Horse Tales August 2012 - Ferrari Club of America

Transcription

Horse Tales August 2012 - Ferrari Club of America
Horse Tales
volume 12
issue 2
august 2012
table of
Contents
volume 12
issue 2
august 2012
club business
from the regional director
fca/ner happenings
calendar of events!
spotlight series: redline restorations!
365 GT restoration!
what is a concours?
amelia island 2012
some time with ivo brillo
radcliffe garage/tom yang gathering
mille ferrari
fca/ner at canadian gp
cover: Chinetti Motors back in the days of NART
photo courtesy Ivo Brillo
Horse Tales
4! !
6! !
7! !
8! !
10!
13 !
15 !
16 !
18 !
23 !
25 !
26 !
club
Business
policies
advertising
Horse Tales (“HT”) is copyright of the non-profit Ferrari Club of America New
England Region (herein referred to as either FCA/NER or the “Club”) and
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club officers
Regional Director"
Chairman"
"
Treasurer"
"
Secretary "
"
Membership Chair"
Chief Judge" "
Advertising Chair"
Director Emeritus"
Horse Tales Editor"
"
"
"
"
"
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"
"
Sam Hallowell ([email protected])
David Friar ([email protected])
Andrew Baldassarre ([email protected])
Bob LaRosa ([email protected])
Charlie Vest ([email protected])
Peter G. Lombardo ([email protected])" "
"
Paul Bova ([email protected])
Dennis Liu ([email protected])
Michael Raduazzo ([email protected])
2012 rates
Back Cover" "
Full Page"
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1/2 Page"
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1/4 Page"
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Business Card"
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issue!
!
!deadline
April " "
August "
December"
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March 15
July 15
November 15"
FCA/NER
c/o Charlie Vest, Membership Chair
339 Chimneysweep Hill Road Glastonbury, CT 06033
or via email: ([email protected])
officially sanctioned events
Have an idea for an event? Want to help with an
event? Contact Regional Director Sam Hallowell via
email: ([email protected]).
Only events approved by the RD and listed either in
HT or on the Clubʼs web site are officially sanctioned
FCA/NER events. Any other event purporting to be a
Club event and not listed on our calendar is not
sanctioned and as such the Club has no affiliation
whatsoever with and thus can not be held liable for
any donations made to such unsanctioned events.
visit us on the web
Connecticut " "
Maine" "
"
Massachusetts"
New Hampshire"
Rhode Island ""
Vermont"
"
www.fca-newengland.org
Paul Bova ([email protected])
Glenn Farrell ([email protected])
Suzanne Hiniker ([email protected])
Laurie Sanborn ([email protected])
Barry Lundgren ([email protected])
Ian Wyatt ([email protected])
$700
$650
$375
$275
$150
address & e-mail changes
state chapter presidents
"
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HT is created using an iMac running Apple iWork.
Printed in the U.S.A. by PIP Printing Middletown, Connecticut. For
additional information contact: www.pipmid.com | 860.344.9001
Postage paid in Stamford, CT.
the ferrari club of america
FCA/NER is the New England Region of The Ferrari Club of America covering Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
Rhode Island and Vermont. The Ferrari Club of America, incorporated in 1962 and recognized by Ferrari S.p.A has 16 regions
throughout North America, and 32 chapters within these regions putting on events. For membership information visit FCA on the web
at www.ferrariclubofamerica.com or call 800.328.0444 | mailing address: Ferrari Club of America PO Box 720597 Atlanta, GA 30358.
4
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Today
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Tel: +201 510.2500
www.ferrariusa.com
2012_FullSize_COLOR02indd 1
1/25/12 10:46 PM
from the
Regional Director
"
Please join me in saying THREE
CHEERS to Mike and his crew (in no particular
order): Stanley Cohen, Charlie Vest, Andrew
Baldassarre, Tim Prete, Andy Caputo, Peter
Karam, Peter Charest, Rosemary DeRobertis,
Bill Morgan, Paul Mancinone, Kim Smith, Robin
Vidito, Alison Auciello and Joe Capasso.
