A Tifosi's Blog

Colorado Grand 2014

2014-12-08T03:19:52-06:00

Celebrating its 26 year, the Colorado Grand continues to captivate all involved with its scenery, roads, cars, people and all-absorbing atmosphere. This magical event was originally inspired by participation in the Mille Miglia Storica by the late Bob Sutherland and Mike Dopudja who sought to showcase Colorado at a somewhat more leisurely pace and raise money for Colorado charities. Recognizing the need for event support they recruited Captain Larry Tolar of the Colorado State Patrol and our primary charity, the Colorado State Patrol Family Foundation was adopted.

The recipe breaks down like this; gather 85, pre-61 sports and racing cars of distinction piloted by sporting enthusiasts from around the world. Coordinate these participants to rendezvous in Vail and armed with a world-class route book, navigate a thousand miles of stunning scenery and roads over four days. Add a dash of Colorado culture with lunch stops at various small towns along the route that include local homemade food and hospitality. Gently fold in the fall weather and turning leaves and allow to set up. Top it all off with our unique Concours d' Non-Elegance, nestled in the Switzerland-inspired Lionshead area with the cars displayed wearing their road wear proudly.

As for the 85 total cars, 16 of them were some of Maranello's finest. The earliest Ferrari was the 1949 166 MM Touring Barchetta, S/N 0022M owned by David Seielstad who brought his wonderful Barchetta from Hawaii (which also solidified David for the long distance Ferrari honors). The Barchetta is noted as the first Ferrari ever shown at a concours taking first in class at the Concours d'Elegance Lido in Venice in 1949, presented in its original black with green goat-skin upholstery. The car raced in 11 events in Italy, Monte Carlo, and Portugal, placing 10th overall and 3rd in class in the 1951 Targa Florio.

Other Ferrari cars of note include Jimmy & Lisa Dobbs III's 1952 212 Inter Vignale Coupe, S/N 0239 EU-0292 MM which was decorated in its 1952 La Carrera Panamericana Sinclair livery, back for its second time. We had two 410 Superamericas stuffed with Lampredi 4.9-liter power plants including Jack and Debbie Thomas' Series I, S/N 0479 SA, a 1956 Turin show car that wound up with the Saudi Arabian royal family, and Lammot DuPont's fascinating Series II Superamerica, S/N 0713 SA built on the short 2600 mm chassis. Ordered for Richard Wolfe of Columbus, Ohio a Mercedes-Benz collector, who had the factory fit some unique features including 300SL bumper guards and taillights, steering damper, and rear-view mirrors. He also ordered a compass, a Blaupunkt radio with reverberation unit, a Halda trip computer, and dual rear-window wipers. The car was shown at the 1957 Chicago Auto Show and the Sebring 12-hour race.

Filling out the monstrous 4.9-liter entries was my personal favorite, Wayne & Graceia Golomb's 375 MM Plus PF Cabriolet Speciale, S/N 0488 AM. Delivered on New Year's Eve 1954 to King Leopold II of Belgium, this strikingly beautiful Cabriolet is also quite startling when running. It is a magic moment when expect to hear a mild-mannered touring motor but instantly you are transported to the pits at Monza when the belching 340hp is lit up.

Repeat Granders John & Heather Mozart brought their Testa Rossa 59/60 Fantuzzi Spyder, S/N 0770 TR, a factory team car, driven by Phil Hill, Olivier Gendebien, Dan Gurney, Tony Brooks, Wolfgang Von Trips, Richie Ginther, and Pedro Rodriguez. In it, Hill set the fastest lap at the Nürburgring in 1960 (the long course). 1960 it finished second overall in the 1960 Buenos Aires, 1000 Km with Von Trips and Ginther at the wheel.

Longtime Granders Michael and Katharina Leventhal brought their 1956 250 GT LWB Alloy Berlinetta, S/N 0555 GT. Notable races include seventh overall in the 1957 Mille Miglia and fifth overall in the 1957 Trieste Opicinia Hillclimb. It would enjoy considerable success at Italian hill climbs and races from 1958 to 1961, including the 1959 Targa Florio, where it garnered a ninth overall and first in the GT class.

