Category: Ferrari (Page 6 of 9)

IN THE NEWS: Ferrari Unveils FXX K at Ferrari Finale Mondiali

December 3, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, 3^rd December 2014 – Ferrari’s new FXX K research and development programme receives its world premiere next weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The laboratory-car is based on Maranello’s first hybrid model and will grace the world’s tracks from next year onwards. The K in its moniker is a reference to the “KERS” kinetic energy recovery system it adopts in maximising its track performance.

Unfettered by homologation and racing regulations, the FXX K will never be used in competition. It was, in fact, developed to be completely uncompromising, incorporating technological innovations that will guarantee an unprecedented driving experience to the exclusive group of Client-Test Drivers with whom the Prancing Horse will roll out a test programme over the coming two years.

The car’s enormous potential is attested to by two significant figures: a total power output of 1050 cv (860 cv delivered by its conventional V12 engine and 190 by its electric motor) and maximum torque in excess of 900 Nm.

The FXX K’s 6262 cc V12 features new camshafts and a modified valve train with mechanical rather than hydraulic tappets. The intake manifolds have been redesigned and given a special type of polishing treatment. The exhaust system has been modified as its silencers have been eliminated.

The HY-KERS system has been evolved specifically for pure performance with the result that the driver can control the function logics from the specific 4-setting Manettino on the centre console: Qualify, for maximum performance within a limited number of laps; Long Run to optimise performance consistency; Manual Boost for instant maximum torque delivery; and Fast Charge, for a fast recharge of the car’s battery.

A focus on delivering maximum efficiency at every stage of every track lap has resulted in extensive but integrated work on the entire car body in terms of both active and passive aerodynamics.

The front of the car is dominated by a twin-profile spoiler and a larger splitter, which is 30 mm lower, with a gap in its centre. This design is an application of the concepts developed to improve aero balance in the GT category of the WEC, which Ferrari has won for three consecutive years. Two pairs of vertical elements, an endplate and, externally, a dive plane, together with vertical fins channel the air towards the car’s flanks, generating a longitudinal vortex that creates a localised depression. This in turn sucks the wake from the wheels to the outside of the aerodynamic underbody. Along with the side skirts that extend out from the sills, the vortex helps isolate the airflow from the underbody to boost its efficiency.

The solutions on the rear of the car are highly sophisticated, too. The tail section is now higher and the mobile spoiler extends further for a total increase in extension of 60mm when fully deployed. A vertical fin and a small wing each side of the tail act as guide vanes in the low drag configuration and boost the spoiler’s efficiency in the high downforce one. This system also creates considerable downforce at the rear of the car, allowing the use of an extreme diffusion volume for the rear diffuser which optimises air extraction from the underbody. The section of the flat underbody just ahead of the rear wheels is also exploited to the full to generate downforce thanks to the reduced pressure in the wheel arch guaranteed by the direct connection to the rear of the car by a by-pass duct.

The result is a 50% improvement in downforce in the low drag configuration and a 30% improvement in the more aggressive downforce configuration, resulting in a figure of 540 kg at 200 km/h.

Vehicle dynamics are further improved by the adoption of Pirelli slicks complete with sensors that monitor longitudinal, lateral and radial acceleration, as well as temperature and pressure. This ensures an accurate analysis of the interaction between the tyre and track surface, providing even more vital data to enable the traction control system to guarantee maximum performance.

The intervention level of the E-Diff electronic differential, F1-Trac traction control, Racing SSC (Side Slip Angle Control) – now specially calibrated to suit the car’s slick tyres – and the high-performance ABS can be controlled using the five-position Manettino on the steering wheel.

ON THE BLOCK: Coy’s “True Greats” Christmas Sale Highlights Niki Lauda’s First F1 Car and Porsche 904/6 Carrera GTP

November 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

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With more than seventy cars going under the hammer, including Niki Lauda’s first F1 car and a huge number of cinema posters, Coys end of season ‘True Greats’ Christmas sale at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London on December 2nd is likely to be a real blockbuster.

Chris Routledge, Managing Partner at Coys, said: “We have an amazing number of interesting cars going under the hammer. It will be a truly unique opportunity for any serious collector to acquire some of the most spectacular cars available on the open market.”

The auction will feature three times World Champion Niki Lauda’s first F1 car. This iconic former Grand Prix March from the “Golden Era” was built in 1971 for Ronnie Peterson, who used it as his initial Works Team Car at Kylami, Monaco and the memorable Zandfort race. This then became his spare car after he took over the new 711 -6 chassis at the German Grand Prix of that year. It was at this time in 1971 that this car became the career opener for Niki Lauda when he started at Peterson’s team as the second works driver. It is estimated at £450,000 to £500,000.

