Before this Ferrari Club of America (FCA) Southwest event was called “Ferraris on Colorado” or some such, but since it was in Pasadena some thought it must be in Colorado so they changed the name. It’s still on Colorado Street, venue of the famed Rose Parade. It was a great event despite rain for the second year in a row.
What made it great is the crowd’s perseverance in attending, despite rain clouds *doggonit* the event the whole day (only to have the sun come out as the event ended!)
And Ferrari ‘s US distributor stepped up again and had a display of current cars, and, a blessing to me, free coffee, mocha, lattes, etc. which would have cost you $5 or more at the nearest Starbucks. I think this offering of free refreshments “democratizes” Ferrari a little more, I mean before you would be a bit trepidatious to walk their red carpet full of $400,000-$1 million -plus cars, but now all are welcome. Even if they are a little short in their Ferrari finance bank account.
Most outstanding was a SR1 roadster, the single-seater (the two-seater with windscreen is the SR2) , and to say it was awesome is an understatement. Now I only saw it drive from its transport to the red carpet so I can’t say what the driver uses for protection out on the road in a windshield-less car. But to see it on the road among the crowd was like seeing someone riding a white charging horse. With all the myriad of US regulations it is unbelievable that a modern automaker can make such a car that captures the spirit of the Fifties.
As far as old cars owned by FCA members an outstanding one of a 330GTC with a special Dino like wraparound rear roof style, Turns out the first was built for Princess de Rethy and three more followed from Pininfarina with a design that looks lightweight but stylish. One brave 250GT owner parked his car, top down, in the rain but finally put the top up to show, yes, indeed classic Ferraris do come equipped for the weather.
There was one old GTE, and an outfit that maintains Ferrari collections for customers displayed a squeaky clean black short wheelbase Berlinetta. I was unaware there were such firms in SoCal but now understand their need. If you have several cars, you need someone to “get one ready” for an appearance, especially if you are out of town a lot.
There was one Dino 246GT but Dinos were rare at the event as were Daytonas. A 275GTB was present, without a rear bumper, though it was not a Competitzione, which has a lower profile body and more air vents.
There was a presentation for several owners whose cars were judged winners rain and all. This writer was thrilled to see his old amigo, 95-year old Manhattan Beach resident Cpt. Earl Waggoner honored. He has been in Ferrari club activities in Los Angeles for well over half a century and , though now forbidden from driving due to eye problems, always finds someone to help him get one of his two Lussos to an event.
This venue is a good one, for spectators because it’s free-free-free. Even the parking is free on adjacent city streets. There are plenty of coffee shops available in a short walk (though $5 for a cuppa java is a bit Beverly Hills-ish).
I didn’t count them but I would say there were 100 Ferraris parked side by side. Enough to bring a crowd of sightseers with dogs, baby carriages, and all (and fortunately no kids on skateboards!).
From my booth selling fine art, I especially enjoyed talking design with students from the nearby campuses of Art Center College of Design, a school which has trained a notable Ferrari designer (such as Ken Okuyama who graduated in 1986 and later returned to teach there before starting his own car company). I told the students I hope they graduate while there are still internal combustion cars.
Let’s hope next year’s event will be rain free…
EDITOR’S NOTE: Wallace Wyss welcomes news of galleries who would consider consigning Ferrari art. He can be reached at [email protected]