Another rare sight was Lee Harrington's 1958 250 GT Speciale, S/N 0853 GT. Finished in Swedish Blue by Pinin Farina for Prince Bertil of Sweden, is one of five, Ferrari-built stunning bespoke 250 PF coupe Speciales; this final one is considered to be the PF Coupe prototype. There are numerous unique features including the ¾ glass window treatment and rear tail light treatment. Lee, a perennial concours participant chose the Colorado Grand for his touring debut.

Additional 250 GT's included Hugh Ruthven's 250 GT Drogo, S/N 0977 GT that completed its 25th Colorado Grand and Robert Kauffman's 250 GT Boano Coupe, S/N 0609 GT, the 14th of 18 low-roof alloy-bodied coupes. There were two, 250 GT Series II PF Cabriolets brought by Parker Hall with S/N 2703 GT and S/N 2099 GT brought by Chris Marsico.

Finally, we had five 250 GT SWBs, including three early alloy cars; Joshua Feiber's 1960 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Alloy, S/N 1813 GT, a repeat Targa Florio entrant from 1960-1962, and a third in class at the 1960 Trieste-Opicina Hillclimb; Chris Andrews' 1960 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Alloy, S/N 2033 GT the 30th of 167 such cars constructed, raced in Italy by its first owner in 1960 and 1961 before being sold in 1962 to race-car driver Lorenzo Bandini and Jerry Lynch's 1960 250 GT SWB Berlinetta Alloy, S/N 2095 GT. Jerry's SWB had an extensive racing career beginning a week after delivery primarily in enduros, finishing third overall at the 1961 Mille Miglia and second overall at the 1961 Coppa Sant'Ambroeus. Long events such as the Coppa Intereuropa, Targa Florio, Nürburgring and Spa were its specialty. Jerry bought the car in 1974, had it restored, then raced it at the Monterey, Road America, and Steamboat Springs for many years. Lawrence Bowman brought 250 SWB Berlinetta 61/Comp, S/N 2767 GT, one of only 21 SEFAC Hot Rods built, enjoying an illustrious racing career in Europe in 1961 to 1962. And last, but not least, Randy Reiss' late 250 SWB Berlinetta S/N 3695 in stunning fly yellow.

This year's 1,000 miles were primarily focused in Northern Colorado with our day 1 start from Vail, through the Yampa Valley, over Gore Pass and down into a Lake Dillon for a much welcomed hot lunch to take the edge off a soggy ride. The afternoon was highlighted by ski resort tour including the trek up to the Loveland Pass summit, elev. 11,990 ft. and past Arapahoe Basin (which will became the first ski resort to open this year) and Copper Mountain on our way to Leadville, America's highest city (10,152 ft.) for a coffee stop at the historic Delaware Hotel. We continued on over Tennessee pass, past Ski Cooper and the historic Camp Hale, established by the U.S. Army in 1942 as a winter-troop training base and back down into Vail for the end of our first day.

Day 2 began with a beautiful day's run over Vail Pass to Breckenridge, over Hoosier Pass and into Salida for lunch. The afternoon was highlighted by a stunning drive by Twin Lakes and up Independence Pass (12,095 ft.), the highest paved crossing of the Continental Divide and into Aspen to ultimately end our day in Snowmass.

Our third day headed us north through Glenwood Springs and through the Piceance Creek Basin and into Meeker for lunch. We continued on to Craig through the Yampa Valley with a coffee stop at the Carpenter Ranch, a 1,000 acre ranch operated by The Nature Conservancy for our evening's destination in Steamboat Springs.

Our final driving day included a route over Rabbit Ears Pass to Kremmling, through the Arapahoe National Forest with a short coffee stop respite at the C Lazy U Ranch, an incredible 8,500 acre, luxurious dude ranch. The remainder of the morning took us over Willow Creek Pass and into Walden for lunch where we were treated to among other things, local wild game faire appetizers highlighted by pheasant crostini! With only 134 remaining miles, we collectively reflect on this glorious week of our enchanted forest adventure and cannot hold back a big smile as we high-five our successful completion of another Grand (my twentieth). Our final evening's banquet provides platform to present our awards, thank our sponsors, volunteers, motors and devoted organizing team. Up early on Saturday we prepare for the concours d' Non-Elegance and display our bug-splattered vehicles in the European-styled Lionshead mall for all to see. Thanks to our very generous participants and sponsors, all indications are showing that we will have another record year of returning much needed support to very deserving charities.

