To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Villa Erba event, 25 May
2019.
Estimate:
€125.000 - €175.000
- Just four owners from new
- Retains its original engine
- Only 90 produced: rare and desirable 'Ferrarina'
In the late 1950s, Ferrari began developing a small,
high-performance sports car. This utilized a four-cylinder engine
of the famous twelve-cylinder Colombo design, boasting 1,032 cc and
around 100 bhp at 6,500 rpm. Technology and chassis design were
entrusted to Giotto Bizzarrini, while the svelte body was executed
by Bertone from drawings by Giugiaro. At the last moment, Ferrari
decided not to build the car under its own brand, and the project
was handed to the Turinese industrialist de Nora family.
Founded in 1962, Autocostruzioni Societ� per Azioni became the
dedicated manufacturer for ASA cars. The small but powerful 1000
GT, nicknamed 'Ferrarina', led a relatively short life. Introduced
at the Geneva Auto Show in 1963, the GT was a promising start for
the new-born company, which closed its doors after only five years.
Besides the coup�, a small number of spyders were built, and final
competition versions in alloy and composite materials remained
one-offs.
This ASA 1000 GT was delivered new to Germany and has enjoyed just
four owners from new. It has been restored to concours condition
from 2008 to 2014 to specialists in Lugano, Switzerland, for a cost
totalling CHF 112,400. Chassis no. 00126 has been subjected to some
modifications such as an oil cooler, long-range auxiliary lighting,
a Tripmaster and a flexible map light in the cabin. It comes with
its three keys and the official plaque which commemorates the ASA's
team participation at the 1965 Milan-San Remo.
The current owner has driven the ASA alongside his 250-series
Ferrari and comments that 'the ASA is a proper little rocket
compared to my Ferrari. Although horsepower is 40% of the V-12 and
the weight of the car represents about 60%, it feels quite light
and sporty, helped by its short wheelbase, very direct steering and
the surefooted feel of the amazing chassis. The engine's character
is completely different from the V-12: make sure to keep revs well
above 3,000 rpm (after properly warming-up), and you're in for an
amazing treat!' Furthermore, the interior is brilliantly designed
and surprisingly roomy, with a wood-rimmed wheel and a gorgeous
dashboard lined with an array of green-lit Jaeger instruments. The
harmony of the profile compares favourably with contemporary
Bertone cars, such as the Iso Grifo.
As one of only 90 1000 GTs built, this immaculate example is a
proper Italian sports car and one of the first examples of
Giugiaro's automotive design. The car has been maintained
meticulously in the Netherlands and comes complete with all
documentation and invoices, plus an Italian book dedicated to this
very special 'Ferrarina'.To view this car and others currently
consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at
rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/ve19.