th Anniversary" celebration. While there he was approached by Jean Sage, the head of the Ferrari Factory Historic Archive Department. Sage corresponded with Arutunoff informing him by formal letter on March 24th, 1997 the following:

    Dear Mr. Arutunoff,
    Following my fax dated 22-3-97, I would like to inform you that your car 2491 is not a berlinetta short wheelbase but a spyder California delivered by the GENOA (Italy) dealer to Mr. Attilio CUPIDO of Portofino on July 21, 1961. This information to contradict Mr. H. RABB chassis number list which claims it is was a berlinetta!

    Best regards,
    (Signed Jean Sage)

    A physical inspection of this car, records and documents was performed on September 28th, 2007 confirming all of the above recorded facts. Additionally it was noted that the engine and gearbox all bore multiple matching "match" marks of "NN". The steering box was date coded "5/61" or May 1961. The Koni adjustable shock absorbers are all dated coded "10/61" or October 1961. The car retains all of its original Ferrari 55mm x 92mm frame and support members to the alloy body work.

    The original 250GT SWB California Spyder fuel tank, steering box, radiator, brake master cylinder, booster, original inner Scaglietti Coachwork, inner alloy body / transmission tunnel, front and rear bulk head and riveted FIAM fuel tank are all present, correct and un-altered.

    Conclusion:
    With the exception of the visible Alloy outer Zagato coachwork, trim, glass, wheels and interior, this car retains 100% of its original as delivered “California Spyder” components appropriate and approximate to its construction in July of 1961.
     
  20. sparta49

    sparta49 F1 Veteran
    Owner

    Mar 3, 2001
    7,802
    LA
    Full Name:
    Frank
    Get that poor car back to Ferrari for a restoration.
     
  21. Nembo1777

    Nembo1777 F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Nov 4, 2006
    10,147
    opposite lock
    Full Name:
    Marc Sonnery
    Yes I never found it pretty but it is very interesting, was owned forever by a true character and is one of those intriguing one offs that fleshes out Ferrari's history.

    I hope Toly has written a colorful record of his life and times with the car, it would be sad to lose that and I would love to read it, hint, hint.
     
  22. of2worlds

    of2worlds F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 6, 2004
    16,445
    ON
    Full Name:
    CH
    Great researched history as always Bill. It's been 10 years; what are you going to bring up to Toronto this summer for the FCA show this time around?
    CH
     
  23. Jeff Kennedy

    Jeff Kennedy F1 Veteran
    BANNED Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 16, 2007
    6,546
    Edwardsville, IL
    Full Name:
    Jeff Kennedy
    For anyone interested I scanned the 4 pages form Car Styling #31. These photos are the original Zagato photos and article when the car was shown. I tried to post them here but my file size in both jpeg and pdf are too large for the Fchat limits. If anyone want to make the file size reduction let me have your e-mail and I will happily send them over.

    By the wat, Car Styling is long since out of business so I do not expect any copyright issues.

    Jeff
     
  24. Jeff Kennedy

    Jeff Kennedy F1 Veteran
    BANNED Owner Silver Subscribed

    Oct 16, 2007
    6,546
    Edwardsville, IL
    Full Name:
    Jeff Kennedy

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