1953 Ferrari 375 MM Spyder

Ferrari chassis 0286AM began life as a 340MM Vignale Spyder and its engine was later enlarged to the 375 Plus specification. It has had a brilliant racing career and was piloted by famous drivers such as Alberto Ascari, Phil Hill, Carroll Shelby, and Richie Ginther. Its first outing was at the 1953 Portuguese Grand Prix driven by Count Bruno Sterzi. Its first racing victory came at its second outing in late August of 1953. It was driven by Alberto Ascari and Giuseppe Farina at the 1000km Nuerburgring race where it wore the number 1 and was driven to a very impressive first overall finish. Luigi Chinetti raced the car at the Carrera Panamericana in late 1953 but failed to finish the race. Chinetti sold the car in Mexico City rather than ship it home. Carlos Braniff purchased the car and brought it to a 100-mile race the car came in second overall. It was later sold to Allen Guiberson, an oil magnate and race team owner from Dallas, Texas who had the car repainted white and added a headrest and a fin. It was modified specifically for the Mexican Carrera the following year.

Phil Hill drove it at the 1954 Carrera Panamericana, along with his co-driver Richie Ginther, to a second overall finish. Other notable victories were achieved by both Carroll Shelby and Ken Miles in various SCCA events and the Seattle Seafair Races.

Eventually California racer Louis Brero purchased the car and it remained in his family until 1995. Brero continued the cars racing resume by entering it in several Grand Prix competition events. At the Nassau Ferrari race, the car was driven to a third-place finish. The car became the possession of his sons after he passed away. The car remained in his car until 1995 when it was sold for about $1.5 million.

During the mid-1950s the car was repainted red and within a short period of time was repainted brown. It was treated to a restoration by Pete Lovely in 1995. At the completion of its restoration, it was brought to the Pebble Beach Concours where it was awarded the Pebble Beach Cup. It has competed in the Monterey Historic Races in 2004. It was brought to the 2007 Cavallino Classic where it was awarded the Honorary Judges Cup.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2007