Ferrari Tipo 225S Barchetta

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This week's featured Ferrari is for sale by MARTIN CHISHOLM COLLECTORS CARS

Price: on request See contact details

1952 FERRARI TIPO 225 SPORT BARCHETTA WITH COACHWORK BY
CARROZZERIA ALFREDO VIGNALE
Chassis number 0218 ET
Engine number 0218 EL

This potent 2.7 litre V12 engined sports racing car carries the distinctive, well balanced lines of early Vignale coachwork and sports a number of typical design trademarks oftheirs from this period, such as the triple ovoid air outlets in the front wings and thenarrow vertical air intake in the front of the car between the radiator grill and the headlights together with a beautifully chromed air vent on the bonnet.

Sold new to the Momo Corporation of Woodside New York USA and bought towards the end of the 1952 race season by the successful American race car driver and early Ferrari proponent William (Bill) Spear. He entered the car at the Sowega Air Force Base for itsfirst race of many and finished in 5th place.

Spear raced the car for the following year including his shared entry with the future world champion Phil Hill in the second Sebring 12 hours meeting where Phil Hill ran off the course and hit the hidden foundation of a demolished barrack in the grass, damaging the differential and causing an early retirement.

Towards the end of 1953 the original engine was switched out of the car and replaced with the engine from 225S chassis number 0152 EL. The car was then sold to Adrian Mellville who continued to race it for two further years and sold it to Robert Williams in Florida. The Nassua Speed week in the Bahamas had been instigated the year before to jump start the winter tourist season, filling hotel rooms and restaurants with invited drivers and the event soon became known for its string of parties and warm inviting atmosphere. Williams, not to be left behind, shipped the car out to the Bahamas and competed.

A succession of enthusiast owners followed, and the car found its way to Hollywood
where it was used as a movie business car. In the 1980`s New York car collector Gary Schonwald bought and meticulously restored the Barchetta, re-fitting a correct type engine.

For the past ten years the car has been maintained regardless of cost and has competed in the historic Mille Miglia numerous times. It has been re-united with its original 2.7-litre V12 engine recently and carries the correct 5-speed gearbox, instruments and running gear. Presented in immaculate condition throughout 0218 presents a rare opportunity to purchase one of Ferrari`s milestone models that is eligible for almost all events from the Monaco GP which the model won in 1952 to the Mille Miglia.

Competition History of 0218 ET
Oct 25th 1952 Sowega AFB, William Spear 5TH
March 8th 1953 Sebring 12 Hours, William Spear / Phil Hill
May 30th `53 Thompson AFB, Spear, preliminary 1st, main event 2nd
July 4th `53Offut AFB, Lloyd, preliminary 4th, main event 7th.
August 9th.`53 Lockbourne AFB, Sherwood Johnston. 2 races 4th and 10th
September 6th, 53 Thompson AFB, Spear, 1st
Oct 25th. `53 Sowega, W. Lloyd, 1st
March 14th `54 Savannah Grand Prix, Hunter AFB, Melville 10th.
May 2nd `54Presedents Cup Andrews AFB, Mellville
Sept 5th `54 Thompson AFB Mellville 1st
December 10th 1955 Nassau Speed Week, Bahamas, Williams 9th
Feb 26th `56 Sports Car Club of America Regionals, Punta Gorda, Williams