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As promised, please find the event report about the 25th Techno Classica, updated with many pictures of the cars present, here
25 Years
15.04.2013 - 19:11
Anniversary with large audience reception at Essen’s Techno Classica
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Once again the organization matched with the reputation as the leading fair for historic motorcars and automobilia. More than 193,000 –a growth of 6%- visited Techno Classica this year from April, 10th to 14th during its silver anniversary. 1,250 dealers filled the 20 halls with their booths. Even the Press Day was rather crowded…
Ferrari-wise it has been “the same as it ever was”, but with different players. One of the highlights has already been chosen for a report we did as a preview to Techno Classica, 0190ED, that was –as expected- displayed by E. Thiesen, but Techno Classica as well as Rétromobile are of a kind where you always can expect this to be the starter of a very interesting walkabout. 63 Ferraris have been on display or parked around the fairground, 10 % less than last year, but that is complaining on a high level.
RM provided us with three extraordinary cars again to promote their upcoming Villa d’Este auction and it is irrelevant if we saw the 340/375 MM PF Berlinetta with #0320AM in Paris already. The 400 Superamerica Serie I Coupe Aero made it easy spotting wise as the registration plate from Ohio is concordant with the car’s serial number, 3559SA. The car was delivered new in 1962 to a Mr. Marshall to the US. It is the 22nd of 25 Superamericas and is said to have been Red earlier before changing to Blu Sera with Cuoio interior. In 2011 it was shown by then owner Daniel Stanton on plates from Florida at the Cavallino Classico at Pebble Beach before showing up at RM’s Monterey Auction later that year, obviously purchased by someone from Ohio. Beside 3559SA stood a beautiful Rosso Corsa 250 GT Lusso with S/N 5275GT that obviously started its life being coloured in Marrone. The car shows at least ownerships in France and in the Netherlands.
Easy to overlook was a very rare car. One of the three N.A.R.T. Grintosa Spider, built by Bacchelli & Villa on 365 GT 2+2s, was on display. It is said that beside the car for Coco Chinetti, #12611, two further examples have be built and have been delivered to a father and a son in Germany, another rumor has it that #12515 was planned to be converted but never finished and remains in a box in Italy until today. The car on display with many other cars in the entry hall at exit East was #12605 that has been on offer in Germany for quite a while, however, to see one of the three in reality is a rare occasion.
Of the 63 cars spotted only 4 remain unidentified to date. One of those was a 365 GT 2+2 that was on display with Michael Goudsmit. Goudsmit had a very elegant 330 GTC -# 10885, in Avorio with Beige on display as well. The car was Blu Sera from the start and changed to Azzurro before it was fire damaged in 2009 and appeared in its current livery at the 2011 edition of Auto e Moto d’Epoca.
Very close to it Swiss restorer Auto Klassiker showed the second Lusso, #4555 in Grey met. with Beige interior and the 275 GTB/4 #10757. The car has currently swapped its original engine with #10777 so that both car now are matching numbers again.
The “business-stunner”-news came from our friend, Helmut Eberlein, who runs the official dealership in Kassel and is responsible for the German Ferrari Classiche Certificates. We already watched Dino 308 GT/4 #08912 ever since the car showed up in Helmut’s inventory as it was offered at a sales price of 90,000 € (approx 117,000 US$) whilst its sisters are selling in a range between 25,000 to 35,000 €. Matthias Bartz assumed the asking price is very much colour related as the Dino in question shows the very rare Verde Germoglio and guess what? The car was already sold for the asking price on the press day! Looks like we do not really need auctions to achieve record prices…
Eberlein’s display was somehow rotating in this edition of Techno Classica. Beside the Dino a yellow Daytona (#16591) was on display on the 10th. Close to it stood another rare colour car, #15087, a 365 GTC/4 in Arangio Vaguely. The other cars of Eberlein are worth mentioning as usual: 250 GT Ellena #0869GT, #1435 – a 250 GT Pininfarina Coupé as well as sister car # 1433GT. 246 GTS Dino #07991, the Azzurro livered 365 GT 2+2 # 12969 and in the center of the display 275 GTB #07991 made Eberlein’s display round. 07991 was the car that was displayed by Eberlein already last year when it was under restoration. Sure the most recent car was on display there as well, the new F12 berlinetta #191286 is the car that was featured recently in German edition of ‘Ferrari World’.
