Ferrari Aptitude Test?

Congrats Patrick... well deserved win.

GT

 

Walter; Could we please be told what the references are for this story?

One of my articles states (in Portago's words): "I then started to think (after his performance at the Bahamas Speed Week in 1954) I'd arrived, I knew how to drive and that Ferrari should give me a contract, so I went to see him. He wasn't very encouraging, I don't think he'd ever heard of Nassau in the first place." Asked what Mr. Ferrari was like, he replied first graphically: "Mr. Ferrari is a dictator - if he doesn't like you he won't sell you a car." Then diplomatically: "But as far as I'm concerned he's a wunnerful guy - I don't think I can say any more about him..."

So this article is saying that there was not a go-between involved in the incident, and it doesn't mention anything about a letter or photographs, and it doesn't mention anything about the OSCA accident.

Where did you find the story?

 

Actually the same place I found the other question that stumped most. It was from the New York Times, an article which actually quoted von Portago. The article is entitled "Ferrari: Speed-Bewitched Reculse" from June 8th, 1958. The exact text is as follows:

When the Marquis Alfons De Portago was killed in the Mille Miglia last year, Ferrari again called in the cars. He had admired and loved Portago, who shared his own almost mystic compulsion for speed, but he had signed the bold Spaniard against his better judgment.
Two years before, Portago, through a friend, had asked why he wasn't on Ferrari's team. Ferrari sent his answer by mail--two photographs of Portago's private entry off the road in a ditch here at Nuerburgring.
"Later," said Portago, shortly before his fatal ride, "Ferrari forgave me, and I have been driving for him ever since."

There is also a link here: http://forums.autosport.com/showthread.php?postid=836175, which confirms Portago's crash at the Nurburgring in 1954. There are a couple of other published sources that also have Portagos driving history.

 

Well, an article from 1958 is at least from the proper time frame, before the incident could have been clouded by years of fictionalizing.

I'd like to hear the Riverside recording to see if Portago discusses this.

Thanks for all the time and effort that went into the contest, it was fun and I've learned from it!

 

Walter, that goes from me, as well. THANK YOU!
That was mighty swell of you to put this together for us.
I had a ball... and learned a few things too.. not just from the answers, but from searching for them as well... cracked open a few books in my library i hadn't read in a while...

thanx again...

and Patrick... have a hot cup-o-joe for me, OK? Congrats again...

GT

 

Thanks All!

...although I have to admit it was strictly a guess

I just hope that my good fortune carries over to the wagers here in Sin City...

BTW, any clue what that Spanish website should have translated to? As far as I can tell, that is the ONLY online reference to photos as a response by Enzo. I found lots of references to the damaged Osca, but none with a connection to the factory ride.

 

sorry, my friend... didnt mean to purposly exclude and/or offend...

my, belated thanx for starting off one of the most enjoyable threads i have had the honor of being a part of in a long time here on FChat.

had a ball.

however, to paraphrase Linus from Peanuts:
Just wait till next time Charlie Brown...

GT

 

Agreed, great thread. Let's start a new round soon!

 

I can certainly get one started, but I'll be in Vegas in less than a week, so it will be a couple more weeks until that happens. In the meantime it looks like Carb is takin over .

 

Can anyone pose questions ?

 

Just having fun until you come back with another thread...