"
Be sure to thank these folks when you
see them for all the hard work they do to create
a special day for ill children and bring our
passion to everyone. "
Even better, tell them you would like to
help out next year!
Drive carefully!
Cheers,
Happy summer driving Tifosi!
"
2012 has been an interesting year in
Formula One racing – 8 races as I write this
and six different winners! Three cheers for
Ferrari and Fernando Alonso for leading the
pack with two wins under their belts! Keep it up!
"
Mike Coviello, Chairman of Concorso
Ferrari & Friends and his team hosted the
Concorso this July 1st (story to come in the
next issue of Horse Tales) on a closed-off
LaSalle Road in West Hartford to benefit the
Connecticut Childrenʼs Medical Center, MakeA-Wish Foundation, The Village for Families &
Children, and Autism Speaks.
"
In addition to 40 children from CCMC
given a hear-pounding ride, 130 cars and an
estimated 10,000 people attended the event.
Needless to say the new venue was a
spectacular success! Even temperatures in the
low 90ʼs did not keep people away!
!
"
The icing on the cake of course is the
fact that Chinetti Motors settled in Greenwich,
our very region - the New England Region and is still located on West Putnam Avenue
(now Miller Motorcars) to this day.
"
While you are reading Mr. Brilloʼs story
try to place yourself back in time - three maybe
four decades ago - and try to imagine what it
was like working, living and breathing Ferrari.
Iʼll bet you come out with a greater appreciation
and understanding as to why you purchased
your Prancing Horse in the first place.
"
One of the more difficult tasks I
face with each passing issue is selecting the
cover photograph. As you can imagine I
receive well over a hundred photos for the
stories that fill the pages of each edition and
Iʼve always tried to select a photo that “says”
the most about our Club and more specifically,
our New England Region.
"
When I began researching the story on
Ivo Brillo (see page 18) several months ago his
son Walter handed over a treasure trove of
photos his dad had accumulated over the years,
some of which youʼll find on the pages that
accompany Mr. Brilloʼs story.
"
However when I ran across the photo of
Chinetti Motors I knew I had our cover. No, it
isnʼt super crisp and it may even appear to be
too poor of quality for a cover, but if you stare at
the photo for a minute and think - just think about what it must have been like back in the
days of NART, Mr. Chinetti and all the wonderful
memories Mr. Brillo shares with us in this issue.
6
fca/ner
Happenings
Connecticut
Maine
!
New State Chapter
Presidents! Here are a few
words on our new State Chapter
Presidents - best of luck to you both!
"
Barry Lundgren (Rhode
Island). Barry is a 46 year old new car
dealer who has been married for 23
years and has 4 children ranging from
grade school through college. His
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
hobby is collecting and racing vintage
cars, in fact he recently purchased a
355 Challenge (just one if his
Prancing Horses) for club
racing! As Barry puts it “I just
love Ferraris thatʼs all. I drive
one 12 months of the year…
no garage queens in this
bunch.”
"
Also a private pilot,
Gary has participated in such
events as Tour Auto, Le
Mans Classic, Tour de
Espana, Mille Milia, and
Cento Ore. And in the US:
the Colorado Grande,
Copperstate and Going to
the Sun (Montana).
"
Ian Wyatt (Vermont) lives with
his wife and two children. Since a
very young age, he has loved exotic
cars. After one year of searching for
a family friendly Ferrari, Ian found a
1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 (SN 9001)
7
Rhode Island
Vermont
in California. The car was in outstanding
mechanical condition and recently
repainted in its original silver color. This
year, the interior was replaced with new
red leather upholstery (also original
color).
calendar of
for continuously updated information: www.fca-newengland.org
www.empirestateregion.com | www.fcacanadaeast.org
Events
New England Region
Empire State Region
Aug 10-12. New Hampshire Summer Madness! We are off to the
Wolfeboro, NH area for some fun! Plans for the weekend include a
visit to the NH Boat Museum, a 3/12 hour drive around northern
NH and the Kancamagus Highway, Saturday dinner on the M/S Mt.
