Searching for Lusso #5849

Anyone out there know where Lusso 250F 5849GT is these days? I have some parts from that car I would like to see re-united with it.

It was advertised for sale by Michael Sheehan in 1988 & in need of restoration. Next, and last, history is that it was a no-sale at the Orion auction in Monaco in 1991. At that time it was red with tan interior, not original motor.

I spoke to Michael & he doesn't remember the car. Orion auctions is out of business.

Any leads would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Norm

 

Thanks to Ferrari Market Letter, I have learned that chassis and mechanics were redone by Toni Auto in Maranello and upholstery by Tappazzeria Luppi in Modena. This work was likely done in 1989 or 1990.

I have emailed Tappazzeria Luppi, but have yet to receive a reply.

Does anyone have any contacts at either shop?

Thanks.

Norm

 

Update on the search--

Last week, I called the phone number I found for the broker who bought the Lusso here in the U.S. and brought it to Europe in 1988, Charles Gnadinger. Got an answering machine. Left a message. But, no response to date.

I also spoke to David at Toni Auto in Maranello & Matteo at Luppi Tappazzeria in Modena. Both companies worked on the Lusso's restoration prior to its appearance at the Orion auction in 1991. Neither David nor Matteo remembered the car. Both said they would look further in any records they might still have. So far, nothing new.

Anyone have any other ideas on how I might locate the current owner of this Lusso (s/n 5849)?

If I don't learn anything more in the next few weeks, I'm going to put the seats (photos attached) on eBay. I need room in my shop as I'm seeking a race engine for the Giulietta Spider. It still has the original engine & I want to preserve it. Racing any more with it is getting too risky with metal fatiguing & prices of matching number Alfas climbing.

Any help will be appreciated. I would really rather see the seats reunited with the car, even if they are not used in it. (The interior was changed from black to tan in the restoration).
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Gerald Rousch and Mike Sheehan tend to have data on these old Ferraris. Have you tried them?

john

 

John:

Michael told me has no records or recollection of this car or transaction.

The info I do have is from Gerald. If it were not for his records, I wouldn't have anything except a number.

Norm

 

Hi Norm,

I am away from home and do not have access to my records. But I seem to recall getting a name from Fantasy Junction that helped me. The name is De Boe or something like that. Give FJ a call. This person lives in the SF Bay Area.

john

 

John:

Thanks for the lead. I left a message at Fantasy Junction for him to contact me. Meanwhile, I am in France & don't have Karl Gnadinger's phone number. He has called my hotel twice today. But, didn't leave his cell number. I had it back in US. But, not here. And, my hotel didn't give him my mobil number (Thanks hotel people.)

Anyone out there in F.C. land have his number handy? I'll be checking my email again tomorrow a.m. On Wednesday, I fly back to Florida. So, time is of the essence.

Thanks.

Norm

 

Its Alan Boe, email [email protected]

Thats all I have, but he does know a lot about Lussos.

 

Thanks. I'll try contacting again when I return.

Spoke to Karl Gnadinger last night. Nothing new.

Norm

 

I give up.

After a 4-month search that included emails, ads & phone calls all over the world & a visit to 5849's last known location, Monaco, just before the F1 race, I have come up with nothing beyond the information that Ferrari Market Letter has from 1988 to 1991.

And, since I need the room & $$ for a race engine for my Alfa Gilietta Spider, they have to go.

Consequently, I have listed the seats from Lusso 5849 on eBay today. Listing is #280238473807.

Thanks to John Vardanian & Birel for their help here.

Norm

 

You did all you could...a very nice gesture. Good luck with the sale.

Jack.

 

I agree. Too bad. I am sure someone out there needs them.

It was very nice of you.

 

Jack, Vasco:

As I said, IF I owned 5849, I would want the seats, even though the interior was changed to tan.

I've done that kind of thing with a few of my cars. I install new, practical parts & accesories, & place the originals aside to preserve them.

I know there are people out there like the guy from the UK who bid on them back in February who needs them for the GTB he is restoring. I hope he catches up to the current availability.

Project for tomorrow is to reach out to the UK Ferrari Club to hopefully get the word to him. Best of all, he has a close friend who lives in the town right next to me here in Florida.

Ciao!

Norm

 

Those seats look like they are in great shape! Very nice of you. Good luck.

Best,

John