1956 Bandini Siluro

This Bandini was ordered by the late New York cartoonist Alex Raymond, who was the originator of the well-known Flash Gordon comic strip. This particular Crosley SOHC engine powered-Bandini Barchetta arrived from Italy and was immediately put into storage. Sadly, after the order was placed, Raymond was killed in an automobile accident and never saw his Bandini. Late in 1957, George Tipsword, an avid racer from Connecticut, purchased the car and won 'several firsts, many seconds and a few thirds,' behind the wheel of the Bandini. Although a 1956 Bandini was ordered and delivered, it appears this car was from an older period as it was fitted with cycle fenders which is unlike the racers built in 1956. Total production of the Bandini amounted to 73 units between 1946 and 1988. Currently, 46 examples are known to exist, according to the Bandini Register.

The car changed owners several times, and in 1972, it ended up in the hands of Larry Melsheimer of Vincennes, Indiana. He had plans to restore the car, but these plans never materialized. He sold the car to the current owner in 2008, who completed the restoration.