Washington and a Sunday visit to the Castle in the Clouds
featuring an exhibit by the NH Furniture Masters. Saturday Lunch,
Saturday Dinner (special rate $44 pp) and Friday dinner will be
pay-as-you-go. The event charge of $40 pp is to cover a bus we
have for Saturday night. Event HQ: TownePlace Marriott Suites in
Gilford, NH. Info: RD Sam Hallowell (401) 272-2510 ext 114 or
[email protected]
Aug 31–Sep 2 " Watkins Glen Labor Day Weekend
Oct 7 " "
Wilzig Racing Manor get-together
Oct 21" "
Annual Fall Drive & Luncheon
Nov 25! "
F1 GP of Brazil Viewing & Lunch
Dec 2! "
Annual Holiday Gala Lunch
Regional Director: Roland Veit (914)949-2233, e-mail:
[email protected]
Canada East Region
Aug 10-12 "
Aug 26 ! "
Sep 9 ! !
Sep 23 " "
Oct 14 " "
Nov 3 " "
Nov 17 ""
Sep 30. FCA-NER Day at Myopia Polo Club (435 Bay Rd, South
Hamilton, MA 01982). Bring a picnic basket, beautiful kids, a
designer pooch, the imbibement of your choice, or your divotstomping wellies. Reserved parking right after the dirt road
entrance, gates open at 1:30pm. (game begins at 3pm). Info: Suzy
Hiniker (781)254-1997, e-mail: [email protected].
Oct 19-21. 11th Annual Maine Event. Save the dates! Glenn
Farrell, ME Chapter President will be hosting us for one of the
most-loved weekends of the year. A weekend full of beautiful fall
scenery, gourmet fare and plenty of libations. Though, hopefully,
no snow this year! Camden, Portland, York Harbor... where will
Glenn take us next? See what all the buzz is about. Info: Glenn
Farrell (207)363-8053, e-mail: [email protected]
Rodneyʼs Weekend
Rollyʼs Mystery Drive
Europa Rally
Equestrian Show & Drive
Wine Tour
Childrenʼs Aid Society Dinner & Dance
Winter Dinner
Regional Director: Dan OʼToole (416)777-6305, e-mail:
[email protected]
8
spotlight series
Redline Restorations
-words: Leigh Dorrington, photos
courtesy Redline Restorations
"
The Ferrariʼs early history also includes several
successful entries in the original Mille Miglia in the 1950s—one
in which Nick Masonʼs father, Bob Mason, rode as a passenger
filming a Shell documentary of the Mille Miglia. This particular
Ferrari was also used in making of the Kirk Douglas film The
Racers in 1955, where it was driven in the film by John Fitch.
"
A more-recently completed restoration of a 1948 Alfa
Romeo 6C 2500 Competizione coupe driven by Juan Manuel
Fangio to 1st in Class and 3rd overall in the 1950 Mille Miglia
was rewarded with Best in Class for Post-War Racing Cars the
first time the Alfa
was presented at
the 2011 Amelia
Island Concours
dʼElegance in
Florida.
"
The justcompleted
restoration of a
stunning silver 1967
Ferrari 275 GTB
made its inaugural
appearance at the
2012 Le Belle
Macchine dʼItalia in
Pennsylvania on the
same weekend as
Concorso Ferrari &
Friends, where it
was rewarded with
1st in Class for
Vintage Ferraris and
Best of Marque for
all Ferraris.
"
RedLineʼs in-house capabilities include comprehensive
coachbuilding, alloy panel repair and paintwork to an
exceptional standard. Trim and mechanical restoration, engine,
suspension and set-up are among regular projects to be found
on the shop floor of RedLine Restorations.
"
RedLine also works with modern Ferraris, and has
demonstrated a particular ability to diagnose and correct
persistent problems owners have been frustrated with other
shopʼs inability to solve.
