VIN: the works / Yoshio Matsuda Ferrari 333 SP chassis 001
History of chassis 001
Chassis 001 was the prototype 333 SP and the only example assembled by Ferrari. Subsequent 333 SPs were manufactured by Dallara (chassis 002 to 014) and Michelotto (chassis 015 to 041).
001 served as a test and development mule. The intensive programme began in late 1993 and ran for the best part of a year.
In late 1994, the car was crashed at Mugello by Mauro Baldi. Afterwards, it was rebuilt with a new tub.
In 1995, chassis 001 was sold to famed collector, Yoshio Matsuda. It joined Matsuda’s Ferrari Museum of Art in Gotemba, on the outskirts of Tokyo.
Matsuda was a wealthy enthusiast who looked after his family’s commercial property interests.
Matsuda’s automotive collection grew exponentially throughout the 1980s and 1990s, by which time he had amassed among the most significant group of Ferraris in the world.
Another historic Ferrari to arrive at the Matsuda Collection in 1995 was 330 LM chassis 3673 GT.
In 1996, Matsuda purchased 250 GTO chassis 3445 GT from Symbolic Motor Cars in La Jolla, California. 001 was exchanged as part of the deal.
The 333 SP was bought by London-domiciled Brazilian, Carlos Monteverde, who was the son of billionaire philanthropist, Lily Safra. Safra had accumulated considerable wealth through her marriages to Alfredo Monteverde and Edmond Safra.
Carlos Monteverde retained chassis 001 until 1998, at which point it was sold via Talacrest to a US collector.
Talacrest then sold the car back to Japan in 1999, since which time it has been acquired by another custodian in the USA.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Ferrari - https://www.ferrari.com
