ASA 1000 GT Spider by Bertone 1967, Itália

 

ASA 1000 GT Spider by Bertone 1967, Itália

Fotografia

Autocostruzioni Societa per Azioni, or ASA, was formed to market the smaller-displacement engines developed by Ferrari, initially deployed in a 1961 Turin Auto Show prototype nicknamed the “Ferrarina.” Because Enzo remained a firm believer in 12 cylinders, it seemed destined to remain experimental—until racing drivers Gerino Gerini, Lorenzo Bandini, and Giancarlo Baghetti established ASA to use the engines. They recruited Ferrari engineer Giotto Bizzarrini, along with father-and-son duo Oronzio and Niccolo de Nora, for the effort.
Debuting at the 1962 Turin show, the resulting ASA 1000 GT coupe sported beautiful bodywork penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro and executed by Bertone on a Bizzarini-designed tubular frame; the convertible Spider followed. Its 1,032-cubic-centimeter twin-cam four-cylinder engine, fitted with twin Weber side-draft carburetors and mated to a four-speed manual transmission, produced 90 horsepower. Four-wheel disc brakes of the type used on the Ferrari 250 GTE provided stopping power.
Production of this advanced sports car began in 1964, but due to expense, fewer than 100 were built over a three-year period. Of these, no more than 17 were factory Spiders. This car was delivered new to Valencia, Spain on 9 September 1966, remaining there through 2006. Period photos show this production “Ferrarina” parked in its driveway in Spain, fitted with license plates matching original ownership documents on file.
Purchased in Belgium by a Canadian collector in 2012, it was sent to Italy for a three-year restoration by a marque specialist completed in 2016. This comprehensive job addressed major mechanical components, including a replacement fuel tank; the interior was finished in leather, and bodywork was repainted factory-correct red. The factory wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheel, as well as three-ear factory Borrani knock-off wheels, are examples of the exquisite detail inside and out.
Acquired by its most recent custodian, a Toronto-based collector, in 2016 at a cost of $264,500 CAD, this Spider has been carefully maintained in a climate-controlled environment. A March 2021 service by Daytona Sports Cars of Ontario included a refinish of its Borrani wheels and the installation of new chrome carburetor stacks, in addition to fluid and filter changes; in April of 2021, upholstery specialist Gary Nolan of Diamond Trim fitted new carpets and intricate diamond-tufted hood insulation and trunk liner using fabrics imported from Italy. Invoices on file indicate over $14,100 CAD ($11,470 USD) in work performed in 2021 alone.
Documented in the ASA Registry, 1967 ASA 1000 GT Spider chassis number 11010 is a rare (and rarely seen) Italian sports car of enduring appeal and significance; it is worthy of a of a place of honor in any serious collection.