"
Visitors to RedLine Restorationʼs showroom in a
former Studebaker dealership will be forgiven for asking
if it is a museum, with the range and extraordinary quality of
automobiles displayed. On a recent visit, these also included a
1937 Bugatti Type 57S that competed at Le mans in 1937, a
Porsche 550 Spyderthat raced at Le Mans in 1955, and a 1958
Fuel Injected ʻAir Boxʼ Corvette equipped with all racing options
offered by Chevrolet to encourage owners to race their
Corvettes.
"
RedLine Restorations is located at 2316 Fairfield
Avenue, Black Rock, Connecticut 06605, just blocks off of I-95
North or South between Exits 24 and 25. The shop and
showroom are open between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday
through Saturday, and often welcome visitors on Sunday. “Like”
RedLine Restorations on Facebook, or call 203.335.9555 or
203.339.2605 if you are going to be in the area!
RedLine Restorations in Black Rock,
Connecticut is a family-owned business with a worldwide
clientele, specializing in both pre-and post-war European
automobiles with a special emphasis on Ferrari and
early Alfa Romeos.
"
Colton Amster, owner of RedLine Restorations, is a
third-generation restoration specialist who, together with his
father Bruce and sister Chelcy, has established a large
reputation among a small cadre of ongoing clients and a
growing group of
new clients who
continue to discover
RedLine and their
impressive abilities.
"
RedLineʼs
credentials range
from locating,
evaluating and
bringing exclusive
sporting automobiles
from Europe to the
U.S. for clients to
complete
restorations,
cosmetic and
mechanical work,
automobile
preparation and
support for clients
competing in the
Historic Mille Miglia
and other major
historic events.
"
The 1953 Ferrari 166MM Series 3 Autodrome Spyder
awarded Best of Show at the 2012 Concorso Ferrari & Friends
is an outstanding example. The body of this 166MM Speciale—
one-of-three constructed, and one-of-one known to exist—is the
only Ferrari body designed by engineer Aurelio Lampredi who is
best known for his Ferrari engines. The restoration still appears
brand new six years after RedLine completed the project, and
the car has competed in the Historic Mille Miglia twice with
RedLine support in Italy.
10
spotlight series
Redline Restorations
Above: The Redline restored 166MM at this yearʼs “Ferrari & Friends” event. Bottom: Redlineʼs fabrication area.
11
spotlight series
Redline Restorations
Left: The Redline restored,
award winning 275 GTB.
Bottom: Final Assembly at
Redlineʼs facility in Black Rock.
12
365 GT
Chassis Restoration
-courtesy Redline Restorations
The owner of this
"
Ferrari 365 GT saw the opportunity
to ʻtidy upʼ the engine bay while the
drivetrain was removed for
maintenance. With a Cavallino
appearance in mind, the Ferrari
was sent to RedLine Restorations
in Black Rock, Connecticut to
clean up the engine bay. But as
soon as the car was received it
was obvious the needs were much
more extensive.
"
The exterior of the 365
was in pristine condition, but the
undercarriage had been
overlooked. The challenge was to
undertake the extensive chassis
work without disturbing the
exterior.
"
The restoration began by
removing the fuel tanks,
suspension and steering, as well
as wiring, hoses and lines. The
front grill and bumpers were also
removed and a special jig was
constructed to support the body
during the restoration.
"
The body was covered
and taped off to protect the exterior
finish throughout the work.
The engine bay, the entire
underside of the car and separate
components were cleaned of
multiple layers of undercoating,
grime and paint that revealed
unseen damaged and even rustedthrough areas in the chassis, inner
and outer panels.
"
One image of rust looks
like another, but these images
show the final result. The project
took three months to complete and
resulted in an undercarriage
worthy of the exterior, and ready
for Ferrari Club of America judging
standards.
13
what exactly is a
...Concours?
