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Regular Road Work
Five case studies of the kind of projects that are our bread and butter. Please call us about your project.
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A Tale of Two Ferraris
Ferrari 365 GTC 4 Coupes
# 15807 & # 15809
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The two cars you see here are as near to identical vehicles as a small manufacturer (circa 1972) ever creates. They were produced in the same six-week period between December 1972 and February 1973. Chassis number15809 (red) is now ready to start its second (restored) life, while its sister car, chassis number 15807, sits in bare metal, soon to be restored and ready for its very own new lease on life. What coincidence. Both were produced by Ferrari in the same period only to meet up at the same restorer 37 years later.
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# 15809 restored
It all started with purchase in 1973. Ferrari 365 GTC4 #15809 awaits its new owner at Luigi Chinetti's shops.
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# 15807 bare metal
May 2010. Ferrari 365GTC2 # 15807 in our shop. Metal work just completed by Steve and Mark in our panel shop, mechanical components in the skilled hands of Francois Sicard . . . This stable mate to 15809 awaits its paint and a return to the road.
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These are both Ferrari 365 GTC 4 coupes. These were among Ferrari’s best in their era. It all starts with Ferrari’s marvelously powerful and responsive 4-cam V12, flows rearward to a sophisticated 5-speed gearbox then tears up the pavement with aggressive Michelin 215/70x15 XWX rubber on those beautiful Cromodora center-lock alloy wheels. Complementing this exceptional drive train is the usual superb Ferrari build quality, a sophisticated suspension system, creature comforts that make miles vanish and a driving experience second to none. Then there is its appearance . . . what more is there to say?
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June 2009 sees the body completed and new topcoats applied.
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September 2009 and a restored body comes out of our body department where Tom takes a look. Plenty of restored pieces need to find their way back to put 15809 into service again.
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The power behind these wheels rebuilt, restored and ready to install.
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The difference between these two examples is almost entirely condition. One car is nearing completion of the metalworking portion of its restoration. Following a minor shunt mandating a replacement hood and forward panel, the bare metal example has had its finish removed to expose each and every mishap it encountered. The contrast is striking at this juncture. We thought you might enjoy the comparison. We can assure you that this example will soon be back to its former self and the better for it all.
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It's now late fall 2009 and a new front suspension is in place.
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The craftsmen at ARI have been hard at working making the underbody just as it was (Okay, perhaps a tad more fussy) the day it left the factory.
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Shortly thereafter this engine finds its nicely restored home. All's soon to be well underhood.
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Done and showing us all the view most will have of this machine as it eats up the road.
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| 365 GTC4 # 15809 sits in the correct, original “Rosso Nearco” red, having just undergone a complete restoration at our shops in Stratford, Connecticut. It is a very appreciated and lucky Ferrari; the vehicle’s original owner used, enjoyed then sold the car some years ago. Other Ferraris followed, but this, his fourth Ferrari, occupied a soft spot. Jump ahead to the present millennium; research proves rewarding and he manages to locate and acquire his original car. Not a similar example, the actual car.
The rest is history.
We were honored to restore this special vehicle, reviving all of its original glory. Here it sits for your review. Ferraris are part of our culture at Automotive Restorations Inc. We know and appreciate these cars. We have restored and cared for a good many show-winning Ferraris and supported Ferrari competition vehicles trackside. We have been at it since our inception in 1978. Have a look underneath, scrutinize the engine bay, the interior or any other aspect of the car. We feel the work speaks for itself. We very much appreciate your interest and are happy to answer questions.
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