Bittersweet Ferrari Superfast article from 1967

[Touring442]

From AA Drive, Spring 1967. Sad ending.


|https://thumbsnap.com/4eZfuMZ7[/url]

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Edited by Touring442 on Saturday 2nd May 16:59

[threespires]

[S2Andy]

Thanks. I still remember reading that first time around when 'Drive' dropped through the letter box. Still never seen one!

[hairy vx220]

Great article ... more please

[Unexpected Item In The Bagging Area]

Thanks for posting that it was a great read. I knew that Peter Sellars likes his cars but 85 owned by 1967 is crazy!

[neutral 3]

Anyone know how William Tomkins accident happened ?

[Mr Tidy]

Thanks for posting that.

A Superfast has always been in my dream top 5 list of Ferraris!

[Touring442]

neutral 3 said:

Anyone know how William Tomkins accident happened ?

I tried Google, but it was just too long ago. No sign of the number plate so it didn't ret resurrected although I guess it's only time before it is magically 'discovered'.

[neutral 3]

Touring442 said:

I tried Google, but it was just too long ago. No sign of the number plate so it didn't ret resurrected although I guess it's only time before it is magically 'discovered'.

I was going to have a look online for any info as well.
It looks like they cut the roof off to get to him. Guessing those neck breaker seats and no seat belt.

[4rephill]

Touring442 said:

neutral 3 said:

Anyone know how William Tomkins accident happened ?

I tried Google, but it was just too long ago. No sign of the number plate so it didn't ret resurrected although I guess it's only time before it is magically 'discovered'.

A car (even a Ferrari), that badly damaged back in 1967, would have been scrapped off, because at the time, it was basically worthless.

No one would have bothered to keep the wreck, thinking: "Hmmm...This could be a $2.75Million car one day!", and there won't be any Ferrari 500 Superfast's that aren't known about these days (certain members of Ferrarichat have detailed records of pretty much all of the vintage/classic Ferrari's from this period), so this car suddenly being "magically 'discovered' ", would raise serious alarm bells in the Ferrari community.

My monies on the car being all manner of things these days, maybe even parts of other cars, but I seriously doubt it will ever reappear as a Ferrari 500 Superfast ever again.

[micko1]

I remember reading this article when it first came out. I always used to read ‘Drive’ from cover to cover at my Grandad’s when we went to see him, as it came with his AA Membership I believe.

I read some time ago that this accident occurred when an unlit trailer or truck pulled across its path, hence the roof being torn off I suppose.

[RDMcG]

Love the Superfast. I recall as a kid seeing a pic in the Observer’s book of Automobiles and I think it cost £11567 though my memory is not perfect. I wrote to Maranello Associates and they sent me some lovely brochures ( now long lost).

[LotusOmega375D]

Here’s KYY500C, photographed at our little local classic car show in 2018. It’s part of a collection. I think the owner has a 275 GTB/4 also. They are the daddy of Enzo’s road cars IMO.

[Brett3]

I'm sure this exact same article appeared in a 1967 monthly of Readers Digest. I recall reading it whilst in the Dentist waiting room as a callow 12 year old - totally enthalled me.

Thanks for posting.

[mehere]

Even more impressive 'in the metal' {6661SF} .. and yes, I still have THAT AA Drive magazine issue too ...

Edited by mehere on Tuesday 28th February 21:49

[SS427 Camaro]

micko1 said:

I remember reading this article when it first came out. I always used to read ‘Drive’ from cover to cover at my Grandad’s when we went to see him, as it came with his AA Membership I believe.

I read some time ago that this accident occurred when an unlit trailer or truck pulled across its path, hence the roof being torn off I suppose.

No doubt it would have been written up in one or more of the local papers @ the time, as he was Such a prominent figure in such a prominent / exotic car - and back in those days, a Ferrari really was Very special ! Any idea what date this happened ?

[Brett3]

Accident happened on 2 Feb 1967. A1 at Stibbington, near Peterborough.
Salvage purchased by Jack Pierce of JAP Engineering. The engine was subsequently installed in a 275GTS.
The car was the 1965 London Car Show Superfast exhibit.

Edited by Brett3 on Thursday 2nd March 17:12

[leboeufsurletoit]

Hi "me here" , you couldn't post a scan of the "golf in France " article that was in the AA Drive magazine with the Superfast? o

[Penguinracer]

Brett3 said:

Accident happened on 2 Feb 1967. A1 at Stibbington, near Peterborough.
Salvage purchased by Jack Pierce of JAP Engineering. The engine was subsequently installed in a 275GTS.
The car was the 1965 London Car Show Superfast exhibit.

Edited by Brett3 on Thursday 2nd March 17:12

Super sleuthing! Excellent!

[politeperson]

Got to be related to the famous Will Tomkins of Turrino Wheels and Project Heaven fame.
https://project-heaven.com/
https://turrinowheels.com/