Scuderia Ferrari Strong at Melbourne

2013-03-17T07:57:52-06:00

Melbourne would again prove to be a great shake down test for the F1 teams. Qualifying was disjointed at best with a rain delay necessitating a postponement to complete the final qualification rounds. Despite a crash in qualifying, Massa was able to drive the F138 back to the pits and would ultimately land in fourth position with Alonso in the 5th spot.

With the surface still damp. Massa and Alonso would both have great starts, both picking up several spots. With the boys battling for the top positions throughout the race, Alonso would eventually land a podium position in second place behind Kimi Räikkönen who would claim the victory. Vettel would fill the third place podium spot, with hard-driving Massa in fourth place only 11.2 seconds behind. This great result for Scuderia Ferrari has placed them in the first position in the all important constructors standings. The F138 looks strong, planted and reliable and is off to a great start.

2013 FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX
Pos	No	Driver	Team	Laps	Time/Retired	Grid	Pts
1	7	Kimi Räikkönen	Lotus-Renault	58	30:03.2	7	25
2	3	Fernando Alonso	Ferrari	58	+12.4 secs	5	18
3	1	Sebastian Vettel	Red Bull Racing-Renault	58	+22.3 secs	1	15
4	4	Felipe Massa	Ferrari	58	+33.5 secs	4	12
5	10	Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	58	+45.5 secs	3	10
6	2	Mark Webber	Red Bull Racing-Renault	58	+46.8 secs	2	8
7	15	Adrian Sutil	Force India-Mercedes	58	+65.0 secs	12	6
8	14	Paul di Resta	Force India-Mercedes	58	+68.4 secs	9	4
9	5	Jenson Button	McLaren-Mercedes	58	+81.6 secs	10	2
10	8	Romain Grosjean	Lotus-Renault	58	+82.7 secs	8	1
11	6	Sergio Perez	McLaren-Mercedes	58	+83.3 secs	15
12	18	Jean-Eric Vergne	STR-Ferrari	58	+83.8 secs	13
13	12	Esteban Gutierrez	Sauber-Ferrari	57	+1 Lap	18
14	17	Valtteri Bottas	Williams-Renault	57	+1 Lap	16
15	22	Jules Bianchi	Marussia-Cosworth	57	+1 Lap	19
16	20	Charles Pic	Caterham-Renault	56	+2 Laps	22
17	23	Max Chilton	Marussia-Cosworth	56	+2 Laps	20
18	21	Giedo van der Garde	Caterham-Renault	56	+2 Laps	21
Ret	19	Daniel Ricciardo	STR-Ferrari	39	Exhaust	14
Ret	9	Nico Rosberg	Mercedes	26	Electrical	6
Ret	16	Pastor Maldonado	Williams-Renault	24	Spin	17
Ret	11	Nico Hulkenberg	Sauber-Ferrari	0	Fuel System	11

Ferrari Releases 2013 F1 - F138

2013-02-02T10:12:57-06:00

The Evolutionary F138

Ferrari has publically released its 59th single-seater Formula 1. Yet another evolution of the original F150 and last year's car, this "Modificato" has reportedly had most of its approximetely six thousand parts updated to increase performance and reliability. The F138 will bear the 8th and last variant of the V8 engine before the drastic change coming in 2014. With few 2013 regulation updates from last year, the Scuderia Ferrari has optimized on what can be proclaimed as quite a sucessful F2012, particularily in terms of reliability. There are various aerodynamic modification thought the package including updates to the air box and rear of the car.

Find out more about the F138

Ferrari Unleashes F2012

2012-02-04T01:06:37-06:00

Ferrari has publically released its 58th single-seater Formula 1. An evolution of last year's F150, employs dramatic aerodynamic modification thought the package including a stealthy front nose that appears to be an open box from the front because of the unique flat-bottom employed on the high nose. Noticeably slimmer in the rear and sporting an amazing air induction package which includes two induction slots and a killer spine down the back. This slimming has required relocation of the cooling components, which presumably assists front / rear balance. It is thoroughly amazing how they can produce this track fighter that when all is said and done weighs 640 kg (1,408 lbs) with water, lubricant and driver.

