Ferrari Argentina - Sports Cars

Ferrari Argentina | Sports cars
Cristián Bertschi & Estanislao Iacona
A limited Edition of 1500 books.
Ferrari Argentina | Sports cars, is a synthesis of the history of each one of the sports cars from the Maranello firm which reached Argentina and competed in the Sports cars races. This book is the first section of the second part of the trilogy comprised by the histories of Alfa Romeo – Ferrari – Maserati in their relationships with and in Argentina.
The work, a research done chassis by chassis, includes a final chapter on the 1000 Kilometers of Buenos Aires in which, at least one picture of each Ferrari that took part on the race is featured.
Date of publishing January 2008
Publisher whitefly
Pages 340
Photos 304 b/w duotone + 16 full color
Cover hardback
Size 30 x 25 cm
Language English / Spanish
Chapters
The first Sports cars
Shortly after they were created and came into being, the Ferraris disembarked in Buenos Aires, where, towards the end of the forties a great number of races were already being held – there was even an International Season. Count Gabrielle Bessana was the pioneer in 1948 when he brought his Ferrari 166 sc s/n 002 into Argentina. Subsequently, Charlie Menditeguy won the Playa Grande race held in 1950 in the Mar del Plata streets, driving the Ferrari 166 s/n 0024m, temporarily imported by the Automóvil Club Argentino. To conclude, the North American scca drivers, George Rand, Jim Kimberly and Bill Spear, closed this first stage by taking part with their Ferraris in the Buenos Aires Costanera Norte race held in 1951.
El Cabezón’s payment
The Vignale bodied s/n 0038m was one of the first Ferraris to reach Argentina, imported by José Froilán González. The car had been born as a Barchetta Touring and had been placed second in the 1952 Mille Miglia with Dorino Serafini driving. Some time later it reached Argentina sporting new Coupé Vignale bodywork, in order to settle a debt owed by Enzo Ferrari to González.
Quick run over the tracks


The s/n 0071s was the Ferrari which enjoyed least public exposure. It was imported by Charlie Menditeguy and only took part in a couple of races. It reappeared in the eighties, but was taken out of Argentina years later.
The first Sports champion.
Roberto W. Bonomi imported the s/n 0094e Roco Motto Spider Ferrari 212 into Argentina. Three victories in 1952 earned him the championship that year. Subsequently it had several owners but was actively driven until being exported at the end of the eighties.
The Two seven fifteen.
Four versions of the Ferrari 225 Sport reached Argentina in 1953, imported by Roberto Bonomi, José María Ibáñez, Carlos Lostaló and José María Collazo, all of them young drivers from the Club de Automóviles Sport, viz., s/n 160ed, s/n 0172et, s/n 0192et and s/n 0214ed were the attraction drawing the public to the races held throughout the fifties.
The Lovely Girl

This Barchetta Vignale, s/n 0216ed, imported by Angel Maiocchi, was the strong magnet attracting young and old during numerous races held in the fifties. On different occasions it was driven in the 1000 km de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. The Argentine public fell in love with its shape and elegant lines, and christened the car La Niña Bonita because of its beauty and distinction.
The soldier's Ferrari
The most outstanding owner and driver of this Coupé Pinin Farina s/n 0256mm, was Alberto Rodríguez Larreta. It was the winning car in the 500 Millas de Rafaela race held in 1955, with young Larry, only 21 years old at the time.
The four cylinder cars
Two Ferrari 625 tf were imported by Roberto Bonomi and Luis Milán. The first, s/n 0306tf, only took part in a couple of races and was taken back to Italy after a short period of time and never returned to these shores. On the other hand, s/n 0304tf had a long life in Argentina, under the auspices of Luis Milán and César Rivero among others.
The ever growing war
When the Ferraris began to be unloaded in Buenos Aires, it was obvious that their design, power and reliability would make them “the car” to purchase in order to compete and win the Sport races. It was then that what Carlos Lostaló dubbed “the increasing battle waged with ever stronger arms” began, with the arrival of three cars: s/n 0358am, s/n 0374am and s/n 0398am, one Berlinetta and two Spiders. The two latter were the cars to overcome during the fifties jointly with their drivers, José María Ibáñez and Enrique Díaz Sáenz Valiente.
The great race
The book concludes with a chapter devoted to this very special race. At least one photograph of each Ferrari which took part is included. The Maranello firm walked away with six triumphs – its performance was outstanding in all editions of the race.