Italian Thunder

black mamba

Once Ferrari hit the scene in the later 1940s, the face of sports car racing worldwide changed forever. This gorgeous 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB ( short wheel base ) Berlinetta Scaglietti Competizione model is #30 of 165 made. It enjoyed a successful racing career run by privateers. It's also one of the prettiest Ferrari's ever made.











Way before Ferrari, Maseratti, and other manufacturers entered the scene, Alfa Romeo ruled the Italian racing world....particularly during the 1930s. This car here is a 1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Zagato Spyder. An earlier version of this car won the infamous Mille Meglia race in 1929. If you raced during that period, this was the car you wanted in your stable.

Stumblebum

Alfa Romeo for me!!lust

kdog

I think I'd take the Ferrari. Never knew such a thing existed. Thanks for bringing us these amazing cars, Tom.

moose135

Outstanding, Tom! I've always been a sucker for a beautiful Ferrari, and I love the 250s.

Cavalier

Great shots of some beautiful classics. The Ferrari is great styling and the Alfa Romeo is pretty. BUT I'll take the white convertible next to the Alfa Romeo please!

black mamba

Stumblebum wrote: »

Alfa Romeo for me!!lust

Hard not to go with that choice, Taz. The car is fascinating.

Take care,

Tom

black mamba

kdog wrote: »

I think I'd take the Ferrari. Never knew such a thing existed. Thanks for bringing us these amazing cars, Tom.

Thanks for the visit, Joel. This is only the second time I can remember seeing this particular model of a Ferrari. Being able to touch and feel these cars in person is a thrill I never tire of. I'm glad I can share my experiences with other forum members.

See you,

Tom

black mamba

moose135 wrote: »

Outstanding, Tom! I've always been a sucker for a beautiful Ferrari, and I love the 250s.

Great to hear from you, John. I'm with you....the 250s have been a favorite of mine a long time. These rare variations....the Berlinetta Scaglietti Competizione models....are truly special.

take care,

Tom

black mamba

Cavalier wrote: »

Great shots of some beautiful classics. The Ferrari is great styling and the Alfa Romeo is pretty. BUT I'll take the white convertible next to the Alfa Romeo please!

It's great to have you look in, Jo. Thanks for the visit.

Well, you certainly have an eye for beauty. That white convertible is a 1936 lancia Astura. It's a classic example of rolling automotive art that was typical of the period. I tried....but was never able....to get a nice, clear shot of the car. The crowds at this show have been horrendous.

Take care,

Tom

rwells

Who makes names like this? "Berlinetta Scaglietti Competizione"


I couldn't even pronounce the name to buy one, even if I had a gazillion dollars!


Nice job on adjusting the exposure, as the camera was surely confused.

moose135

rwells wrote: »

Who makes names like this? "Berlinetta Scaglietti Competizione"

It just rolls off the tongue if you're Italian.

Really, it's easy...
Berlinetta - Italian for "little saloon", it usually refers to sporty coupes
Scaglietti - The name of the company that did design and body work for Ferrari, founded by Sergio Scaglietti
Competizione - Competition, or racing model

...and sounds so much sexier than saying all those things in English!

rwells wrote: »

I couldn't even pronounce the name to buy one, even if I had a gazillion dollars!

Just bring one of Tom's photos to the dealer, point and say "I want one..."

Juano

Thanks Tom, I always enjoy reading the historical context as much as the photos.

torags

Those Alfas were very good in the 50's

I had a 52 900cc Spyder (convertible), 4 cyl overhead cam, DeDion rear end (both wheels were powered), roll up windows (many were not)

I used to commute from Boston to NYC weekends, 90mph on the curvy Hudson Pkwy - 35 - 40 mph on early Michelins

The Italian gov't owned the company then, maybe after the war they're the only entity with money (Marshall Plan?)

These are nice shots of nice cars..

Well done

black mamba

Juano wrote: »

Thanks Tom, I always enjoy reading the historical context as much as the photos.

Thanks for the look-see. I always try and include some back-story if I happen to know some pertinent stuff.

Take care, my friend,

Tom

black mamba

torags wrote: »

Those Alfas were very good in the 50's

I had a 52 900cc Spyder (convertible), 4 cyl overhead cam, DeDion rear end (both wheels were powered), roll up windows (many were not)

I used to commute from Boston to NYC weekends, 90mph on the curvy Hudson Pkwy - 35 - 40 mph on early Michelins

The Italian gov't owned the company then, maybe after the war they're the only entity with money (Marshall Plan?)

These are nice shots of nice cars..

Well done

One of my fraternity brothers had a 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Spider Veloce. Darn, that thing was beautiful. Many a time, when he had extracurricular activities planned that would benefit from a back seat, we would swap cars for the evening. I think I put more miles on that Alfa than he did. At least I was successful in keeping him out of my apartment.

Thanks for the visit,

Tom

Panther

Howdy You Rascal,

WOW, more beauties, I can only imagine the
sounds so those motors make out running
through the Countryside.

I'd love to see one of those shows someday,
that has to be a rush seeing that collection
in one place.

black mamba

Panther wrote: »

Howdy You Rascal,

WOW, more beauties, I can only imagine the
sounds so those motors make out running
through the Countryside.

I'd love to see one of those shows someday,
that has to be a rush seeing that collection
in one place.

I tell you, Craig, sensory overload is a real risk at one of these top shows. You would think that by now, after years of intense involvement, I would become somewhat jaded to the whole scene. Not so. I can't describe the thrill of coming up on a car...one you've read about for years...and suddenly, there it is, right before your eyes. Man, that's really heady stuff for an incorrigible car nut like myself.

You and KK enjoy your travels. You've earned it.

Take care, my friend,

Tom

Cavalier

Thanks for the information about the 1936 lancia Astura, Tom. I think its my new favorite classic.
We are into "fat-fender" classics in this house (41 chevy and 37 Plymouth) - and I think I'll consider the Lancia a fat-fender and try to talk my way into one!!