Explore the new F2012

Unusual Ferrari F355 up for Auction

2011-07-02T04:41:58-06:00

What appears to be quite an interesting customization of a F355 Spider is up for auction in Roswell, GA on July 16-17th. From 50 ft., it appears to be as standard spider other than the chrome stock wheels, but the interior an engine bedazzeling makes you pause.

Someone raided the local ostrich farm, and went crazy outfitting all Schedoni surfaces with various colored ostrich hydes. In addition, most of the paintable surfaces in the engine compartment have been painted to match the body color.

Communication to to the auction company to verify the background of the car has yet to yield any information yet.

Check out the ostrich F355 for auction here.

Ferrari to Launch 612 Replacement on January 21

2011-01-20T08:00:50-06:00

Ferrari to launch the new V12 4-seater replacement for the 612 on January 21st at 6:00 am eastern time on http://www.ferrari.com/. You must be pre-registered to view the photos. According to Autoblog who posted some spy photos http://tinyurl.com/4qgqpeh will be a swoopy coupe, hopefully without the bungie cords!

Formula One 2011 Regulations to Finally Allow Team Orders

2010-12-12T06:38:35-06:00

Formula One has confirmed that it will finally allow team orders in 2011. It’s about time to end this madness, as it has just become silly recently, forcing teams to commit Mickey Mouse stunts to not raise the ire of the officials. I had a feeling that this was going to happen this year when Bernie made passing comments this year after the German Grand Prix, when the Ferrari team sent a message to Massa to allow Alonzo to pass. These strategies have occurred since Formula One and multiple-car racing teams have taken place.

While the full 2011 regulations are not fully published, they also are introducing driver adjustable rear wings, as in the Can Am days. This additional control will be added to the driver’s operation in addition to adjustable brake bias, etc., giving the driver more control and additional distractions. Double diffusers are also verboten, and they are requiring that the gearboxes last through five Grand Prix weekends, up from four from last year.

Additionally, a peek into 2012 regulations reveals the introduction of biomass-derived fuels and the availability of complete team communications to the broadcasters. Keep an eye on 2013, as it will bring the most dramatic change when the 2.4 liter V8s will be replaced with 1.6 liter four-cylinder power plants. Expect wildly different body styles, possibly back to the cigar-shaped style perhaps? A inline four-cylinder block would dramatically reduce yaw forces allowing for more stability, just a thought. Regardless, it will be a very interesting change to Formula One as we know it today.

Ferrari Broadcasting the 2010 World Finals from Valencia

2010-11-26T06:31:12-06:00

Ferrari is broadcasting the 2010 World Finals on Sunday November the 29th. They are a hoot, and will be entertaining with the Ferrari Challange World Finals, other support races and a salute to both the entire team and the fans. It’s free for all.

Click here to view on the 29th.

Ferrari Virtual Academy Driving Simulator

2010-10-31T08:23:42-06:00

Ferrari releases new Mugello track map for their amazing Ferrari Virtual Academy online driving simulator. If you are a driving simulator gammer and have longed for a proper PC-based simulation game, FVA is it. The game launched in September with the Fiorano circuit, and it is great fun.

You can race online against fellow Tifosi around the world. And this is no standard game, as there are weekly prizes for the top five drivers both for Italy and the rest of the world. Mugello is the the current track with the Nurburgring coming in the future. If, at the end of the season, you are part of the five fastest drivers, you will win a trip into the heart of Ferrari: to Maranello. There is a charge for each track, and currently they are running a special for 19.95 Euro, about $28.00.

Click here to find out more

Gerald Roush 1941-2010

2010-05-22T00:37:52-06:00

I lost a great friend today.