The sale will also feature a 1964 Works Prototype Porsche 904/6 Carrera GTP, possibly one of the finest and most successful Porsches ever constructed. It kick started a program of racing cars, that would eventually result in the all-conquering 917. It also holds a unique spot in the manufacturer’s history as the last dual-purpose sports scar Porsche ever built. The car comes with a file containing letters from Porsche Works confirming 904-108`s works prototype history and pictures of its works participation at the 1965 Targa Florio. Immaculately presented, ready for use and running as it should, this is a world-class car for a world-class collection. It is estimated at £1,100,000 to £1,300,000.

A wonderful 1964 Ferrari 275 GTB/2 6 C is also on offer. This is an early short nose example in excellent all round condition in its distinctive Giallo Fly, a colour that complements the 275’s lines beautifully. Mechanically, it is in outstanding condition, it boasts an interesting specification, proudly bearing the rare and desirable 6 carburettors. It is estimated at £1,100,000 to £1,400,000

Serious collectors or Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts will find an example of one of the most desirable sports-coupes ever made, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing. This exceptional car boasts a desirable original specification and retains its original engine. It is estimated at £950,000 to £1,100,000.

A 1936 Alvis Speed 20 Vanden Plas Tourer, ex Brooklands winning car and one of only six produced will be on sale, estimated at £110,000 to £130,000. This matching numbers car, with extensive pre and post war race history, is offered in its original factory specification. Finished in silver beige over black with a complementary and original beige interior, it is supplied with full VSCC and FIVA papers, which enable it to compete in many events worldwide. It is estimated at £90,000 to £110,000.

The auction will also feature a 1970 Renault Alpine A 110 Factory prototype “Group 4” with FIA papers, estimated at £190,000 to £ 220,000; a 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Series I Ventoux, estimated at £250,000 to £280,000; a beautiful and original 1948 MG TC, estimated at £20,000 to £25,000; and a 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera 2.7 RS, estimated at £350,000 to 450,000.

ON THE LAWN: 2014 Ferraris on The Circle Shines in Sarasota

November 1, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The annual Ferraris on The Circle was held November 1, 2014 at St. Armands Circle Park in Sarasota, Florida. Now in its 14th year, the event is hosted by the Ferrari Owners Club and is the only Ferrari event of its kind and continues to draw more attendees every year. There were some 60 cars this year, ranging from what could be considered classics such as a gorgeous Azzurro 308 GT4 to current models like the 458 Italia and F12. We even ran into an old friend. A 1962 250 GTO drew a great deal of audience attention as well as some scorn from purists as it was in fact a replica. To the crowds that braved a blustery day, it was all simply a chance to see some exquisite examples from one of the world’s legendary marques.

With a newly imposed moratorium on events held on The Circle in 2015, there is a good chance that the Ferrari Owners Club will have to find a new circle, as its off-shoot, the Sarasota Exotic Carfest, did in 2014. By relocating to downtown Sarasota, the Carfest was able to facilitate more cars throughout a larger area, with a much more gracious—and even grateful—welcome by the neighboring merchants and establishments. As exotic car enthusiasts—and Ferraris in particular—let’s hope that Ferraris on The Circle continues to provide is with the opportunities to be Tifosi for a day.

IN THE NEWS: Ferrari Marks 60 Years in North America with F60America. And You Can’t Have One.

October 10, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, October 10th 2014. To celebrate Ferrari’s 60th year in North America, Maranello has returned to its 1950s and 60s tradition of producing strictly limited edition, built-to-order cars. The result is the F60America, of which just 10 will be produced. The new car combines our American clients’ two great passions – the V12 engine and open-top driving – and is being unveiled tomorrow evening at an anniversary celebration gala dinner at Beverly Hills City Hall.

The decision to produce such a strictly limited edition pays homage to another great tradition. Just 10 F60Americas will be built as was the case, for example, with the 1967 275 GTS4 NART Spider, the open version of the 275 GTB4 that the importer, Luigi Chinetti, specifically requested from Enzo Ferrari for his US clients.

The F60America is powered by Ferrari’s award-winning mid-front-mounted V12 which enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.1 seconds.

Powerfully muscular, the car is clothed in beautifully sculpted and exceptionally balanced volumes, honed, as ever, strictly to aerodynamic requirements in line with the marque’s DNA.

