Like a lot of things that are written, filled with things that are not true such as 0856 being the 1967 Daytona Winning Spyder #23 when in fact it was the second place #24 Coupe. Image Unavailable, Please Login
How about this part? "Where on earth is the evidence that Ferrari gave Piper permission to build as many P cars as he desired 'including several replicas/reproductions'?" I'm with gringe82, several being the key. As I said many years ago in the pdf. while I believe David that Enzo gave him permission to make one continuation car "P4" "0900" I doubt that Enzo gave David permission to make as many replica/continuations P4's as David wanted to.
Why did Piper want another P4 in the first place? I can understand why he (or anyone) would want one now, but in the mid-1970s, when they were just old race cars?
I thought the authorization "in period" was for the one VIN, from Enzo Piper ordered three, as in "one, and two spares"?? My memory was hazy.......
He did continue to use them YEARS after the Ferrari sports car team had moved on to newer models. The 312PB was FAR more cute!!!
The authorisation for DP's car was so full and official that Ferrari went on to use the same 0900 for another car whilst Enzo was alive the very same he gave Piper. Very blurred authorisation at best IMO.
Take a look at Doug Nye's 'The Colonels Ferraris' - the story of Maranello Comcessionaires. In one section Ronnie Hoare recounts that the various concessionaire teams (NART, Ecurie Francorchamps and Maranello themselves) talked about running 312PBs in support of the official works' entries, as they had done with various P cars. The 'Old Man' pointed out to him that the titanium con rods cost £1000 (say, USD 1500) each at that time (about 1972) and that this sort of cost was repeated throughout the engine. He opined that the Concessinaires could not afford to run them and that Ferrari could not afford to support them. I believe David Piper runs his cars with the support of a single mechanic, whereas the PBs would probably need a small team of specialists and very deep pockets. Racing these cars competitively is a bit different to holding them in a collection for occassional demonstration.
Conversely is there any evidence that the Factory tried to stop him ? I accept he may have taken 0900 as the green light to proceed with others but he's still in the club
*laughing* I'll take a trip to the Ring, as my prize!! It takes a bit of thought, eye for the details in the photos, and I guess Mr. G and I are both good at understanding what people "don't say"....it's been an amazing story and we are all fortunate to have Jim sharing the trip with us! Like the "Cool Guy up the street" we all had in the old' hood. In my case we'd marvel at the junk in his back yard, then every five years a giant Rolls Royce would emerge from the garage (of a modest house).....I think about it when I visit... Jim's lighting is a little better...
I would think that this is not far from normal procedures. 1) Have a "spare" frame made ahead of time 2) If you are having one frame made, two frames will be MUCH cheaper (each) than one, considering set-up time, even with materials on hand. 3) Frames 3 and 4 will seem almost free, compared to just frame #1. 4) If you have an "inexpensive" frame on hand, it is much easier to justify moving all the parts (especially if they are off anyway for the winter rebuild) to the "new" frame. 5) Serial number to suit "The Log Book." 6) LOTS of racers just lift up the VIN plate, and slide another car underneath......
The Christies 1987 Auction Description of what it is: Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login
It didn't sell. It wasn't really for sale. The purpose of it being advertised I suspect was to drum up interest in the other cars. The reserve was set accordingly high I believe.
Thanks, like the bit where it states it's sold on the proviso that DP can retain access to it for pattern making a rear panel