-Chris Swenson
electrical gremlinʼs can come out in the form of malfunctioning
horns, instrument panels, wipers and the like. Convertible tops
are required to be up, and roof panels are required to be on the
car. The cars get started and checked for leaks and other
issues. The good news is that most shows allow for a fault to be
repaired while the judges move on to the next car. The bad
news is that the owner may not have the time and/or tools to
fix the problem in order to avoid any point deductions.
"
A complete original car can have an advantage at a
concours event since they typically still have the original smog
equipment attached, tool kits, ownerʼs manuals, and
What makes a Ferrari car show a
Ferrari Concours?
"
Each year we see the various concours events across
the country. Among the many, there is the Amelia Island
Concours, the La Jolla Concours DʼElegance, and this past July
our very own Ferrari Concorso event. Concours events take on
different formats, set out to meet different objectives, and can
differ based on the make and its culture.
"
The Ferrari Club of America has established the
hopefully have survived with minor parts replacements over the
years. Original brand replacement parts are not required;
however, they should be similar in characteristics as
the OEM parts. If thereʼs something unique about a car then the
owner typically brings substantiating documentation to prove
originality.
"
Ferrari concours events are established to promote the
preservation of our honored mark in its original state. Ferrari
concours events are great venues for both collectors and
restorers to show off their fine cars and compete for excellence.
These events are also great for those who may not have a
concours level car, but who enjoy being able to participate in a
great event, meet new people, and support the many charitable
organizations these events so generously support.
National Concours Judging Guidelines to give us some insight
on how Ferrari concours events work. Hereʼs your chance at a
“Cliff Notes” review of some of the key components that make
up a FCA Concours event:
"
The first criterion an owner needs to meet in order to
enter into a concours event is to have a car that is fully
operational and can be driven onto the show field. For any
number of reasons, including safety, project cars and cars with
missing parts are no noʼs. When you register for an event, you
typically need to choose whether your car will be for “display” or
“judged”. If you want to your car to be judged, make sure youʼre
present as the judges make their way to your car. A team of
three judges will assess a cars exterior, interior and engine/
chassis. Originality and condition are some keys to a cars
success.
"
Every car being judged starts out with 100 points and
deductions are made from there based on condition. There are
three levels of awards: Platinum for a 95+ point car, Gold
and then Silver. Judges donʼt actually handle or operate a car
so itʼs up to the owner or their designee to walk them through
the car and prove itʼs operational. This is where a carʼs
Office worker by day but automobile enthusiast 24/7 Horse
Tales contributor Chris Swenson collects and restore 1960's
Ford Mustangs as a hobby but believes there's no better sound
then the scream of a Ferrari. Chris has owned a Mondial, a
Testarossa, and currently a 348 spider. He hopes to find and
restore a vintage Ferrari someday.
15
...Amelia Island 2012
sam at
"
One of the must-see
show events in this country is the Amelia Island
Concours DʼElegance held in early March at
the Ritz Carlton resort complex on Amelia
Island, Florida. The Amelia Island Concours
has been heralding in spring for the last 17
years and founder /Chairman Bill Warner and
his troops once again assembled an incredible
number of rare and beautiful cars of all makes
to enjoy. An enjoy they did. According to one
event volunteer, over 25,000 people attended
this year. The honoree this year was famed
rally and endurance driver Vic Elford, and a
number of the cars he raced were gathered
together for the show. "
He joined Sam Posey, Derek Bell, Joe
Buzetta, Hurley Heywood and Brian Redmond
for an Endurance Driver Seminar on Saturday.
If that was not exciting enough, on Friday
afternoon Peter Brock, Mauro Forghieri, Carroll
Shelby and David Pipe a panel discussion on
the Ferrari/Cobra battle amongst the many
other events over 4 days culminating in the
Concours on Sunday.
"
I know many of you have seen
pictures of the Concours posted on FerrariChat
and other venues but I thought you might enjoy
some more. If you have not been to the Amelia
Island Concours, it should be on your life list. 16
-words & photos RD Sam Hallowell
some time with
!