The F60America’s personality is instantly clear from its flanks which are characterised by an innovative diapason design theme. The front of the car is dominated by the classic Ferrari single front grille with chrome finish and integrated air intakes for the brakes.

Two leather-trimmed roll-hoops are backed by carbon-fibre-trimmed flying buttresses which stretch from behind the cockpit to the rear, imbuing the elegant harmonious forms of the tail with a sense of movement.

The F60America can be closed with a light fabric top usable at speeds of up to 120 km/h.

The cabin’s asymmetrical design highlights the driver’s area with sporty red trim, while the passenger side is black, inspired by the historic Ferrari competition cars. The cabin trim is exclusive with the dash, tunnel and door panels on the driver’s side all swathed in composite materials. The racing seats also feature a stylised American flag motif on the centre of each seat and backrest.

The F60America’s bodywork adopts the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the special Ferrari 60th anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheelarches also appears on the tunnel in the cabin.

The wonderfully elegant and unique F60America has entranced US collectors and all 10 examples are already spoken for.

ON THE BLOCK: Inaugural Salon Privé Sale a Roaring Success

September 5, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

The inaugural Salon Privé Sale, hosted in partnership between Silverstone Auctions & Salon Privé London, achieved some roaring results in London last night, with a 61% sales rate and a total sales value of £9.9 million.

Topping the bill at the Sale and securing a believed world-record price was an incredibly rare 1971 Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spyder which sold for a premium inclusive £2.27 million. A stunning 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series II Coupe sold for a premium inclusive £707,215, more than £330,000 over its lower estimate also achieving a believed world-record.

Another rare Ferrari, a 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’, sold for a premium inclusive total of more than £1.89 million.

Getting the auction off to a fantastic start was a limited edition 2013 Patek Philippe 5960P-016 Gentleman’s Annual Calendar Chronograph, all proceeds of which were donated to the Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity.

Porsche 911 prices continue to rise with a 1973 Porsche 911 S Targa, part of the Henry Pearman collated‘Stradale’ Collection, selling for £195,500, more than £80,000 over its lower estimate. A piece of motoring history, Range Rover chassis number 001, sold for a premium inclusive £132,250 whilst last year’s ‘Most Elegant Design’ winner, a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental Fastback, sold for a premium inclusive £1million. Aston Martin’s proved as popular as ever with a beautiful 1970 DB6 MK.II Volante selling for £954.500.

Commenting on the results Managing Director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “We’re delighted with the results from our first sale at Salon Privé. Some of the prices paid for particular cars are truly staggering and hope that both buyers and vendors alike are as happy as we are.”

“The Salon Privé Sale has exceeded all expectations, the atmosphere was both tense and electrifying with phone bidders from all over the world and in person filling the Garden Room Marquee and we are certainly looking forward to next year,” added Andrew Bagley, Managing Director and Owner – Salon Privé London.

For the full results list please visit http://www.silverstoneauctions.com/salon-prive.

ON THE BLOCK: RHD Ferrari 250 GT/L Lusso at Salon Privé

July 8, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Regarded by many as the most beautiful of Pininfarina designs for Ferrari, an extremely rare 1963 Ferrari 250 GT/L ‘Lusso’ is to be sold at Silverstone Auctions’ inaugural sale at Salon Privé on September 4^th, estimated at between £1.75 and £2million.

Just 22 right hand drive cars were built, with some reports suggesting that today just 17 examples remain. First appearing at the 1962 Paris Salon, the car generated much admiration for its exquisite proportions. This particular matching numbers car is so special thanks in part to the comprehensive restoration, which it received by respected craftsmen Auto Restorations NZ of Christchurch in the years to 2010.

Confirming its quality, the car was crowned Winner in the Masters’ Class of the NZ Classic Car Weekend Intermarque Concours d’Elegance and it beams in Rosso Cordoba coachwork with contrasting Tan leather interior. It now joins the sale from a significant UK collection.

Commenting on the sale of this very special motorcar, Nick Whale, managing director, Silverstone Auctions, said: “It’s a privilege to be able to offer this exciting and beautiful car in our new sale. Salon Privé deservedly enjoys its reputation as one of the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive events and this car is sure to be one of the highlights of the auction.”

The model joins a 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Series II Coupe, estimated at between £375,000 and £425,000, and a 1926 Rolls-Royce Phantom I Sedanca by Knibbs & Parkyn, once owned by a Costa Rican diplomat, estimated at between £80,000 and £100,000.

