Over on auction site RM Sotheby’s, you’ll find a whole bunch of beautiful automobiles up for grabs. This one is a “little” different.
Way back in the 1950s a Californian company made mini Ferrari’s. Yip, the birthplace of the muscle car made miniatures of the Italian Stallions. I am sure there is a little bit of subtle power play in there somewhere but let’s not delve.
Anyway, fast forward about 70 years and someone who specializes in scale car building… apparently still a thing… was asked to restore one of of these little Connetti Ferrari Junior’s.
Making the mould
So impressed was this miniature maker that he asked for permission to take a few moulds. Then he went to work making some improvements on the original.
The cockpit was stretched a few inches. Kids were skinnier in the 50s I guess. The chassis was tweaked a little allowing the wheels to sit better in the fenders and also creating even more room in the driver’s seat.
Nailing the details
The original from the 50s was based on the 1956 Ferrari Monza but was missing a few of the finer features. So the mysterious builder then got to work really nailing the details that the original “copy” was missing.
A period-correct egg-crate grille was installed to replace the perforated metal used in the 1950s. The big boy car had a scoop that covered the carburettors but was missing in the 50s mini version. So a scoop was duly added along with an instrument cluster, headlights, side vents, and a full-width windscreen. The seats are beautifully leather upholstered and the cast aluminium steering wheel is lovingly bound in leather as well.
An angry wasp under the hood
Under the hood… or, well the boot in the case… you can find the motor. A Continental 6:1 engine replaces the roar of a Ferrari with a buzz or an angry wasp, but it will make the thing go forward.
This little chap is up for grabs over at RM Sotheby’s. We’re not entirely sure who the market is for such an automobile may be. But we love it. And I guess Ferrari fans and classic sports-car nuts will too.
