For Sale: 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 in Torrance, California

**For Sale: 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 Race Car at West Coast Classics**PLEASE NOTE THIS VEHICLE IS TO BE SOLD ON A BILL OF SALE, FOR OFF ROAD USE ONLY, PLEASE SEE OUR TERMS OF SALE AT THE END OF THIS DESCRIPTION. Step into the world of vintage racing with this extraordinary 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 Race Car, a rare gem offered by West Coast Classics. This vehicle is not just a car; it's a piece of automotive history, a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its creators and racers. With its striking yellow paint and sleek black interior, this race car is as visually captivating as it is historically significant. **A Legacy of Innovation and Racing Excellence** The Nardi Crosley Frua 750 is a product of the brilliant mind of Enrico Nardi, a renowned figure in the racing world. Nardi's illustrious career began in the pre-war era, where he gained fame as a racing car designer, constructor, and driver. He co-drove the first Ferrari, the Tipo 815, in the 1940 Mille Miglia, marking the beginning of a storied career in automotive design and racing. After World War II, Nardi collaborated with Renato Danese to establish a workshop in Turin, Italy, specializing in the tuning and construction of racing cars and prototypes. The Nardi Crosley Frua 750 is a testament to their craftsmanship and innovation. This particular model features coachwork by Pietro Frua, one of Italy's leading coachbuilders in the 1950s and 1960s, known for his "outside the box" designs. **Exquisite Engineering and Design** Under the hood, this Nardi Crosley is powered by a four-cylinder Crosley engine, displacing 750cc and originally producing 21 horsepower. However, through the meticulous work of its last owner, Don Baldocchi, the engine's output was increased to an impressive 90 horsepower, making it one of the fastest H-mods on the track. The car's lightweight construction, weighing just 1,200 pounds, ensures nimble handling and exhilarating performance. The chassis features an independent front suspension utilizing Fiat Topolino components, complemented by a leaf-sprung solid rear end. Braking is managed by four-wheel hydraulic drums, ensuring precise stopping power. The vehicle's dry weight is approximately 1,200 pounds, contributing to its agility and speed on the racetrack. **A Storied Racing History** This Nardi Crosley Frua 750 has a rich racing history, having been lovingly restored and raced by Don Baldocchi, a master machinist and founding member of the CSRG Club. Don's passion for racing and engineering is evident in the car's performance enhancements and meticulous maintenance. The car has participated in numerous events across the West Coast, from San Diego to Vancouver, and even made a memorable trip to Lime Rock. In 2012, Don Baldocchi was awarded the prestigious 'Puckett Cup' at Laguna Seca Raceway, a testament to his dedication and skill in vintage racing. The car has amassed nearly four completed logbooks, a testament to its active and successful racing career. **A Rare and Collectible Masterpiece** This 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 is believed to be one of only four examples ever built, with just two powered by the Crosley engine. Its rarity and historical significance make it a highly sought-after collector's item, perfect for high-end Concours d'Elegance or other prestigious car events. The vehicle is sold on a bill of sale only, adding to its exclusivity and allure. **A Tribute to Enrico Nardi's Legacy** Enrico Nardi's contributions to the automotive world extend beyond this remarkable race car. He is renowned for his steering wheel designs and speed equipment, which have become iconic in the industry. His legacy lives on in this Nardi Crosley Frua 750, a testament to his engineering prowess and passion for racing. **Conclusion** This 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 Race Car is more than just a vehicle; it's a piece of history, a symbol of innovation, and a tribute to the racing legends who shaped the automotive world. Whether you're a collector, a racing enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the artistry of vintage cars, this Nardi Crosley is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of racing history. Contact West Coast Classics today to learn more about this exceptional vehicle. car has an original Crosley 750. with beefed up HP by Nardi from the original build (back in 1954). It was never the 21 hp of a stock Crosley car, and was reported to be closer to 50 bhp.There is lots of history - close to 40 years of Don racing this car. You can get some feel for by looking at the inspection stickers that Don would put on the roll bar -- now vs the conceptcars.com photos and old racing programs and scanned pages listing this Nardi. Attached are a few, going back to 1987 when Don first started racing this Nardi. Also at one point in time, Don reportedly owned both of the Frua-bodied Nardi/Crosleys at one pointed from the mid 70's to mid 80's he raced that car.As for gauges, seats and engine... remember this is a race car. Engines get replaced quite frequently because the old engines wear out or crater. I don't know how many engines (2 since I knew him) Don built and who knows how many engines were used before Don bought it. Seats get replaced to conform to the driver, and gauges get replaced/added as needed. The frame was replaced to provide a sturdier platform for racing since Don was all about racing and unconcerned with resale.All four of these Nardi were Crosley powered and only two had the Frua body.The weight is 1,200 pounds.The original Nardi-Crosley Racing Special was powered by a four-cylinder Crosley engine that displaced 750cc and produced close 50 horsepower. The overall weight of the vehicle is just 1200 pounds.Enrico Nardi achieved notoriety and a small amount of fame in the pre-war era as a racing car designer, constructor, and driver. In the 1940 Mille Miglia, he was the co-driver of the first Ferrari, the Tipo 815.After the war, he is reported to have assisted in the construction of the first Tipo 166 Spider Corsa sports racing cars. This may well be true since the cars he constructed with his partner, Danese, around 1947-1948, bear a strong resemblance to the Ferraris. Nardi, however, had neither the facilities nor finances which would enable him to build his own engine. Instead, he turned to the only large displacement engine then available in Italy, the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500.In late 1947, Nardi began constructing three cars for the 1948-49 Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. In the early 1950s, he focused on producing prototypes and tuning equipment. He ceased the production portion of his business in the mid-1950s and focus on speed-enhancing parts.This brings us to Don Baldocchi and this amazing 1954 Nardi Crosley Spider. Last raced by Don when turning 86 years young. Don was one of the original members and founder of the CSRG Club.The cars Crosley engine is an American 750 cc. Its original power was a whopping 21 h.p., but now the power is several times that amount. Don enjoyed racing and maintaining the car and pioneered a significant gathering of the H-Modified Racing Club.A certain Richard Campbell has done a lot in recent years to rejuvenate the H-Modified Racing Club and generate growing interest in these historically significant and ingenious little racecars. Part of his efforts have been to bring back the Puckett Cup, awarded four times previously to a select group of vintage racing H-mod luminaries.2010: Jean Pierre Molerus, 1954 Nichols Panhard Special. Awarded at Sears Point Raceway2011: Dave Perry, 1958 Canada Class Fiat. Awarded at Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix2012: Don Baldocchi, 1954 Nardi Crosley Spyder. Awarded at Laguna Seca Raceway2013: Gary McFarlane, 1960 Dale Tholen Thundermug. Awarded at Hall...for more information please contact the seller.