40th anniversary of 250 GTO '62 s/n 3851GT The Collezione Maranello Rosso still includes his very first Ferrari, the 250 GTO '62 s/n 3851GT that Fabrizio bought in 1965 to compete in hillclimbs and other racing events. The fact that he still owns this car underlines the special relationship between Farizio Violati and s/n 3851GT, and this relationship was also the driving force behind a special event that was hosted by the Collezione Maranello Rosso in late April: The "Ferrari Incontri d'Arte", a Ferrari meeting to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Violati's beloved 250 GTO. A Very Special Venue The event started at the Collezione Maranello Rosso in Falciano on Friday, April 26th. Some Ferraris of Particular Interest The rarest car among them was Matthias Ficht's dark metallic blue 500 Superfast, s/n 8253SF. The Munich-based enthusiast was accompanied by both his brother Markus and his sister Ulrike; the latter drove her lovely black Dino 246 GTS, while Markus Ficht piloted another ultra-rare Ferrari. The red 275 GTB/6C Longnose (s/n 08901) revealed its rarity only to very well-informed enthusiasts - s/n 08901 is one of only three or so examples that were supplied new with the most desirable combination of options: alloy bodywork, six carbs and an outside filler cap. The Ferrari Incontri d'Arte was the first outing of this rare Ferrari after a long slumber. Another very rare Ferrari had been entered by Dr. Wolf Zweifler of Munich - a genuine 365 GTS/4 Daytona Spider, s/n 16689. The oldest Ferrari of the event likewise came from Germany: Heinz-Günther Fetzer had brought his immaculate 250 GTE s/n 2405GT from Nuremberg. Another nice 250 GTE had come from Switzerland: Mosè Franco's metallic red s/n 3261GT. Two 330 GTCs also took part in the event. Italo-American collector Filippo Pola had given his burgundy 330 GTC to a friend to drive in the event (while Pola piloted his F40), and Gilbert Rougier from France had arrived in his silvergrey example, s/n 9013. Italian enthusiast Davide De Benardi showed up in his 365 GTB/4 Daytona s/n 16107, and Alexandre Lafond brought his metallic brown Dino 246 GTS from Paris. Club Ferrari France-member Roger Maitrepierre is known for his various white Ferrari, and his 456 GT in "Bianco Avus" was a nice eye-catcher in a sea of mostly red cars, as was the 550 Maranello of Armand Weyer from Luxembourg: His s/n 111550 sports a special-order colour, "Oro chiaro metallizzato", light metallic gold! Collector Carl G. Lopp of New York piloted a red 550 Barchetta Pininfarina on Italian export plates, and the most recent car of the event was the brand new 575M Maranello F1 of Gianmarino Zenere and Bruno Desgardins. Getting Started Sandra Lodi-Vetrano and Fabrizio Violati welcomed the Ferraristi from Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, Luxembourg and the USA. After a lunch held at the premises of the Collezione Maranello Rosso, the event was officially opened by Secretary of State, Dr. Paride Andreoli, by cutting a rope that had been installed in front of the 250 GTO. Fabrizio Violati fired up the engine, and the red cavalcade started its way across San Marino, always accompanied by police on motorcycles and a private security service. After blasting up the very steep road to San Marino city (well-known to all "Mille Miglia" participants), the 43 cars soon entered wonderful Tuscany. Glorious weather still accompanied the first stop at Badia Tedalda, where the participants visited various sights, enjoyed a typical snack and watched a funny stage performance (that was even Ferrari-related!) by the villagers. Parade in Anghiari Relais Borgo San Felice Siena - Castello di Terrazzano - Greve in Chianti The next stop was the Castello di Verrazzano near Greve in Chianti, a picturesque castle and winery. After visiting the cellars, lunch was held, and the weather turned warm and sunny again. The last stop of the day was the Castello di Meleto that, again, provided a great view of the incredibly beautiful Tuscan scenery. After a snack, a thunderstorm rose, but didn't last for long. Saturday evening saw a gala dinner, followed by fantastic fireworks. Impruneta The event offered a perfect combination of Ferrari driving in incredible scenery, interesting cultural excursions and great Italian food. This was for sure not the last event of its kind hosted by the Collezione Maranello Rosso - announcements about forthcoming events will be published on www.MaranelloRosso.com Click here to return to the Ferrari Happenings page.
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