Happy Birthday Il Commendatore!!! Enzo Ferrari (February 18, 1898 – August 14, 1988)

Oops, I had it as the 20th on my calendar.

A quick Google search seems to explain the origin of my mistake: http://www.barchetta.cc/german/pirro/SN/Enzo.Ferrari/Enzo.Ferrari.htm

 

Happy Birthday Enzo today OR on 2/18.

P.S. I would like to share the following story:

I sent Enzo a birthday card in February 1988. Of course I did not know that it would be his last. In June 1988 I received a card enclosed in an envelope which was sent from Maranello. By that time I had almost forgotten that I sent the birthday card earlier that year. I couldn't imagine what was in the envelope. I opened it up gingerly so I did not damage the envelope. Inside was a card, with a red Prancing Horse embossed on the front, written in Italian (of course) and signed in purple ink by Il Commendatore himself; Enzo Ferrari. In essence, it was a thank you card saying that he appreciated being remembered by me on his birthday earlier that year. Two months later he passed away.
I still have the envelope and card framed and displayed in my showcase.

 

Very cool; please post a pic if you don't mind.

 

if I knew how to I would!

 

May I suggest some light reading: http://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/faq.php?faq=vb3_reading_posting#faq_vb3_attachments

 

Now THAT will be worth a lot of money. Keep it safe!

 

Maybe.

 

I hope I don't come across as a jerk and I'm certainly not questioning your integrity but have you tried to confirm whether it was Enzo's hand that made the mark?

For comparison, here is a link to some signed items that Morry has: http://www.collectorstudio.com/index.cfm/ID/34/SearchResults?criteria=enzo_ferrari (scroll down a bit)

Regardless, it is still extremely cool that you sent Enzo a card and that you received a reply...kudos!

 

Steve, yes, I did have it confirmed. Actually, it was confirmed by the best source ever. I had the good fortune, back in the late 1990's, to meet Enzo's personal secretary of 30+ years, Ms.Brenda Werner. I was introduced to her by a very close friend of mine (Bertoochi from FChat). I met her at his home for a barbeque and I brought the letter and envelope to show her. She said that it was common practice, as much as possible, for Enzo to take the time to respond to people that reached out to him.
At the time, Brenda was employed by Pierro; taking care of them and teaching them english. Meeting Brenda was a real treat. I remember feeling that it was like seeing the Holy Grail! Actually,she was much different than I had anticipated. It was a great experience.
While we were there, she went to the kitchen and baked a cake that was Enzo's favorite. She would not let anyone in the kitchen while she was preparing it for fear that someone would learn the recipe. All I can say is that from the taste of it, it included chocolate and philibit(?) nuts. Delicious!
I don't know which was better; meeting her or the cake. Either way, it was a great day.

 

Great story, thanks for sharing!

Just to clarify you mean Bertocchi? Small FChat world...until recently David lived in the same town I do and we share an employer though I'm just a part-time weekender.

 

yes same person; we still keep in touch. I thought I was spelling it wrong.

 

Great story!