Complete SWB Engine Lot 110

May 2, 2002
By Michael T. Lynch

Many major automobile events have been adding auctions to the mix in the last few years. The Ferrari Club of America's annual meet is no exception and part of FCALA 2002 will be an RM Auctions extravaganza at the Barker Hanger, Santa Monica Airport on Saturday and Sunday, May 25-26.

Nadine: 8C2300 Lot 127

Included will be cars and parts assembled over many years by Richard Freshman, long-time collector, vintage racer and man-about-cars. Interest in this sale will extend well beyond Ferraristi, although the bulk of the significant pieces are Ferrari-related. But there's something here for every Italian car enthusiast. When is the last time you attended an auction that included SIATA parts?

Complete cars include Ferrari, Alfa and Maserati. Perhaps the pick of the litter is the Alfa 8C 2300 with replica Monza bodywork. She's known as Nadine, as in the Chuck Berry song. We know the car runs exceptionally well because Freshman raced it at Monterey and left most competitors far behind three times in the Colorado Grand. It is rare for one of these cars to go on the block with no reserve, so here's your chance.

FIAT Transporter Lot 127

If exclusivity is your thing, you might consider the FIAT 642 transporter. This vehicle once transported the Maserati team around the Continent before being sold to Lance Reventlow. Reventlow was the son of Barbara Hutton, usually described in the newspapers as "The Richest Woman in the World." Reventlow was spending some of Mom's money racing a Maserati in Europe when he bought the transporter for his use. It came back to America and was part of the storied Scarab team, which Reventlow bankrolled. Since one FIAT transporter has already been on the lawn at Pebble Beach, perhaps this one won't be far behind. BTW, its name in the Scarab days was "Woz," although no one can remember why.

GTO fog lamp and instruments Lot 93	Abarth instrument cluster Lot 274

250 LM/P Car Hub Carrier Lot 89

The parts list is even more fascinating, featuring everything from complete Ferrari engines to an Abarth instrument cluster. One engine that should provoke some interest is 3615, a Tipo 168 originally from a 250 Short Wheelbase. Just two of many seldom-seen items are 250LM/P Car cast hub carriers and a lot consisting of GTO (and I'm not talking Pontiac, here) gauges and fog lamps. There's also a wide range of posters available. Whether you're a serious bidder or just someone who wants to have a glass of wine and dream, there's something in this auction for everyone. See you there between 10 AM and 5:30 on both days. For information, call the auction company toll-free at (866) 762-8284 or visit www.rmauctions.com.