-Michael Raduazzo
photos courtesy Ivo Brilo
...Ivo Brillo
breathtaking. On buying a car: “It wasnʼt about money, it was
about the relationship you had with Mr. Chinetti and it was up to
him if you got a car - all the money in the world couldnʼt change
that”. As for pricing: Well letʼs just say there was no MSRP “it
was very negotiable”. On the quality of the early road cars:
“You had to be a good driver and there was always a chance it
wouldnʼt start, but when it did, it was unbelievable.”
#
Ivo speaks of pure motoring, back in the days when
cars were not as safe, not as technical and not
as fast as what we are accustomed to today but
as Ivo continues to explain the connection
between the car and itʼs driver one begins to
think maybe those older, slower and less
electronic cars had something that we are all
missing out on today. The struggles, challenges
and successes of NART and how they fielded a
team without the glitz, notoriety and money that
is so prevalent in todayʼs world of motor sports.
Ivo is rightfully proud yet humble of his
accomplishments as he reflected on so many
wonderful memories.
#
I finally get around to asking the
inevitable question: “So Ivo, did you ever meet
Enzo?” “I did” he replies with a grin. Recalling
the meeting in Maranello as if it was yesterday
“Mr. Chinetti Jr. and I went to Maranello to
discuss the road cars and their quality. Enzo
pointed me out from across his desk and asked
my name. We were told before entering to be
reasonable and cordial with Mr. Ferrari - as if I wouldnʼt be! We
spoke for a while and before it was time to leave we asked Mr.
Ferrari if he could go to dinner, but he had already made plans.
WIthout ever taking off his sunglasses he shook our hands and
before I knew it the meeting was over.”
#
Ivoʼs stories are ones of lore and myth, passed down
and told on Ferrarichat and similar online sources, but to hear
them first hand is a completely different experience altogether.
Imagine being in the showroom - as Ivo was - when the likes of
Paul Newman, Steve McQueen, Miles Davis & Jane Mansfield
among others came in to pick up their Prancing Horse. Without
question the time we spent was almost magical, transporting
both of us back in time. And let me tell you, Ivo Brillo can
recount some vivid memories as if
they happened just yesterday.
"
"
It is no surprise
that Ivo enjoys traditional motoring
- no F1 gearbox here - and would
even deal with an occasional oil
leak here and there. The
perfection of todayʼs modern
machines - while nothing short of
amazing, leaves something to be
desired. Over the next few pages
are some of the images Ivo and his
son Walter shared with me, I hope
they take you back in time, if only
for a moment.
Ivo L. Brillo was born in Rome, Italy in 1923. He came to the United States in 1957. In 1958 he became the
General Manager of Luigi Chinetti Motors Inc. USA Distributors
for Ferrari located at the time in Manhattan. He was also the
director of NART until circa 1974."
"
In 1975 Ivo was the Vice President and General
Manager of Grossman Motors, importer and distributor of
Lamborghini, Maserati, dealer of Jaguar automobiles. Robert
Grossman was the winner of the GT class in Le
Mans with Luigi Chinetti Jr. co-driver in a Ferrari
Daytona. All the time a close friend and advisor
to Luigi Chinetti Sr. After so many years of great
cars and hard but exciting life, Ivo is now retired.
"
Earlier this year my son had a friend
over after school and when he was leaving
through the garage he saw my 360. “My
grandfather worked with Ferrari you know”. I
didnʼt think much of the comment at the time
chalking it up to a youngster wanting a ride. I
mean really - his grandfather worked with
Ferrari? As in Enzo? Yeah right what are the
chances. However when his mother arrived and
said the word “Chinetti” I knew there was going
to be an interesting story. One thing led to
another and before I knew it I was in the living
room of Stamford resident Walter Brillo, Ivoʼs
son. Walter and I had spoken a few times about
me coming over and chatting with his dad. Ivo
had been up from Florida spending time with his son while
recuperating from surgery. And though Ivo was understandably
tired from his medical circumstances, his face lit up the day I
came over to talk about his half century with the Prancing
Horse.