Gerald got me truly revved up about Ferrari cars 20 years ago. And when I mean revved up, I’m not talking about introducing me to the cars that had graced my walls many years ago or the stories I read endlessly in Road & Track, but he really opened my eyes to the world of Ferrari. He had a way about him that fascinated me in a way that no one had done before. His voracious appetite for preserving the history of the marque allowed the magic of Ferrari to be unfurled before my very eyes. My initial introduction was via a phone call to find out the pedigree of my first Ferrari, a wonderful 1984 308 GTS QV S/N 52623. Not only did he take the time to provide me with the skimpy background that this 7,000 mile car had, but spent tons of time educating me on the model, how many had been identified as being built and suggesting additional research material. Additional teaching sessions further exacerbated this fascination to the disease phase that I was slowly slipping into.

Gerald thrived on other individuals taking a keen interest in the prancing horse minutiae as did he and with his teaching background he stoked the fire to the point that I became interested in tracking and preserving the mark as he was. He encouraged me to start the 330 register and track all 330 series cars, when he probably got tired of me asking questions on this model. To this day, I can’t visit a dealership without recording what I can which has led into my current fascination of tool kit research & documentation, new car documentation and the 456 Register. He must have chosen the coolest profession ever, I’ve thought to myself often. Being able to get up early in morning with his coffee, and head downstairs into the lair and document the stories of these cars and the lives of those that were lucky enough to strap on and play caretaker to these great automobiles. I could spend endless hours listening to his and Carol’s stories that make these cars different from all others. I’m sure all marques have their share of enthralling tails, but Ferrari cars have attracted all types of owners, dealers and drivers. I’ll treasure my time strapped to a good scotch and listening to stories ranging from playboys like Porfirio Rubirosa, swapped serial numbers, past flamboyant dealers like Don Fong, mysteriously appearing non-existent models, precious cars buried underneath the ground for dozens of years, torched up into pieces and hidden in barrels of oil, burned to the ground, unceremoniously retrofitted with snakeskin or alligator seats or roofs, transplanted Chevy small blocks and gifts for mistresses. These are the real legends behind these fascinating vehicles. Yes, they were very successful at the track and under the stylistic brush of the likes of Pinin Farina, Vignale & Zagato, but how can you compete with these tales. You just can’t make this stuff up.

First and foremost I fully believe that his integrity as a Ferrari historian he was second to none. I began to learn his methods of tracking and documenting serial & model numbers, Ferrari internal codes, etc. He thought me well on documenting reports from multiple corroborating resources and not from hearsay and continually pointed out errors in documented works . Consistently recording factory nomenclature and deciphering installed components from original documentation was of particular joy to him. Much of his historic note taking has become accepted practices for many a Ferrari serial number geek. His early-on efforts of record-keeping set the standard for future Ferrari knowledge preservation that we are all grateful of.

Gerald was to become one of the coolest guys I had the pleasure of knowing. His love of Carol and his family, Southern rock, Auburn football, old goofy English cars, cooking & good food, wine, scotch, grappa, Italy, the Mille Miglia and of course Ferrari cars was infectious. He was the insiders guide to Monterey week, which we were privileged to have shared with he and Carol for many years which filled us with memories for a lifetime. We talked he and Carol into bringing the MG Tojeiro, Leonard-Special LOY 501 to the Colorado Grand in 1995 (probably after liberal amounts of Grappa), and in spite of spending a glorious week in Colorado, Carol’s idea of a week vacation didn’t include sliding around in a hot, oil slick laden aluminum-floored, sporty car without a top. Gerald returned the following year with Jim Arnieri as co-piloto in the gorgeous little green racecar.

Thanks Gerald for your friendship and wisdom over the years . You will certainly be missed by the Ferrari world and those of us that knew him. So, as I listen to the Allman Brothers, Traffic and Freebird and nurse a 35-year old wee dram, I raise a toast to you my friend. “If I leave here tomorrow, would you still remember me? For I must be travelling on, now, 'Cause there's too many places I've got to see.”

Caution: Sudden Acceleration / Deceleration May Occur in your Toyota

2010-02-06T12:22:39-06:00

From Sniff Patrol

Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Project Car

2010-01-01T08:43:46-06:00

Looking for a derilict 330 project car? A very rough example has shown up in Lynchburg, VA. No word on the chassis S/N yet.