More exceptional cars have already been consigned into the new auction, taking place following the signing of a joint venture between the event organisers and Silverstone Auctions. Details of these cars will be announced over the coming weeks.

Silverstone Auctions is still inviting entries into the sale and so those that would like to have their vehicle considered for entry into the sale should contact Silverstone Auctions on +44 (0) 1926 691 141 or visithttp://www.silverstoneauctions.com/salon-prive for more information.

ON THE BLOCK: Ferrari Dinos, Porsches Continue to Dazzle at Silverstone Sale

May 27, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Two very special Ferrari Dinos wowed the bidders at Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale, helping achieve a sales rate of 71 percent and a total sales value of over £1.7million, continuing the run of strong results from the auction house already achieved this year.

Just weeks after the highly successful inaugural Restoration Show Sale, a barn find 1973 Ferrari Dino sold to rapturous applause, for an astonishing premium inclusive total of £132,250. In polar opposite condition, a recently restored 1971 Ferrari 246 GT Dino, that was the show car at the 1971 Earls Court Motor Show, was successfully hammered away for a premium inclusive total of £250,700, more than £70,000 over its lower estimate.

However, it wasn’t just Ferraris that proved popular with the crowds at the sale, which took place at the Wing, Silverstone.

Proving that Porsche prices are continuing to rise, a 1973 Porsche 911 S 2.4 Targa sold for a premium inclusive £105,800, more than £20,000 over its upper estimate. A 1989 Porsche 911 930 Turbo, with just over 24,000 miles on the clock, sold similarly well, achieving a total of £92,000, nearly £40,000 over its lower estimate.

Speaking after the sale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “These are another fantastic set of results for us and I hope our vendors are as delighted as we are. The team brought together a very exciting catalogue with many of the cars on offer impossible to ignore.”

Setting a believed new British auction record, a 1963 Fiat 500D Convertible was sold in a frenzied bidding battle for £20,930. From the world of Hollywood came a 1971 Jaguar E-Type Series III V12 Roadster, formerly owned by Gerard Butler, which sold for £60,375 and an unregistered 1990 BMW Z1, with only 197km on the clock, sold for £54,050.

Nick added: “We now look forward to our flagship sale of the year at the Silverstone Classic in July as well as our new sale at Salon Privé in September which are sure to attract some fantastic entries, so I would encourage those looking to sell their classic car to get in touch with us soon.”

For the full list of results from Silverstone Auctions’ May Sale or to find out more about submitting an entry in its upcoming sales, visit www.silverstoneauctions.com.

IN MOTORSPORT: Ferrari Marks Milestones at Monaco

May 19, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Maranello, 19 May – This will be the 61st Monaco Grand Prix to count for the Formula 1 World Championship, the 72nd in all. The track layout has always used the same roads in the Principality, although over the years, there have been ten slight modifications to its length which is currently 3.340 kilometres. Ferrari has won eight times, equivalent to 13%.

The first ever Monaco GP in 1950 was the second ever championship race and Scuderia Ferrari’s first. 19 cars started but 10 of them got no further than the opening lap. Giuseppe Farina, in an Alfa Romeo crashed at Tabac and was hit by Jose Froilan Gonzalez in a Maserati. The road was blocked and the rest of the group couldn’t avoid them and it ended in a carambolage. Juan Manuel Fangio won for Alfa Romeo, with Alberto Ascari second in the Ferrari.

The race did not return to the calendar until 1955, when Maurice Trintignant won in a Ferrari. The Frenchman was noted for his tidy style and made the most of the misfortunes of others, winning from ninth. To this day, there has only been one winner who started further back.

Although the Scuderia won elsewhere, victory in the Principality escaped it for 20 years, with Niki Lauda taking the 1975 win in the 312 T and doing it again the following year.

In 1979, it was an all Ferrari front row with Jody Scheckter ahead of Gilles Villeneuve, but only the South African finished where he started. It was the Canadian’s turn two years later in the 126 CK when he made no mistakes, while overtaking Alan Jones in the Williams with just four laps to go. The spectacular win made waves in North America and Gilles and the number 27 Ferrari even featured on the cover of “Time” magazine.

This victory for the Scuderia was followed by another barren patch in Monaco. It took the arrival of Michael Schumacher to see a return to victory. In 1996, the German took pole but failed to finish that crazy race which saw only four cars make it to the line, the winner being Olivier Panis, the Frenchman having started 14th. The next year, at the wheel of the F310B, the German outclassed the field to win with 53 seconds in hand over Rubens Barrichello in the Stewart and over a minute in front of his team-mate, Eddie Irvine.

