Autoblog

There are Ferraris, there are rare Ferraris, and then there are the exceptionally rare Ferraris, the likes of which collectors and enthusiasts wait to hit the auction block with bated breath. At last month's RM auction of vintage motor cars at the Amelia Island Concours D'Elegance, one such special Prancing Horse hit the auction block, selling at a price significantly lower than its estimated value.

The Ferrari 365 GTS/4 was the convertible version of the car nicknamed the Daytona, although officially it never received that nameplate. Only 121 such Daytona Spyders were built by the factory; the rest were chop-jobs performed on Daytona coupes by Carrozziere. Serial number 16467 was the 71st authentic 365 GTS/4 built by Maranello, and had a rather eventful history. The car was originally sold in the Reno, Nevada to an American customer named Mr. Greer. In 1975 it appeared in the Warner Bros. movie "A Star is Born" starring Kris Kristofferson and Barbara Streisand, and was severely damaged in the production. (Why they didn't use a mock-up like in the original Miami Vice series or at least a chopped-roof Daytona coupe is beyond reasoning.) The bashed-up car was sold to a Mr. Luigi Chinetti, who commissioned the coachbuilder Giovanni Michelotti (not to be confused with the Ferrari racing specialists Michelotto) to rebuild the damaged roadster into the one-of-a-kind special you see here. It would be among the last Michelotti would ever design.

Since being displayed at the Turin motor show in 1980, the Ferrari 365 GTS/4 Michelotti NART Spyder has changed ownership only a few times. Although its value prior to the auction was estimated between five and $700,000, the Spyder sold for only $385,000. It just goes to show that an item is only worth as much as someone's willing to pay for it, but this is one example that's bound to appreciate in value over the coming years.

[Source: RM Auctions]

Ferrari has grown from a racing team to one of the most recognized brand names in the world over the past few decades, and after targeting the likes of McLaren and Renault on the race track, Ferrari is setting its sights on Disney with its latest project. As we've reported before, the sheiks of Abu Dhabi – who happen to own part of Ferrari – are preparing to begin construction of the Ferrari World theme park. More details are emerging and it's our pleasure to bring you the latest on what promises to be the biggest automotive attraction in the world.

Ferrari World, as it has now been revealed, will include some 24 attractions. Among them will be an F1-themed roller-coaster with two tracks that will race one grid of cars against the other. There'll also be a 70-meter high g-force tower, go kart and dune buggy racing and some sort of pitlane experience.

The project is being built on the Yas Island development, along with the new FIA-spec race track that will host the recently-announced Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, plus beaches, night clubs, restaurants, premium stores, luxury hotels, condos, two marinas, a golf course, a polo field and equestrian facilities.

It may be a bit too soon to start packing your bags – the doors aren't scheduled to open until 2009 – but freeing up your vacation time in advance wouldn't be premature.

Follow the link for more images.

[Source: Car magazine]

Looks like the oil-rich sheiks of Abu Dhabi are getting more serious about the prospect of hosting a Formula One grand prix than we thought. Last week we reported that they're adding an FIA-regulation race track to the Yas Island project that will also host the Ferrari World theme park, and with big question marks rounding off the one main restriction, they could be planning on hosting a grand prix very soon.

Word is there will be an event on February 1st where an official announcement may be made. If it happens, expect some teams and cars to be in attendance, along with the sport's most irresistible force, McLaren's newest driver, the inimitable Fernando Alonso.

[Source: Grandprix.com]

It's not scheduled to open before 2009, but we're already looking at flights to Abu Dhabi. (Yes, Abu Dhabi, that obscure place Garfield used to send Odie to.) Why? Well, because of a little project underway that'll do a lot to put the place on the map. The project we're talking about is Ferrari World, the high-octane theme park currently under construction in the small gulf emirate. We've reported on the project previously, but new reports suggest the park could now include a world-class F1-spec race track.

The circuit would accompany Ferrari World along with beaches, night clubs, restaurants, high-end stores, luxury hotels, premium condos, golf courses, two marinas, a polo field and equestrian facilities (for those other prancing horses), all on a 6000-acre plot on Yas Island, the largest isle in Abu Dhabi. The park will be linked by a ten-lane highway to the newly-expanded Abu Dhabi International Airport, facilitating the hoards of tourists the oil-rich royal family is anticipating will flock to this new destination.

Don't read too much into the addition of the racing circuit to the plans. While lower-rung racing events (touring cars, GP2, Champ Cars) could be held there, Bahrain has a multi-year deal with F1 Management for the only grand prix in the region (Turkey notwithstanding). When that contract expires, we wouldn't be too surprised if Abu Dhabi put in a serious competing bid. The royal family's business front, Mubadala Development Company, owns significant interest in two F1 teams: Ferrari (5%) and Spyker (17%).

[Source: GrandPrix.com]

It's over. There will be no 8th world championship and no constructor's title. Some might consider it depressing, while others just look at it as anti-climatic. Regardless, Michael Schumacher has left Formula One. But what do you give one of the greatest racing drivers of all-time as a retirement gift? Certainly not a car, as Schu has driven a Ferrari of his choosing for years and considering that his net worth approaches that of some small countries, he's already bought what he wants.

So what's left?

Dubai's crown prince, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has decided to give him his own island located in the man-made paradise called "The World" just off the coast of the United Arab Emirates.

The island, part of the Antarctica portion, should be completed in about two years and will be worth seven million (US) dollars. One wonders if the island is big enough to support a motorsports facility. Michael has to find something to do with his newly discovered free time and all of that cash!

[Source: Daily Racer]

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