First race car built by Ferrari on display
The very first Desert Classic Concours d’Elegance to be held in Palm Springs, California is sure to attract a sizeable crowd. And the simple reason to visit this new car show is the appearance by the first race car built by Ferrari. The legend will make its appearance after 20 long years. The Ferrari chassis No. 01C was among the first of three Ferrari single-seat Formula One race cars to be built in Maranello in the year 1947. Now equipped with a 2.0-liter engine it pushes the car to a top speed of 120 mph.
Franco Cortese drove the 01C to victory at Caracalla Baths with four fuel pumps (two mechanical, two electrical with the car only really needing one!). Apparently the year before Franco Cortese had to retire due to a damaged fuel pump. A doctor from NY bought the car after it was rebodied in 1948. The car was raced in sports-car events on the East Coast for several years and then disappeared. The Ferrari 01C’S current owner found the car in a warehouse in 1968. He prefers to remain anonymous.
The event will focus attention to the unique history Palm Springs has in relation to these historically significant cars, as well as the celebrities and drivers that made them famous.
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