A well beloved Ferrari Icon in Texas, Sid Simpson, has passed. When I was a young kid trying to buy an old, cheap Ferrari, he took me serious and spent a good amount of time with me. He guided me towards what became my first Ferrari, an awesome 308. I will never forget the time and level of interest he took in me, while working at Ferrari of Houston. I have no idea why he did, other than true passion and being an old school gentleman. I will never forget, or not appreciate him for this. Some of what I witnessed and experienced those days, I still use today in dealing with customers. Although I was shopping for a car and young, I learned more about salesmanship from him than I could ever thank him for. He was a true class act. Thank you for making a life-changing impact on me! I appreciate in ways I can never repay. Shawn
When I was a young guy drooling over a 308 at FoH — the old location- he actually got me a test drive. He rode in the passenger seat! I’ll never forget how supportive he was of me— probably felt sorry for me, that was probably my 20th trip there to drool!! RIP Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
Are there funeral details? As I understand it Sid was the Franchise Holder, my 1977 Service Manual goes to a warehouse address on West 34th St. This closed to establish the original FOH on the south side of IH59S. No matter the details, as Risi bought the dealership, Sid was there for the remainder of his years. Quite the mellow personality, as a 288GTO sat new on the showroom, (unsold at $86K!) he opined to me: "The 12 cylinder TR is much more car, what's the cost of 4 spark plugs if it gets you a bigger beer cooler?" That was Sid. I have (and it's probably in the old FChat here) and picture of him and JRV and the Miura, at one of the first "Classy Chassis" events. RIP Sid Simpson.
A very kind man. Recall that as the Cavalleria series was published, you had to go in, every month or so, to pick up the latest published edition. Quite the dedication, to gather all 15.....
This is Lisa, Sid Simpson’s daughter. I love reading these stories about my Dad and how he impacted others. Please keep the stories coming. If anyone has photos please let me know. Thank you
Shawn- My Dad was a class act. So kind and a heart bigger than Texas. Thank you for this post about him. Lisa
Tex- My Dad’s shop was on Star lane. At least that was the shop I grew up in. I can still see the Ferraris in there and smell the oil and parts. Great memories there. Lisa
Thanks!! Grady Owens corrected my details.....(he LOVES to do that!!) So nice to see all the old Ferrari folks Sid had helped.....I was a kid, but in the mirror now I don't see a kid anymore. I drove over in my old "76, no A/C, and thinking all the way, Sid would have said: "You can do without air conditioning. You can't do without an alternator!" I do have some pictures, from his work at Classy Chassis events. He and my man JRV were old friends......can any of the Mods go back the old Chat and find it, would be at JRVs passing???? They are comparing tales, right now.....in my mind's eye.... Godspeed Sid, and Welcome Lisa. My prayers and condelences.
