1957 Ferrari 625 TRC

By Ferrari's own records, this car was the most winning Ferrari ever, claiming the most first in class and overall wins in races of the period. This 1957 Testa Rossa, with coachwork by Scaglietti, was one of only two delivered with Ferraris 625, 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder Grand Prix engine. It was specially ordered by John von Neumann, the Porsche, VW and Ferrari distributor in Southern California. Its remarkable race history began in March of 1957, when the car was driven by Briggs Cunningham and George Arents at eh Boca Raton Road Race. It was then driven successfully by von Neumann, Richie Ginther and Ken Miles. In 1958, Ferrari sent von Neumann one of their new 12-cylinder 250 Testa Rossa engines, which was installed in the car with a large air scoop to accommodate the larger unit. This famous Ferrari was then always known as von Neuman's 'Hot Rod,' and it continued its winning ways until it was retired in 1961.

This 1957 Ferrari 625 TRC Spyder has coachwork by Scaglietti. It has an extensive racing career at the hands of John Von Neumann and Richie Ginther. This car carries chassis number 0672MDTR and was later given a V-12 engine.

In early March of 1957, the car was driven by Cunningham and George Arents at the Boca Raton Road Race. From then until 1959, it was raced primarily by John Von Neumann. At its first rice by Neumann, it was driven to a first place finish. Most of its racing career were rewarded with first overall, or first in class finishes.

in 1960, the car was entered into the LA Times Grand Prix where it was piloted by Ginther. During practice, the engine blew, so Ginther drove a Ferrari 412MI for Fred Knopp.

In 1957, the car was powered by a 860 Monza engine. In 1958, it was fitted with a 250 TR engine. During the 1960s it was used for drag racing, so it was given a Ford V8 engine. At this time, the rear fenders were removed and larger tires were fitted. In 1981, the car was given a 250 GT engine from chassis number 0769GT. A Ferrari 250 GT PF Coupe engine 1437GT was installed later in the 1980s.

In the early 1990s, the car was in the ownership of Charles Zwolsman. A year later, Zwolsman was arrested and went to jail due to drug smuggling. The Dutch government seized Zwolsman's entire car collection. It was sold at auction in 2001.

Ownership passed to a US owner for the price of $850,000. It was shown at the 2006 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

By Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2007