"
Ivo spoke about a car company that is unlike the one
you and I know and love today. Ferrari was in itʼs infancy here
in America and Ivo, along with Mr. Chinetti (“we were
acquaintances and he had approached me for a job”) and a few
other key players saw to it that the passion and spirit of Enzo
would thrive in this new land. With a lone parts man (“Guy
Menoni, an old friend of Chinetti”) and 2 mechanics provided by
Maranello, Ferrari landed on 58th street in Manhattan, then
over to 54th street before settling in Greenwich on the site on
what today is Miller Motorcars. In
those simpler times - “there was
no secretary, whoever was
available when the phone rang
picked it up” - everyone had to
pitch in to ensure the success of
the brand.
"
It is clear Ivo has a special
place in his heart and respect for
Mr. Chinetti “for me, it was always
Mr. Chinetti, not Luigi” as he details
stories from decades ago. Much of
what Ivo mentions are bits and
pieces of what Iʼve heard or read
about before, but hearing the
stories first hand is nothing short of
The P5 Arrives at JFK
18
some time with
...Ivo Brillo
Right: Signed - in his iconic purple
ink - a letter to Ivo from Enzo
Ferrari, translated: “thanks for your
good wishes, cordially, Enzo
Ferrari, Modena, January 1985.”
Below and below right: Signed
photos of “Senior”, below Left: Ivo
and Mr. Chinetti in Greenwich in
the early 1980s.
19
some time with
...Ivo Brillo
Mario Andretti on Ivo Brillo...
and Daytona. Andretti recalls these
!
I had been working on
races and the era as if it happened only
this piece for some time when Walter
Brillo, Ivoʼs son called and said “My dad
knew Mario Andretti, perhaps you can
call him and chat, I will try to set
something up.”
"
Walter who is rightfully proud
of his fatherʼs accomplishments made
the right calls and sure enough a week
or so later the email came: I was to call
a specific number at 4p and I would be
speaking directly to Mario Andretti about
Ivo Brillo.
"
So promptly at 4p I make the
call and sure enough within seconds of
announcing who I was and where I was
from I was transferred over and hear “Hi
Mike” as Mr. Andretti introduced himself.
I have to say I was a little overwhelmed
to begin the conversation. There are a
few names that stand alone and need
no introduction the world over. Andretti
is one of those names.
"
Mr Andretti told me how his
relationship with Ferrari here in the
States began in the late 60s with Mr.
Chinetti Sr. and the NART team, driving
some Can-Am races as well as Sebring
yesterday. Truly amazing!
"
He continued to tell me the
story of the sale of his 1972 Daytona his first Ferrari: “I had a 1972 Daytona
with air conditioning issues, which was
very common back then. I had brought
my daughter Barbie in with me and we
saw this Dino in purple, her favorite
color. After seeing it, she said to me
“Dad, that is the car I like, we have to
get that one!”
#
Andretti recalls Ivo during the
transaction: “Ivo was the best in the
world for being able to do that deal
straight up and us ending up even!”
#
When he returned home with
the Dino, which back then appeared to
be somewhat of a step down from the
Daytona, Mario recalls his wife wanted
to “kill me for getting rid of that
Daytona!” but Andretti replied “My
daughter wanted me to get the Dino,
what was I to do!”
#
As we continued to chat, it
was amazing how vivid a memory Mr.
Andretti had about his personal cars,
down to the purchase and resale price
Top: 275 GTB4,
Right: 250GT California
Spyder LWB
20
of nearly all his vehicles - as well as
who he sold them to! We spoke about
how Enzo courted Mario in Maranello
and how Mario wanted a specific
Daytona he saw on the American
production line at the factory during the
time Fiat was in charge (“I got it for
$10,000 when they were going for much
more” he recalls).
"
Mario described his
encounters and time spent with Ivo as
“instant friendship and warmth”. Saying
that took me back to how it must have
been, “back in the day” as they say. Not
the Ferrari we know today, but one
based on personal relationships and
handshakes. It was wonderful to hear
and a conversation Iʼll never forget.
