Florida sunshine and good weather dominated the 16th annual Cavallino Classic in Palm Beach again. Thursday got off to a cold and rainy start at Moroso for the first day of the Shell Historic Races. However, the precipitation ended in the late afternoon to welcome the Ferraristi to a well attended party at Jet Aviation at Palm Beach International Airport. This is the traditional kickoff to the social gathering of the weekend. Jet planes, fine Ferrari automobiles, fashion show, charity silent auction, cigars and Bourbon whisky added to the finely dressed crowd which braved the still cool temperatures to meet others who share their hobby.
The second day of the historic races was fantastic with blue skies and moderate temperatures for everyone to enjoy as some of the finest and historically significant cars took to the track. In addition to the scheduled races, many Ferrari owners also tried their late model cars out on Moroso’s twisty track. F-40s and 360 Challenge Stradales vied for top honors against 430s and former 355 and 360 Challenge race cars. The winners were determined by who could stay on the gas through the very quick chicanes on the long straight-aways.
The traditional Concours at the famous Breakers Hotel did not disappoint either. On Saturday, the 166 Barchetta was the featured car and there were several in various states of repair to represent this model which brought Ferrari much fame in the early years after its founding in 1947. Contrasting these beautiful bodies by Touring was a dark grey 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB by Pininfarina. It’s truly amazing how two different Italian design firms contributed to Ferrari’s success during the past 60 years. Although these bookends are very different, each one is special and very desirable.
Several 250 GTOs were displayed next to a group of 250 Test Rossas, including the 1961 24 Hours of Le Mans winner. I spoke with Derek Hill, Phil Hill’s son, who commented that his Dad had driven all of the cars on display and how much he wished that his father was in attendance to see all these race cars together in one place.
Cavallino never fails to produce some real gems for the Concours. This year I was taken back by the yellow and black 212 Inter coupe by Vignale. There are so many details on this car one can literally spend hours checking out every angle. In addition, there was a very unusual white-painted 250 SWB Berlinetta Competizione with a maroon racing stripe owned by Tex Otto. Later, at the Awards Banquet, the Judges gave it Best of Show for Competition Cars.
Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate was once again the site of Sunday’s festivities after a two year absence. I had forgotten what a great setting this place is for the Sunday Charity Brunch.
Trump had his wedding reception here two years ago on the same weekend and decided that he needed a formal banquet hall for his well heeled guests. Lucky for us because this year we did not settle for a tent for our Brunch. Rather we were treated to a fantastic lunch in what surely must rival the Palace of Versailles.
Champagne and Bellinis were flowing as we strolled through the palm trees and around the swimming pool to view yet more Ferraris. Inside the “palace”, crystal chandeliers, marble floors and gold leaf trim everywhere welcomed a sizeable crowd. Former professional racer, Brian Redman, let the admiring diners in on a little secret. He said that the only words Enzo Ferrari ever spoke to him when he drove for the factory team were “Nice Boy”.
Prior to parting company, the Mar-a-Lago People’s Choice Award was presented to an appropriately painted Azzuro Blue Ferrari 550 Barchetta. Although Trump was no where to be seen, a former James Bond, actor Pierce Brosnan mingled with the Ferraristi in Palm Beach.
Phil Hill's 1953 375 MM Carrera Panamericana in the sights of a 166MM Barchetta.
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Lorenzo Zambrano's 1950 166 MM Barchetta # 0058MM dashboard.
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Two 250 Testa Rossas.
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The elegant and historic Breakers Hotel again hosted the eager Ferrari enthusiasts.
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A 250GT SWB cools off between rounds at Moroso.
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Touring was responsible for both the 166 Barchetta and Mille Miglia coupes.
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McCaw's 340/375MM Vignale Spyder 0286AM.
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Two 250GT TRs stand in front of the Breakers, celebrating their 50th anniversary.
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Charles Arnott, 250GT Europa, 0383GT.
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Zambrano also brought this unusual 250GT Europa, #0407, with a un-Ferrari grille and a bright orange interior.
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These two 275GTBs clearly carry the DNA found in the new 599GTB.
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Very 70's orange Daytona with unique racing stripe.
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20 years after their introduction, F40s are more desirable than ever.
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Robert Cole,
212 Inter Vignale Coupe, 0197E
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Jeff Mamorsky's high roof 250GT LWB, #0901 GT.
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Tom Shaughnessy's 166MM Barchetta, #0141, was rough but remarkably original. Where does Tom find this stuff?
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250TR of Carlos Hank-Rohn.
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Yes, white
with a maroon stripe; 250GT SWB owned by Tex Otto.
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