If you are around at Eberlein, there always is the Ferrari Club Deutschland in the neighborhood. This year they celebrated the 12 cyl. Cars and showed a 365 GT4/BB (#18119), a monospecchio Testarossa (#59187) and the last stage of the evolution, a F512 M (#100008). The other relevant German Ferrari-related club, the Ferrari Model Club had Dominik Farnbacher’s successful F430 GT2, #2830, on display.
The biggest surprise beside the N.A.R.T. Grintosa Spider, was Saturski’s display of an unknown to us 599 SA Aperta, #178291, the 90th car already that has been identified what seems to be somehow funny for a limited 80 cars production…
One favorite –even if it was the third PF Coupé on display- must be #1023GT, shown by Daniel Donovan in Grigio Scuro with a dark Red Roof.
And whatnot? The well known, already Paris displayed Inter Vignale Cabriolet #0227EL that will be offered by Artcurial’s Automobiles sur les Champs-Élysées, a Nero Daytona Enzo that was formerly Rosso Corsa (#106825), the 266th F50, shown by Automobilia, the Coys’ Auction cars we already reported earlier and the 250 GTE #3985 displayed by The Gallery of Brummen in the Netherlands.
CC Cars from Denmark irritated us shortly. They had yellow Dino GT #00998 on offer in Maastricht earlier this year and I nearly ignored the “new” 246 GTS #04770, but, as they are very keen and as it always is nice talking to them, a potential error by me was avoided. Two more Daytonas, both in beautiful colour, one in a similar colour to Blu Sera met. (#16047), the other one in Azzurro met. repainted from Blu Chiaro 106-A-38 (#13015), a true Vetroresina, #18889 and a Group 4-308, #21037, two Boxers at OMTS (#32437 and #42767). The only Ferrari in the Private Seller-area was the Black 308 GTS QV #56483 with a notable Bordeaux dash matching the seats.
A couple of more or less modern cars made the spotting list complete and pleasant anticipation of the 26th Techno Classica is growing already. See you all next year at one of the Ruhrgebiet’s greatest attractions.
Rétromobile report - The Show 2013
28.02.2013 - 19:46
It grows the more often you get there
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please have a look on the Paris Auction review filed under "The Chronicle"
Rétromobile opened its doors to the public on Feb., 6th. Once again three halls of the Parc des Expositions where used for display. To be honest, Pavillion 3 was the main target. Pavillions 2.2 and 2.3 mainly had –beside some Club displays- parts and maintenance products in stock. Pavillion 2.3 only had #113273 on display as a show car for an air-conditioned plastic garage. Thanks to the window codes it was possible to identify the car. The only car that kept the secret of its identity was an obviously crashed 308 GTB with partly restored body without any interior or windows.
As usual, Rétromobile welcomed us with a delicacy: one of the 512 BBLM, #34445 was sold new to Ron Spangler and was leading the 24h of Daytona in 1981 but did not finish in the end. The car was easily identified by its typical Black and Gold accents to the Rosso Corsa paint.
The display of Sport et Collection was marvelous as ever, surprisingly the booth staff seemed at bit stressed for whatever reason. The 8th 312 PB, #0890, is winner of the 1,000 km de Francorchamps in 1972. It later was part of the German Collezione Rosso Bianco before it changed hands to well known names of the Ferrari community: Leventis, Bosch and Knapfield. Beside it stood 250 GT Lusso #5239GT that spent some time in the collection of the Mimran family, one time owners of Lamborghini. Obviously restored with a complete change of colours, the Argento exterior was replaced by a dark Blue livery whilst the Nero interior was changed to Bordeaux.
The highlight was to come already. RM’s teaser for their 2013 Villa d’Este Auction was 0320AM, the 340/375 MM Berlinetta.