According to the dealer, "the car just arrived from Riverside CA, where it had been sitting in dry storage since the 1980's." As you can see, the car is missing it's engine and transmission, but still has it's radiator, alternator, fan, etc.

For the most part, the interior is complete, but very rough. The passenger door has a serious rust issue and pressumably running throughout the chassis. The site also claims that the the car was originally silver. Offered at $29,000.00.

You can check out the car here.

Barn Find Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Sold

2009-12-26T12:37:34-06:00

When was the last time you saw a barn-find Ferrari? 330 GT 2+2 Series II S/N 7607, with black plates and 81,000 original miles came up for sale on ebay and sold 12/23/2009 for $68,100.00. There was an amazing 74 bids before the bidding was exhausted.

Originally delivered to Bagley in the USA, 638/PF (according to Hilary Raab's Ferrari Serial Numbers Part I, revised).

The 330 was claimed to be off the road and stored inside since 1982! The lising states "One owner from 1970 till 2009, an unmolested , damage & rust free super straight California black plate car, motor has been recommissioned and runs perfect , no smoke, no overheating , rebuilt carbs and distributors, new battery and fuel pump, flushed gas tank and fuel lines, motor has excellent compression on all 12 cylinders, motor was rebuilt in 1973, this Ferrari has ultra rare rarely if ever seen factory removable headrests for front seats and all factory belly pans, owner’s manual, no tools or jack, interior is all original tan leather, front seats are dry rear seats and door panels are in great shape, this is the way you hope to find them. Title is California 1970’s pink slip." Seller claims that air cleaner is included with the car.

Marvel in the patina, the untouched console and passenger headrest. Also note the leather headliner.

Michael Schumacher Return Great for F1 Circus

2009-12-26T09:39:10-06:00

Ok, the stage is solidifying for 2010 to be a banner year for the series struggling for kumbaya between owners and the elf. At last check, the opener Bahrain is a mere 71 days away and I would bet that there are engineers in Maranello as we speak working 24/7 sweating out details. While we are not at the grid yet, we will be enjoying 13 teams in 2010, including four new entries with Lotus (currently based UK, backed by a Malaysian consortium), Campos (Spain), Virgin (UK) and our own team here in the states, USF1.
Peter Windsor, Ken Anderson and Chad Hurley, the co-founder of YouTube have settled down in Charlotte, NC to hatch the US's first Formula One team since Dan Gurney's Eagles in the 60s. While probably not approved by Hurley, http://www.crash.net is presenting videos giving you a peak of the team's progress.

USF1's First Day

They are promising a team line-up after the first of the year.

Fresh from a team and driver championship, Brawn GP now taken over by Mercedes has offed the providential Button to carry the luggage for Sir Hamilton freeing space for miraculously recovered, seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. The anointed one joins his mate Brawn for a one-year soiree. Scuderia Ferrari have also done some house cleaning dumping personality-less Kimstser. I really enjoyed this recent rally footage where Kimi demonstrates a perfect pirouette for his new team. Note the complete lack of post-crash class, where without checking the condition of his now dizzy route caller, he dons his thug-shaped ball cap and exits stage uphill.

The Kimster at Play

Stefano Domenicali will have his hands full with Alonso adding his special flavor to the team. It will be great to see Felipe back in the driver's seat.

2010 Rules & Regs

The most drastic changes in year will tax the race strategists by banning refueling during the race, modifying the points system to include the top 10 finishers, reducing the width of the front tires, adding more weight to offset the advantage of the vertically challenged KERS drivers. Now that the teams all agreed to not run KERS, this will just add additional poundage for the design teams to pile on to the mass required for the additional fuel. Banned are those goofy wheel fairings that proved to be more of a headache. Oh, and they added the M. Schumacher rule, that it the team chooses to substitute a driver that has not participated in an F1 race in more than two years, they will be granted one day of track testing. Gee, thanks.

Did you catch Bernie's Christmas Card?

Bernie Eckelstone's Christmas card

Forza Ferrari!

CNBC Presents Shift Into Overdrive on Ferrari

2009-10-01T17:13:12-06:00

CNBC Presents Shift Into Overdrive on Ferrari - Thursday, Oct. 1st 10p ET