Two years later, Schumacher and Irvine finished first and second, while in 2001 Michael won for the fifth time in the Principality to equal Graham Hill’s achievement, only one win short of the Monaco record holder, Ayrton Senna.

ON THE BLOCK: What to Watch Friday at Auction America Auburn Spring

May 9, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Lot No. 2098 – 1978 Ferrari 308 GTB
Estimate: $ 45,000 – $ 55,000

Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1975, the Ferrari 308 was a replacement for the successful 246 Dino line. It sported a Pininfarina styled body that was available in only a GTB coupe variant early on, and then in 1977, Ferrari introduced the GTS (Targa Top) model. Its iconic wedge shaped body lines were designed by Leonardo Fioravanti who had been famous for his previous work; the 365 Daytona and 246 Dino. The early carbureted cars such as the one offered here, sport the standard 2.9-liter mid-engine V-8 which produced about 240 horsepower fitted to a five-speed manual transmission. Ferrari went on to produce fuel injected 308’s making the GTSi, GTBi available starting in 1980, and the Quatrovolve, in 1983. Total production numbers for all variation were 12,149 in a span of ten years, 1975 to 1985. Although being the highest production model Ferrari in existence, the 308 is a must have for any collector or enthusiast. In particular, the early carbureted cars prove to be the most valuable among the Ferrari community with the GTB being the ‘drivers car’ as opposed the open GTS variant.

This car, chassis number F106AB25879 is an early carbureted car finished the classic Ferrari color combination of Rosso Corsa over a contrasting Tan interior. Sold new out of sunny Florida, it spent the majority of its life under the care of the first owner until being acquired by the second owner, a Pennsylvania based Ferrari collector, in 2006. Between its two owners, it gathered a mere 28,910 miles from new, always being serviced and cared for along the way. The most recent 30K service was completed just 3 years ago under the second owner’s discretion. The paint is extremely presentable as is the interior and engine bay confirming its low mileage and caring ownership. This example is also complete with tools, jack, and spare making it a complete package for the discriminating enthusiast. The Ferrari market has risen to levels unlike any other marque making the brand a centerpiece for the collector car world. 308’s have seen recent value hikes but currently remain very affordable as an investment that can be enjoyed. A low mileage GTB in the best color combination, with 2-ownership history and great accessories is surely an opportunity not to be missed.

Lot No. 2101 – 1962 Mercedes-Benz 220 SEb Cabriolet
Estimate: $ 40,000 – $ 60,000

This Mercedes-Benz was originally purchased by a young doctor in Marin County, California and given to his bride as a wedding present. She drove it for 20 years, albeit with complaints of having to use a stick-shift; eventually the good doctor replaced it for her with a 450SL. From this ownership it was bought by a gentleman in Mill Valley, California, where he spent four years performing an “over the top” restoration. Although the car was rust-free, the car was completely stripped of all paint and undercoating. He then applied new undercoating and 20 coats of Havana Brown lacquer to all visible sheetmetal. Being a true fanatic doing the work; the car also had three coats of Havana Brown applied to the undercarriage. The 2,195-cc, 120-hp six-cylinder engine was completely rebuilt and the car received a new four-speed transmission, new clutch, new brakes, new top, new wool headliner, re-chromed bumpers and more. This includes a dashboard that is burled Carpathian elm and is “as fine as you are likely to see.” The restorer/owner bought two additional Mercedes-Benz’ to obtain the leather for the seats he was redoing, and they are now presented in the rare two-tone Palomino and Tan combination. Among the equipment on the car are a Becker Mexico AM/FM radio, air conditioning; power top, windows, steering and brakes.

The current owner has owned the car for 28 years and when he heard of it being for sale, he contacted an appraiser to look the car over. The appraiser was so impressed with the quality of work; he had the restorer/owner work on his own cars. When purchased by the current owner, it arrived in Chicago with 81,023 miles on it – during the ensuing years, it now has a total of 85,110 miles. After driving it 1,000 miles over the first two years of ownership, it now spends most of its time under a car cover in the owner’s garage. It is now mainly used for early Sunday morning drives on Lake Shore Drive, but only if it is sunny weather. This lovely car has never seen snow, and it has never been parked and left unattended in the last 28 years. The Mercedes-Benz comes with a folder filled with letters and notes from the restorer/ex-owner that includes diagrams on how to oil and grease the car, as well as the locations of tiny drain holes that allow the car to go out in the rain and properly drain any falling moisture. The car is also accompanied by multiple documents, owner’s manual and tools.