Tradex of Bergamo had 512 S #1016 in its long tail configuration beside the beautiful 212 Inter Vignale # 0221EL on display. Sister Cabriolet #0227EL was on display –not for auction- at Arcurial. 0227EL was once owned by actor David Niven and part of the famous Kroyman’s collection. 1016 had its big moment when it was used in the movie 'Le Mans'.
0438MD was shown as well. The 500 Mondial Spider was originally delivered to Porfirio Rubirosa before it was acquired by John von Neumann. If I remember right, we already quoted previously that this is once again a car connected with our high respected friend, Ed Niles!
Official dealer Charles Pozzi’s contribution was fine as ever. #00374 is one of the few 206 Dinos produced. The car’s history is complete French. Beside it stood Daytona #15375, the car with assembly #728. Originally livered in Red it is now restored in Grigio Ferro. The “modern” part of the display was achieved by the 266th F50 with S/N 106825.
Fiskens’ display was breathtaking as ever in Paris. Testarossa #0716TR was accompanied by 275 GTB Competizione Series II #09079 in its full racing livery. Also 0716TR shows Ed Niles in its chain of ownership. The car was once rebodied by Drogo but has been restored to its original configuration.
ECL had 330 GT 2+2 #9549 on offer, close to the marvelous display of Carrosserie Lecoq who showed 246 GT Dino #01282 and 246 GTB Dino #06944, both in Black now. The Berlinetta was rare Giallo Senape and the Targa was Red when new.
The display was completed by two more or less strange cars presented by Chantilly Cars Prestige. The explanation on their information plate put some light to a car we all follow a long time: a 250 GT TdF claiming to be 1303GT. Many of us have seen the open hood presenting the Telaio of 1303GT. Chantilly quotes that the car is a Replica done by Belgian company APAL and that APAL did use a 250 GT Boano chassis for it. We only have to find out the chassis number still… Second Chantilly car was a California SWB and guess what? A further replica. Done by Autorestauro on a 250 GTE with #2517GT.
After six hours we left Rétromobile 2013 full of impressions and once again we have not been disappointed in any way. It was a great event and we are looking forward to return next year, but to be honest, the most lovely display was Lukas Hüni’s homage to the Citroen DS…, if you don’t mind.
The Maastricht report 2013
28.02.2013 - 19:45
InterClassics TopMobiel Maastricht 2013
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Regarding the weather, Western Europe had a bumpy start into the New Year. Well-timed the first hours of sunshine in 2013 occurred on Thursday with a full day of sunshine on Friday when we decided to take the 150 kms ride to Maastricht to visit the first event of the year, the InterClassics TopMobiel at the MECC.
The first thing that did surprise us was how easy it was to get a space in the car park. Parking level 2 close to the opening hour of the fair is something remarkable. This was as remarkable as was the length of the waiting line at the counters. All in all - and this will have to be confirmed by the official announcement of the attendance figures – we suspect that the attendance was lower than in previous years. However, the usual crowd shuffled in (hi, Guus Bierman, hi, Peter Welters), male predominately, aged 50+ and very experienced. The main theme of this year’s 25th anniversary issue of InterClassics TopMobiel was Aston Martin’s 100th anniversary and even if we keep our special focus on Ferrari, it good to always keep an eye on the other brands. I remember well the special Ferrari display in 2008 that was as nice to see as this year’s Aston Martin exhibition.