"
Iʼd like to thank Mr. Andrettiʼs
PR Manager Patty Reid and Assistant
Amy Hollowbush for accommodating
our request and of course to Mr. Andretti
himself who could not have been more
kind and generous with his time and
wonderful storytelling.
-Michael Raduazzo
some time with
...Ivo Brillo
Top Left: Vermont Plate from
1967, Top Right: 250GT LWB
Berlinetta Tour de France.
Left: 225 Vignale Berlinetta.
Bottom: 365 GT 2+2
21
some time with
...Ivo Brillo
Top Left: A
sampling of Ivo’s
NART Memorabilia,
Top Right and Left:
The 1959 Testa
Rossa of Paul
Pappalardo. Bottom:
1958 412 MI of
Carle Conway.
22
sam at ...Radcliffe
Garage | Tom Yang Gathering
Sam reports to us from the
Radcliffe Garage | Tom Yang Gathering
in Reisterstown, MD. This gathering gets
bigger each year and the location, in the
hunt valley area west of Baltimore, has
spectacular scenery and is a wonderful
place to drive. Sam and his trusty C/4
made it even with a severe stutter that
would occur between 2-3,000 rpm in
second and third gears. Sam thinks it
indicates a need for a new set of ignition
wires. Fortunately for Sam traveling 70 +
MPH most of the time kept the
spark strong enough to skip whatever
break was in the wires and provide a
comfortable ride! Aaaaahhhhh, the
vagaries of an older car!
23
-Photos: RD Sam Hallowell
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f1 viewing
...Millie Ferrari
-Michael Raduazzo
The Tifosi were out in full force
at Rizzutoʼs Wood Fired Kitchen &
Bar in Westport CT for what has
grown to become a fun annual stop
on the FCA/NER tour to watch the
Grand Prix of Canada. Event
organizer and CT Chapter President
Paul Bova made sure there was no
shortage of family fun events all in
the name of supporting long time
Club charity Make-a-Wish of CT.
Club friends Lime Rock Park, Grand
Prix New York and GoSimRacer had
something for everyone including a
go kart track and virtual racing
simulator. Also in attendance was
Fiat of Larchmont showcasing some
great new Italian beauties! And
while there is nothing like the thrill
and excitement of attending an F1
race in person, Rizzutoʼs is quickly
stating itʼs case as a very viable and quite enjoyable - alternative.
Top: Prancing Horses grace the parking lot of Rizzutoʼs, Immediately
Above: The Fiat of Larchmont crew of (l to r) Giancarlo Lorusso, Paul
Mariano, Silvana Gulla, (CT Chapter President Paul Bova) and John
Gaglione. Top left: a new Fiat 500, middle left: on the GPNY mini track,
bottom left: Make-a-Wish of CT, below: the California of Peter Lombardo.
25
...Canadian GP
fca/ner at
-photos Dennis Liu
Once again Dennis Liu lead his gang of Merry Pranksters North of the Border to attend the
Canadian GP. As Dennis described it: “Storybook weather + French cuisine + Italian
specialties + the NOISE of the cars + a thrilling race + street parties + GREAT PEOPLE =
one of the best Montreal weekends we've ever had! Ok, true, one of us was almost trampled
by riot police bearing down in a phalanx of shields and batons. But still completely worth it.”
Above: Fernando Alonso navigates the F2012 through Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve. Below left: F2012
nose cones stand ready. Below right: Center of it all: the Ferrari pit wall team monitor the race.
27
...Canadian GP
fca/ner at
Above left: RD Sam Hallowell and wife Elizabeth. Above right: Canard LʼOrange at Les Infideles. Below left: The FCA/NER gang post Dim
Sum. Below right: 458 Italia Spyder at Ferrari Quebec. Lower left: Felipe Massa leaves the garage in the F2012. Lower right: Secret garden
at Hotel Pierre du Calvet
29