Lot No. 2117 – 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Estimate: $ 65,000 – $ 75,000

This Mustang is reported as a rotisserie-restored California car with 55,705 actual miles per its verification by a Marti Report. It is finished in Bright Yellow (sometimes referenced as Grabber Yellow) with a black interior and runs with a 302-cid, 290-hp V-8 engine with a four-speed manual transmission and 3.91 gearing in a correct V-code Traction-Lok rear end. The drivetrain is reported as correct to the car. Other desirable features include this being a factory shaker car, rear decklid spoiler, Sports Slats, AM radio, power brakes and Magnum 500 wheels. It has been signed by racing legends Parnelli Jones and George Follmer, who as teammates in 1970, took their Bud Moore-prepared Boss 302 Mustangs to the coveted Trans-Am manufacturer’s title.

Lot No. 3037 – 1969 NSU Ro 80
Estimate: $ 10,000 – $ 14,000

The Ro 80 was considered to be a technologically advanced automobile produced by the West German firm of NSU from 1967-1977. Most notably was the drivetrain consisting of a 113 horsepower 995-cc twin-rotor Wankle engine with front-wheel drive. It also featured a fully independent suspension with rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes. This special example is finished in bright lime green with a black vinyl interior. It also has a manual transmission, bucket seats, sunroof, AM/FM radio and alloy wheels. The appearance of this sedan is very original within the engine compartment and interior and is likely one of the best examples to be found in America.

Lot No. 3055 – 1963 Ford Thunderbird Sports Roadster
Estimate: $ 40,000 – $ 45,000

Once again the Sports Roadster made an appearance at the top of the Thunderbird lineup. At $5,563 it was also the most expensive T-Bird available that year. There were minimal changes in styling as this was the final year of the third generation of Thunderbird styling introduced in 1961. Known as the bullet birds, the reference referred to the look of the rear taillights. The Thunderbird found itself to have competitors with the introduction of the Pontiac Grand Prix, Buick Riviera, Olds Starfire and the Studebaker GT Hawk. As a result, sales dropped nearly 20-percent from the year before. It is one of just 455 Sports Roadsters of a total of 63,133 Thunderbirds produced for 1963.

Painted in classic Rangoon Red over a contrasting red leather interior, this T-Bird is equipped with the 390-cid V-8, automatic transmission, power steering and brakes and AM/FM radio and chrome wire wheels.

PICK OF THE DAY: Track-Ready Ferrari F355 Challenge with Truck and Trailer

May 7, 2014 / moto+match / 0 Comments

Beginning in 1993 with the Ferrari 348, the scuderia supplied its dealers with kits designed to convert their stock road cars to purpose-built machines for the track. This coinciding with a new marque-specific racing series known as the Ferrari Challenge. Though not a formula series, the Challenge kit gave Ferrari 348 owners the opportunity to measure their driving against other owners with cars that were identical in spec (much like the longstanding Porsche Carrera Cup). All subsequent V8 Ferraris up to the current 458 have had their own Challenge series. With significant improvements over the Ferrari 348, the F355 Challenge featured the same 3.5 litre 40-valve v8 as the road car, but that is essentially where the similarities end. The cars were stripped of anything that was unnecessary weight and suppressed horsepower, replaced by a roll-cage, racing seats, free-flow exhausts, Brembo brakes, competition steering rack and wheel, carbon fiber bumpers, and more. By 1998, the factory was supplying the cars as nearly turnkey, with only the carbon rear wing having to be fit by dealers. Although the Challenge Series today is made up of mostly 458s with a few F430s left over, the F355 Challenge is still formidable for SCCA and club events. This example is a complete factory car with all updates including gearbox cooler and new ABS computer. It is said to have been “fanatically maintained” throughout its 24,000-mile racing career and includes two sets of Challenge-spec Speedlines as well as several tire sets for various conditions. To be clear, it is not street legal, but the package includes a very capable 2007 Ford F350 Lariat with 50,000 miles as well as a 20-foot trailer. This is by no means a cheap hobby, but for anyone looking to move beyond autocrosses and gymkhanas, this would offer world-class thrills for less than a fourth of what it would cost to jump in new. With only 108 F355 Challenge are made, they rarely come on the market. Find the whole package here on Craigslist in Deland FL for $95,475.