1965 ASA 1000GT

- A little more than 100 examples were built
- Enzo Ferrari commissioned Giotto Bizzarini in 1961 to construct a chassis and Bertone to construct the body
- The car comes with a FIVA Identity card/passport
- Based on a proposed ‘baby’ Ferrari designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, the ASA GT – or ‘Ferrarina’ as it came to be known – was based on - Ferrari’s Colombo-designed V12 and developed by Carlo Chiti, senior engineer at Maranello at the time
- A proper Italian sports car and one of the first examples of Giugiaro’s automotive design
- Restored to concours condition from 2008 to 2014 by specialists in Lugano, Switzerland for a cost totalling CHF 112,400, (approximately €103,500,-)

Once in a while we find a car which becomes more and more special when the stort behind the car becomes more clear.

This baby Ferrari is such a car.

Long before the appearance of the ‘baby’ Ferrari Dino, there had been another Ferrarina which few outside the world of Ferrari collectors and historians remember today.

It was the ASA, which stood for Autocostruzioni Società per Azioni.

Ferrari started the development of this Gran Turismo at the end of the 1950s, building an example with a 850cc four-cylinder. The goal of Ferrari was to create a less expensive, compact alternative to the existing Ferrari GT cars.

The project was designated “854” by the factory (for 850cc and 4 cylinders), however it was commonly but unofficially named “Ferrarini” meaning Little Ferrari.

The initial 4 cylinder 850cc engine was basically a slice of the well-known Colombo V12 engine.

Soon it was followed by the increased 973cc engine and later to 1032cc with 95hp (said to be enough for a max speed of 180 km/h).

The tubular chassis was designed by Giotto Bizzarini, based on the Ferrari 250 GTO.

Despite positive publicity and official support of the project from Ferrari, at the time of the debut there were no plans for Ferrari to mass-produce the car.

At the last moment Enzo Ferrari was unwilling to expand the production to produce the Ferrarini.

Enzo Ferrari therefore searched for another company who was interested in buying the project to put the car in production.

A company was found in Lambrate, in the outskirts of Milan, the factory was created by the De Nora family, who were chemical entrepreneurs, and it was run by their son Niccoló, who was interested in starting an automotive business.

Ferrari had decided not to produce the small four-cylinder car that was once positioned to be an entry point into the Prancing Horse stable, but the Mille would live from now on under the ASA nameplate.

It was equipped with double wishbone front suspension and a live axle at the rear. Both front and rear of the car were equipped with coil springs, tubular dampers, an anti-roll bar and disk brakes.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

The original German owner had acquired this Ferrarina in 1965, two year after the serial production began.

In Germany it spent the following 40 years in the hands of a collector before finding a new home in Switzerland.

It had been unused for several years when the car was imported into Switzerland in 2008, where it was restored to concours condition from 2008 to 2014 by specialists in Ticino, for a cost totalling CHF 112,400, (approximately €103,408).

Some modifications were done such as an oil cooler, long-range auxiliary lighting, a Tripmaster and a flexible map light in the cabin.

The last owner imported the car into The Netherlands in 2017.

As one of only 90 ASA 1000 GTs built, this example is a proper Italian sports car and one of the first examples of Giugiaro’s automotive design.

The car has been maintained meticulously in the Netherlands and comes complete with all documentation and invoices.

The ASA is an extremely impressive car. The shape of the body is like a Ferrari and if one looks closer it becomes even more clear that this is really a baby Ferrari.

The lamps behind the grille as in the Ferrari 250 series, the Borrani wheels, the black covered engine head all gives a hint to the big Ferrari’s.

The ASA is a car for a very serious car enthousiast/collector who appreciate the unique quality of building as well as the top level parts which are used in the car.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

As described above, this ASA was comprehensively restored to very high standards. The work was completed regardless of cost and since the restoration the car has been sparely used.

The body is in an impressive condition. The paint is a high quality job and one can’t find blemishes on the body.

The panel fits and gaps are excellent.

The chrome surroundings and bumpers are all in as new condition.

Behind the grille one can find 2 lamps like in the Ferrari’s. A beautiful detail which clearly states amongst the beautiful body lines the connection with Ferrari.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior of the Asa is brilliantly designed and surprisingly roomy. If we should take away the logo on the steering wheel we are sure that the driver thinks to be in a Ferrari.

The cockpit is surrounded with high quality parts such as the nicest gauges and meters which are all from Jaeger.

The condition of the interior can be best described as in mint condition.

The interior has been fully restored and since the restoration the car hasn’t been used often.

The trunk is newly restored as well and in beautiful condition.

ENGINE BAY/UNDERNEATH

The engine has the looks and finishing of the well known Colombo Ferrari V12. It’s just a bit smaller.

The double “Italian” Weber carburettors show that this is a very serious sports car.

The engine bay shows the high quality restoration of this car and if one still has doubts, the undercarriage of the car confirms that this is a beautiful condition example.

EXTRA’S

During the restoration some modifications were done such as an oil cooler, a long-range auxiliary lighting, a trimester and a flexible map light in the cabin.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

Although horsepower is 40% of the V-12 and the weight of the car represents about 60%, this Asa feels light and seriously sporty. This feeling is helped by its short wheelbase, very direct steering and the surefooted feel of the amazing chassis.

It’s easy to see why fans of the ASA Mille nicknamed this car “La Ferrarina.”

Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.