Borrani Finish- Paint to Polish? | FerrariChat

Borrani Finish- Paint to Polish?

Discussion in 'Vintage (thru 365 GTC4)' started by sully1967, Aug 17, 2021.

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  1. sully1967

    sully1967 Rookie

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    Chris Sullivan
    #1 sully1967, Aug 17, 2021
    I had the opportunity to visit Monterey last weekend and noticed a Ferrari 250 prototype (possibly a competition car that predates the TDF) with Borrani wheels that appear to be painted silver hubs and hoops with polished lips. Considering the car was on the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach, I'll assume this is the correct wheel finish for this car. Other cars of the era such as the GTO's appear to have painted silver Borranis as well (no polished details).

    Skipping generations (and off the 18th fairway), the 330's and Daytonas with Borranis all appear to be fully polished. Is there a technical reason why Borrani/Ferrari went away from the painted or non-polished wheels? Thanks in advance.
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  2. readplays

    readplays Formula 3

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    #2 readplays, Aug 17, 2021
    1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT Pinin Farina Coupe Speciale 0393GT, Rare Wheels Collection/ Dr. Rick Workman, Windermore, Florida
     
  3. DWR46

    DWR46 Formula 3
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    #3 DWR46, Aug 17, 2021
    As a general rule, race cars always had painted wheels. There was no reason to add all the work of polishing a wheel, only to have it thrown over the pit wall at every race. Some GT Berlinettas did have painted wheels with polished outer rims as a way to add a little "bling" to the car.
     
  4. Marcel Massini

    Marcel Massini Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #4 Marcel Massini, Aug 17, 2021
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  5. SmokyDave

    SmokyDave Karting

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    #5 SmokyDave, Aug 17, 2021
    There's something about lightly distressed single butted spokes that makes me weak at the knees.
     
  6. sully1967

    sully1967 Rookie

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    #6 sully1967, Aug 17, 2021
    Thanks, Mr. Ridgeley for the explanation. I personally prefer the painted finish also, although I wasn't sure if there was a material difference between wheel generations. Has anyone seen a Daytona or GTC with a fully painted silver Borrani?

    The owner at Pebble Beach explained to me that the passenger seat of this car folds back further in order to remove the spare tire from the car if needed.
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