Interview with Jon Shirley, owner of the Nuvolari P3.
Jon and Mary Shirley at Pebble Beach 2008.
Photo by Hugues Vanhoolandt.
Jon Shirley developed an interest in cars when he was nine, driving an old truck on a farm. Later when in college, he attended races at Watkins Glen, Thompson and Lime Rock. Naturally he developed an interest in sports cars and racing–one that would last until the present time. Over the years, Shirley’s interest in cars has provided a very fulfilling hobby of collecting, racing, rallying and showing vintage cars. “Had I found out just how much fun this is I would have started it earlier and then affected my career!” he quipped. “One meets a lot of great people in the car hobby.” Today, he is actively involved in the Ferrari Shell Historics, as well as presenting the cars of his collection at Concours d’Elegance events such as Pebble Beach.
The famous Nuvolari Alfa, S/N 50005, has had a continuious history with more than fifteen owners. It is now owned by Jon Shirley. Photo courtesy Jon Shirley.
Since he is now the caretaker of the immortal Nuvolari P3 featured in the book “Nuvolari and the Alfa Romeo” we asked him what he thought about the hobby, kids and cars, and the P3.
Why did you buy the P3 and what were the circumstances?
Actually it happened when I had thought I had purchased an Alfa Monza but someone else had spoken for it first and the dealers salesmen got it messed up. To offer me something else they told me the P3 was coming up for sale.
The 8C engine was enlarged to 3.2 liters for the German Grand Prix, but still down almost 100 hp from the German cars.
It sounded like such a great car, I had seen it at Laguna Seca but not only had I never driven one, I had never driven any pre-war car. I had little knowledge of the era although I had read the Ferrari story so I knew of Nuvolari. I did a lot of research very quickly and realized I was being offered an amazing piece of automotive history.
If you were to give talk to a local schoolchildren between the ages of 7 and 11, describing the Nuvolari P3, (we’ll call it a P3 here even though the name is officially Tipo B) what would you talk about?
How it took both skill and a lot of determination to win that race. How an underdog can still come out ahead especially if they believe they can. Nuvolari must have been like Bill Gates who is the most competitive person I have ever met. Neither of them ever gave up even though the odds were stacked against them. The lesson of sticking to it applies very much to today’s world.
How can we get kids involved with classic cars?
I believe that seeing vintage racing is a great way for kids to get involved. I have a policy of always saying yes to putting a kid in the driver’s seat when they come through the paddock and I will spend time with them. It’s much more exciting than a static display. I think that kids would get bored in my collection other than the racing video game I have.
To be effective with kids you need an education person to work with them and make what they see relevant. Our local Museum of Flight does a great job of getting kids involved and it’s a full time job for two people to come up with the ideas. There is a great deal of hands on there created for kids. I believe that a car museum would need the same kind of dedication to children with a lot of things for them to do that makes the experience and fun and memorable.
Nuvolari sat here. But can we get our children and grandchildren to care? Photo courtesy Jon Shirley.
What can the media (books, magazines, websites), do to help get kids involved and interested?
Now that’s a tough question especially as the media is changing so fast. Many kids love cars but striking an interest without hands on is difficult. Kids like video games and that might be the best entry if a suitable game was developed and then had online media connected to the game. Then one could try to expand the game experience and bring in the history of cars.
______________________________________________________
If you are enjoying this article, why not consider a donation to VeloceToday? Click here for details..it’s easy!
______________________________________________________
What better place for 50005 to be this weekend than Lobethal, South Australia?
The pits are in the grounds of the local school and the kids are sure to be there.
You might be kept very busy, Jon!
How can we get kids involved with classic cars? You mean kids of rich parents, right? Even families with modest means have little chance of affording an antique or classic car — most can’t even afford the price of entry to a vintage racing event.
Don’t worry about the kids, some with grow up rich and continue the tradition.
Classic cars might be expensive, but lots of kids of all ages will be at Lobethal. There’s no charge, just turn up.
$5 will get you in the pits. If you’re under 12, it’s free.
Alfa P3 chassis 5006 is also there.
It’s caretakers like Peter Giddings and Jon Shirley who get their cars out and use them so the kids can hear and smell the history lesson.