Chris Evans 250GT Spyder on Top Gear.

Great ! - But since when does Chris Evans car look like a BMW M5....?

 

Walter,
You have to play 3 or 4 of the 10 minute segments to get there. It's actually a nice segment with a de facto tour of most of his collection, and some wonderful English scenery on the drive. You can let it play in another window while you're working and just keep an ear out for it. Worth watching.

Best,
Dave

 

I thought he sold it to get the 250GTO.

 

It was said during the episode that the car was originally sold in Belgium (I also noted the garage Francorchamps sign above the car in the garage).

Can anybody confirm if it was sold here in Brussels (I assume by J. Swaters)... ?

Cheers,
Frank

 

Yes, Chris no longer owns the car

 

It was filmed about two years ago.

Jonathan

 

oh ok, I missed that.

As much as I like the California, I too would let it go to get my hands on a 1964 GTO.

 

Most of the cars in that film were sold to fund the GTO purchase although I believe he retained the Lusso. He has also brought an 860 Monza since then (was at the Goodwood Revival with it but I don't know the S/N).

 

I wouldn't. But for a Series 1, yes.


Onno

 

The 860 is s/n 0604M, I think.

 

I agree! I just saw half a dozen Series 1s, a 64 and the 250GT Sperimentale at Amelia Island. Breathtaking!

Jack.

 

That's an OK way to spend a day.


Onno

 

I thought he sold the white collect but kept the 250GT

That would explain the white collection being present .. but why would Top Gear wait 2 years to show a great piece like that?

Immensely jealous of James getting the keys .. I think it must be every Ferrari aficionados dream!

 

Of course I enjoyed seeing the car, but I think the story was a little tame. You can't expect an in-depth documentary on TG, but whatt they actually showed of the car, the noises it makes and what drives it was quite poor.

I did, however, like the shot of Evans' face when James asked him 'if he could have a go'

In order to get my hands on a series II GTO I would have sold my collection too, and then some. At least, I won't have competition from Onno!

 

You're being too nice. It was a ridiculous item for such a car. What was the idea of taking it into a congested area? Or have it mobbed by yobbo's (don't tell me that wasn't scripted)? The information given about the car was rudimentary at best, hardly explaining why this car sold for $10 million.

Then to top it off James May said it had "only 280 bhp". Only? The GTO had only 20hp more, at Le Mans, 3 years later. It was the Veyron of its day but a darn side prettier.

No you won't. I love the SII GTO but love the SI more. However, if I had GBP20million to spend, it would not be on a GTO. I would be much happier with a selection of Ferraris for the same money. A barchetta to do the MM and some historic racing in, a nice 250 Cali Spyder, a 410 Superamerica or other rare coupe, a 250 TdF, and a Lusso. A collection like that would give me much more pleasure.

Of course, if I have 40GBP million to spend.....


Onno

 

I enjoyed the piece actually. Yes it was aimed at a mass market audience and was obviously scripted, but then all television is. Living not that far from Evans, and driving some of the same roads in my Daytona I appreciate May's difficulties and stresses in some of those narrow roads.

 

@ Onno:

We're in total agreement, with 1 exception: some of the series II GTO's (those with the little roof-spoiler) are sooooo darn pretty and purposeful looking...

@ Matthew:

I appreciate your viewpoint, but you can't possibly tell me there are no decent driving roads around where you live. The car was totally wasted on the humor, and deserved better exposure than to be made out the clown of the insert. The insert would actually have been much funnier with a Lincoln Town Car (doing its' name justice), and a decent researched piece could have been made about the California.

We also have busy small streets here, and you can't always avoid using them. I will never deliberately choose to do so.

 

What are opinions RE bumpers vs no bumpers? I think it doesn't look right at all with no bumpers.

Theo

 

There are a few good roads around, but the South East of England has so much traffic you seldom get to enjoy them. No only that speed limits are being reduced on a lot of them

The best drives I've had of the Daytona in the last few years have been a hop across the chunnel to Northern France.

 

Matthew,

Off topic, but come try the roads here, Onno will attest to this, we have some unforgettable tarmac here in the Western Cape!

@ Theo:

It would have looked better with an arrangement as seen on early PF cabrio's (series 1) or the 250 GT/L I really like those little separate upright bumperettes with a small horizontal bar. Just my opinion...

 

I like your style. I suppose my ´collection´ would mostly consists of a few early Vignales and at least a 860 Monza

 

Hi,

check it out here, the new owner is having the car fully restored....

http://www.joemacari.com/Restoration/Ferrari-250-California_11.htm

 

I took this at GW Revival 2010. Damn fine machine with a heck of a sexy rear arch curve.

+1, I think the bumpers should be on.


Onno
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Indeed!

I might add that it looks even better without a roof altogether (as in 1777 Nembo)