Robb's F355 Challenge Car History and Restoration | Page 28 | FerrariChat

Robb's F355 Challenge Car History and Restoration

Discussion in 'Challenge/GT Cars/Track' started by Robb, Feb 20, 2015.

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  1. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #676 Robb, Nov 12, 2016
    David,

    Are you wanting more info on the special major sponsors on our car (like Discovery Channel) or all general series sponsors (like Pirelli) on all F355 challenge?

    Robb



     
  2. Juan-Manuel Fantango

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    #677 Juan-Manuel Fantango, Nov 13, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2016
    Hey, I was just wondering if it was true to the historical record. Now that I see more I was not paying close enough attention! As an early Challenge fan- all I can say is beautiful job on on the car, and thanks for brining attention to this historic series. The longest running series of "Gentlemen and Professional Racers". Yes -there have been some pro drives in this series.

    I thought for a second about brining my car back to historical track configuration, but also wanted to drive it as a "road rally" and event car.

    With the World Challenge coming to Daytona, why aren't they having a display for cars like yours? Or at least one of each model so you can see the progression?

    It looks like these cars are gaining momentum as collectible. Long ago I thought it would be neat to have the best of one of each model, and drive them on track. It would be cool to see an impression from an automative journalist point of view or say Top Gear. Back to back drives. I'd like to see this. The performance and safety progression is astounding from the 348 to now or soon to be 488. Imagine what it is like to experience this in incremental levels based on each new model.....it would be very cool.
     
  3. KMR968Turbo

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    #678 KMR968Turbo, Nov 13, 2016
    Rob,

    Congrats! Glad to see you finally got her out to a race track. I was amazed how good these cars are out of the box when I was at Laguna. A friend who shared my car came in after one session and shook his head saying these things in full Challenge form would have been unbelievable back in the 90's The thing I couldn't get over was the steering and the balance of the car. And I was not running slicks or the full Challenge springs. Yes I wish it had another 100 hp or more but otherwise it was near perfect.
     
  4. slracing

    slracing Formula Junior
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    #679 slracing, Nov 14, 2016
    Your smile says it all Robb...Finally tracking "her" B-) I`m so happy for you, after all the preparations, passion, "blood & sweat & tears" you put into it. Thanks for sharing the experience with us and I`m just waiting for the continuation...;-)
     
  5. mclaudio

    mclaudio Formula 3

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    #680 mclaudio, Nov 14, 2016
    Robb, happy to read that you enjoyed your Challenge car at the track.
     
  6. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #681 Robb, Nov 14, 2016
    Thanks for your kind remarks David. Yes the car is true to historical record other than the Nero paint vs the Pozzi blue. Only other difference is the NART badges on the side where shields were used back in the day.

    We went through a long process of research, gathering historical photos, and contacting past team members to share in their memories and personal photos and effects. I highly encourage all owners to go the same route.

    One of the greatest things that the challenge cars can do (other than superior driving experience) is connect you and the public with its history and the stories surrounding the people and places they took the cars.

    Ferrari NA has been in touch with several owners. The cars, drivers, teams, and series will definitely continue to be celebrated and sought after.

    Robb





     
  7. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #682 Robb, Nov 14, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Amazing weekend at the racetrack. The car can do fantastic things and is one of the prettiest on the track. It was definitely "the business."

    Robb
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  8. Juan-Manuel Fantango

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    #683 Juan-Manuel Fantango, Nov 14, 2016
    Thanks Robb! Just beautiful....
     
  9. 308 GTB

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    #684 308 GTB, Nov 14, 2016
    It's all business!

    Looking good, Robb!

    Barry
     
  10. Robb

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    #685 Robb, Nov 16, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    The cabin is tight with the cage, and helmet with me at 6'.

    We may see if we can lower the seat another inch with special seat mounts other than the stock OMP ones.

    The wheel and pedal distances are good.

    Once you start rolling, though - your focus only turns toward the driving...

    Robb
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  11. Dave rocks

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    #686 Dave rocks, Nov 16, 2016
    Great photo, Robb. Glad you had a fun and safe time on the track :)
     
  12. ShineKen

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    #687 ShineKen, Dec 2, 2016
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017

    Hey Robb,

    One of my challenge seats that just came in matches your driver's side seat (doesn't have the "ferrari challenge patch"). It is in a condition you might be satisfied with.

    I am looking to re-upholster both my seats in alcantara, so I might not need the nomex skin anymore after that. Could be up for sale if you're interested.

    There is some slight fade/wear on the bottom left bolster and upper right shoulder.
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  13. Robb

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    #688 Robb, Dec 3, 2016
    Ken, will send you a PM.

    Robb
     
  14. Robb

    Robb Moderator
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    #689 Robb, Dec 3, 2016
  15. thibaut

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    #690 thibaut, Dec 11, 2016
    i am 6'2'' and I designed some bespoke mounts, removing the sliding adjustment system (don't know if that was standard but was on both seats in my car). That's about as low as it can go and using the correct VID Carbon seats I am still tight with helmet on. I need to slide a bit down the seat. If you find a better mounts, let me know, I may want to copy them.
     
  16. gsm348

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    #691 gsm348, Feb 5, 2017
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  17. Robb

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    #692 Robb, Feb 5, 2017
    Greg,

    That's it with one of it's Chicago owners. I'll pm you my address. Thanks much for preserving the history of these cars.

    Robb
     
  18. Robb

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    #693 Robb, Feb 22, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    It's been a great run over the last two years with the ownership and restoration of our F355 Challenge.

    Getting our car sorted was a wonderful experience that I would like to repeat by restoring another Ferrari challenge car in my new garage. My brother would like to go in a different direction this time and try another Ferrari road car to go in his garage.

    I've enjoyed meeting other challenge owners worldwide and look forward to continuing my research here on the challenge series and photographing other owner's and their cars during my travels. I hope to be on track with them again in another Ferrari Challenge car soon. Not sure on which model I will go with this round, but it will be another great journey. I am thankful for the camaraderie of the group and am happy to help other Challenge owners with their cars.

    Please contact me if you know of someone interested in this very unique F355 Challenge. I'm happy to discuss its extended history and background prior to putting out a full sale listing in the spring.

    Robb

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  19. kenneyd

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    #694 kenneyd, Feb 24, 2017

    Someone is going to get a nice car!
     
  20. Robb

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    #695 Robb, Feb 26, 2017
    Thanks much Ken.

    Robb

     
  21. KMR968Turbo

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    #696 KMR968Turbo, Feb 26, 2017
    Even better, they are going to get a car with a ton of documentation and a great story.
     
  22. Robb

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    #697 Robb, Mar 5, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  23. Robb

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    #698 Robb, Mar 5, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  24. Robb

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    #699 Robb, Mar 5, 2017
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  25. ///Mike

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    #700 ///Mike, Mar 6, 2017
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