Description
Chassis No. 01302
Engine No. 173/ 219
There was once a certain class of Ferrari enthusiasts that felt any product of Maranello with fewer than twelve cylinders was somehow inferior. Of course, that is a fallacy with more holes than a wheel of Pannerone, particularly considering today's potent V8 and V6 models, the four and six-cylinder endurance racers, or the rich legacy of the V6 Dino series.
That legacy also includes a tiny, four-cylinder GT from the mid-1960s. Developed at the behest of Enzo himself, this sub-1000-c. c. berlinetta was aimed at Porsche, Lancia, and Alfa Romeo. The father of the 250 GTO, Giotto Bizzarrini, designed the chassis with front double wishbones, a live rear axle with trailing arms, and specially designed Dunlop disc brakes-essentially a scaled down 250 GT. The 985-c. c. inline-four designed by the great Gioacchino Columbo resembled one-third of his famous V12, while the handsome little fastback body was penned by a young Bertone stylist, Giorgetto Giugiaro.
Ferrari licensed the project to the De Nora family of Milan, who built the car under the newly formed Autocostruzioni Societa per Azioni banner. But spiraling costs meant slow sales, and fewer than 100 cars were produced. Despite its commercial failure, the ASA 1000 GT is today a prized piece of classic Italian "etceterini," with enviable lineage courtesy of some of the greatest names in Italian motorsport history.
Chassis number 01302 is one of an estimated 52 GT Berlinettas produced by ASA. This is a very late chassis believed to be one of a handful of "Mark II" models, denoted by its attractively revised front end with Fiat 850 Coupe headlights and integrated hood scoop. The ASA Register suggests it was delivered new to Spain, while documentation on file show it additionally spent time in California and France. It is offered as a largely complete car, suitable for a straightforward restoration. Importantly, it retains critical components such as the original, numbers-matching engine, correct Borrani bi-metal knock-off wheels, rakish bucket seats, a full complement of Jaeger instruments, and generally sound fiberglass bodywork.
Any ASA 1000 represents a rare opportunity for the enthusiast, and this example offers the collector with a blank canvas on which to perform a much-deserved restoration and return this rare and desirable little jewel to its original splendor.
