1957 Ferrari Other for sale $385,000

1957 Ferrari Other $385,000
Car Ad from: Hemmings View Original Ad
Price: $385,000
Contact: View Original Ad from Hemmings
Location: Emeryville, CA
Details: 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa Recreation by Tempero
s/n 6301, Engine no. 6301
Red with Black Interior

Today, the original pontoon fendered Ferrari 250 Testa Rossas are among the worldandrsquo;s most historically significant and valuable cars. They are instantly recognizable as Ferrariandrsquo;s signature sports racing car of the late 1950s and were exceptionally successful in international motor racing right from their introduction in 1957. Ferrari was victorious with the Testa Rossa at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1958, 1959, and 1961. In total, just 21 pontoon fendered 250 TRs were produced- 19 of which were supplied to Ferrariandrsquo;s customers and two were retained for racing by the factory. Today, the majority of the original 250 TRs have long since been acquired by sophisticated collectors and are financially out-of-reach for the general public. It is no wonder that high quality reconfigurations, carrying Ferrari serial numbers and using alloy bodies, have garnered the interest of Ferrari enthusiasts who seek the experience of owning and driving one of the worldandrsquo;s most important automobiles without the astronomical price tag or tremendous responsibility of one of the original cars.

This particular car was built by Tempero, which has gained a reputation for craftsmanship when it comes to building recreations of some of the worldandrsquo;s greatest sports racing cars. It is meant to closely emulate Ferrari 250 TR s/n 0710TR, perhaps the most widely exercised Testa Rossa in the USA in period, and the only example to have been fitted with a detachable front nose piece. Using a dedicated custom chassis and a dimensionally accurate all alloy body, the car is fitted with a hot-rodded 330 GT engine with six Weber carburetors, backed by a modern 5-speed transmission. It has competition-type coil-over suspension, and four wheel disc brakes. Thanks to its light weight and 4.0L displacement, the car is a brisk performer, providing more than enough thrust to entertain the most experienced of drivers. The car was originally built in New Zealand over an eight year period. Once in the USA, it has seen periodic service work by Rod Drewandrsquo;s Francorchamps of America, Inc., and more recently under the current ownership period, by Ferrari authority Patrick Ottis andamp; Company in Berkeley, California. Patrickandrsquo;s work included a complete engine overhaul and modifications to allow the transmission to be removed separate of the engine. An excellent used flywheel was mated to a new clutch assembly, and at the time of reassembly, the road wheels were balanced. The engine was dyno tested to confirm 298 horsepower at 6,500 rpm and 274 ft/lbs of torque. The project was completed in early 2015, and invoices on file total just over $61,000 in expenses relating to the engine rebuild work.

The car has seen very few miles since completion and is thus in excellent condition. The paint work was well done and shows no noticeable signs of damage or wear. The wheels and trim are excellent as well, and the car is full of evocative detailing such as the leather hold down straps and racing type external alloy fuel filler.

The interior is very Spartan, with no upholstery other than on the seats, which were just done and are accordingly excellent. The trademark gated shifter is present, as is a full complement of instruments, which faithfully capture the feel of the originals. The large wood-rimmed steering wheel completes the aesthetic of the interior.

The engine compartment is very impressive with its red valve covers and six carburetors with velocity stacks. It is of course very clean, and the level of craftsmanship and preparation is very high. It has obviously seen little use since completion and looks as-new. The rear compartment is also very Spartan, with the tubular construction of the chassis and body sup support evident. It is clear that the car has only what is