Remembering a Giant in the Ferrari Wo

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((Richard Merritt was just an ultra enthusiast. Now that he has passed on at the age of 90, it’s worth remembering how one man can make a difference.))

 

Oh, if we could only turn back the hands of time!

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So very sorry to read of Dick's passing. I had the pleasure of meeting him several times over the years, starting in the early 80's. He didn't really know me, yet he was always a true gentleman. I remember in 1982 while attending a regional Ferrari gathering in the DC area, "Turner's Ferrari Festival" with my newly purchased 308, I told him I was hoping to someday purchase an older V12. He told me if I was interested he could get me a 250 California Spyder (I believe it was a LWB). He said it definitely needed work, but it was drivable. As I recall he said the price was less than $60K. It was tempting, but having just recently purchased the 308, that would have been financially stretching it a bit too much for my comfort level at that moment. I thought well maybe in a few years. Of course, what is they say about opportunity knocking? So, I never got anywhere close enough to purchase anything like a 250 California Spyder again. He was one of the prime movers in getting the Ferrari Club of America on it's feet and I'm thankful for having had the opportunity to meet him. My condolences to his family and friends.

 

There are already several threads about Richard F. Merritt, including this:

https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/rip-richard-merritt.638466/#post-147788695

Marcel Massini