Back to the Prancing Horses. There have been 24 of them, a number, that doubles our previous catch at Essen Motor Show in December. Four of them, modern cars of course, have been spotted parking outside: two 599 GTB, one of them with a fine dark Blue met. exterior combined with beautiful pale Blue Daytona seats with Blu Scuro inserts (#162945), a US-F430 Spider F1 on Dutch plates and the most beautiful of them, a 458 Italia in Grigio Medio with the Grigio Silverstone Opaco Roof and Alcantara Nera Racing seats (#183136). Spotting this was helped by the wide space in the car park. So every thing has its good side…
Entering the halls it was the typical impression: classic cars together with the obviously Dutch-admired crowd of 308 and 328 and only two recent cars, # 110659, a 550 Maranello in Rosso Corsa/Beige and a Manual Modena Spider. A real highlight was missing. Three Queen Marys, one of those being the 365 California conversion on # 11967, the 250 GT TdF-Replica that is said to be done on the remains of the 250 GT PF Coupé #1303 and the beautiful 365 GTC # 11997 featured to “elder fraction”. One 330 GT 2+2, #9221, was displayed in Argento and was nearly a 100 % more complete than its four headlights-sister # 6219. Its body in Black primer was displayed by a professional body workshop.
246 Dino GTS #03214 of Potomac Motors followed us from Essen to Maastricht, still for sale, still with an asking price that is remarkable low compared to the most recent trades in the US. Its sister #00998 was probably the most beautiful car on display by CC-Cars, however, I have to admit to be a sucker for 246 GTBs, especially in Giallo Fly and being perfectly restored.
The Dino-section was completed by a 308 and a 208. The 308, # 12454, was on auction with Classic Car Auctions with a starting bid of 19,000 EUR. It sure needs some attention on the paint and more than 112k kms on the clock are something.
The Book “The Ferrari Serial Number Manual 1947 – 2007” was on display as well by Gilena as every year as well as the newly published “The Official Ferrari Opus” with 37 kg of weight, starting at 2,500 EUR and the Diamond Edition that is topping a amazing 250,000 EUR!
The ugliest thing to see was a 328 GTB Replica with totally wrong lines and a moonroof…
Next exit: Paris. Thanks for your hospitality, Netherlands, we will return.
Tranquillity? Tranquillity!
28.02.2013 - 19:39
Essen Motor Show 2012
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When we visited Essen Motor Show for the first time, the wife named the Show “The Kra-Boom Show”. Heavy sounds, blinking lights, young men fitting the target audience and girls more or less dressed at the booths – that’s the common impression you get when visiting the Essen Motor Show.
This year we used our media access to the show and took a walk through the 12 halls in Essen on the Media Day. Gosh, what a difference! One felt like visiting Techno Classica. Only a few exhibitors had their subwoofer rolls already running and the girls where something like warming up, the professional audiences was replaced by people like me – the idea for the next edition is to visit Essen Motor Show twice –one time to look at the displays unhurriedly and the second time to get the real Essen Motor Show ambience-.
Ferrari-wise it was more or less disappointing. Most favored car for tuning shops this year was the Audi R8 that could be seen in all variations and colours. No pimped Prancing Horse was on display and in total only ten cars born in Maranello appeared.
Nick Mason contributed the most interesting cars, both on the special display “Sportwagen-Weltmeisterschaft” in Hall 3. Mason 512 S, #1026, was present. This car, that was featured in the movie 'Le Mans' was destroyed and recreated as a Spider for Nick Mason. An additional 'Coda Lunga' tail is with the car although the short tail version was on display. #0352MM, a 1953 250 MM PF Berlinetta was renumbered #0239EU when the remains of 212 Europa Vignale Coupe #0239EU where traded for the new 250 MM PF Berlinetta #0352MM after its accident in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana.
The other Ferraris on display have been street cars from different periods, starting with a 250 GTE from 1961. This car is supposed to be #2773GT and was for sale earlier this year by Geneva-based dealer Carugati Automobiles (salut, Fabrizio!). Official dealer, Helmut Eberlein provided car care dealer Meguiar's with #11229, a 365 GT 2+2 in Oro Chiaro. The round-up of the historic cars was the US 246 GT Dino # 03214, offered by Potomac.
The “Young Ones” were represented by an actual Italia Spider and a California from 2009. A Testarossa, a 2002 Modena F1 and one of the Bleekemolens Race Planet-cars, F430 #148217 complemented the field.
Now comes the time that is felt to be the longest time-out of events every year, but, to be honest, it is only a month until Maastricht’s Interclassics-Topmobiel opening on January 11th, 2013.
