So did someone get their middle-eastern royalty confused? It went new to Hussein bin Talal, King of Jordan, Argento Metallizzato (106-E-1) / Nero, and kept in France. And then someone advertises a fly-yellow car in August '75, this one having been owned by Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, King of Saudi Arabia? I don't see the ad mentioning a chassis number?
I believe that ad was from Fisher's company, and hence the link to s/n 08659 per his recollections about provenance and colour on Instagram. Further to a discussion with Tony Willis, his recollection is that this car was originally LHD but was later converted to RHD at the factory - which may help to explain some of the confusion. As for whether there's been a royalty mix-up somewhere down the line, I'm certain the car was new to Hussein of Jordan (this is reportedly confirmed by the original bill of sale mentioned earlier in the thread); however, I would imagine it's entirely possible that the car went to Faisal of Saudi Arabia after that (not like there was a lot of choice if you were in the Middle East and fancied a 275 GTB...). Not sure the "car kept in France bit" is necessarily an accurate bit of history, either. That photo of Hussein bin Talal climbing into a 275 GTB (chassis not confirmed) clearly shows Jordanian registration plates. Still some work/research to do here, but I expect we can iron out the historical wrinkles! -Ed
Marcel, just linking this in per my post above. Brief correspondence with Tony Willis concludes with a recollection that 08659 was originally LHD (per order book) and later converted to RHD at the factory. -Ed
Order book for 08659 (which I have) shows "G.D.", which is guida destra, which is RHD. Marcel Massini
Aha! It was the Maranello Concessionaires 'summary' records that showed LHD I believe. This curious case remains open then. Thanks for the info. -Ed
I have these records that I bought at Beaulieu auto jumble years ago. Came in a a job lot box of literature. I only really wanted some nice early MC car brochures out of it but had to buy it all in the end. Some interesting stuff. Anyway, 08659 is listed with remarks.LHD and King noted..Maybe these are similar to the MC records you mentioned.These are an old copy of an original by the look. Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
Maybe ordered in RHD but built LHD in error? "So, your Majesty, how do you like your new Ferrari?" "Very nice but I ordered right hand drive". "Ah! I see. Err, just let me make a few phone calls to Italy...". Obviously there is a mistake somewhere because different contemporary records don't tie up. Luckily, that is why we have historians.
Tony Willis has very helpfully provided the illumination we needed. s/n 08659 was built as LHD in Argento, but was factory converted to RHD in 1969. Documentation evidencing this was supplied to the current owner. -Ed
I’ll check and confirm tomorrow. Funnily enough I was looking at the car’s file and some old photos only today. Mark
As he was married to Terence Kane’s daughter at the time it is somewhat unlikely he was dating the Colonel’s daughter. The photo shows Terence Kane posing with Carson at the handover of the car. At that time Kane was a non executive director of Maranello Concessionaires. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I took that photograph and I can assure you it was at the 1982 U.K. Motor show that was held at the Birmingham NEC. I was on the balcony overlooking the stand in a vain attempt to dissuade certain individuals from throwing half eaten ketchup covered Burger King sandwiches being thrown on to the cars below. Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
I took that photo at the Birmingham NEC when I was working on the MC stand. I do have the chassis numbers somewhere and will post.
