VIN: The Tiger and the Pussycat Ferrari 400 Superamerica chassis 5139 SA
History of chassis 5139 SA
Chassis 5139 SA was the last of 22 400 Superamericas built to Series 2 specification, 14 of which were completed with Pininfarina’s Coupe Aerodinamico bodywork and covered headlights. It was configured in the handsome colour scheme of Grigio Argento over Nero leather upholstery and Rosso carpet.
Having been completed in January 1964, 5139 SA was sold to Finanziaria Commerciale Europea SpA in Rome and registered ROMA 836179 the following March.
During the winter of 1966-1967 (and by this time fitted with a pair of supplementary spot lights), chassis 5139 SA was loaned to the producers of the Italian comedy ‘Il Tigre’ directed by Dino Risi and released internationally as ‘The Tiger and the Pussycat’.
The firm starred Vittorio Gassman as the married, middle-aged Francesco Vincenzini who was seduced by beautiful art student Carolina (played by Ann-Margaret), the ex-girlfriend of his distraught son. Still on its original Rome plate, chassis 5139 SA featured extensively as Francesco’s day-to-day transportation in the movie.
In February 1968 the 400 Superamerica was sold to Alitalia pilot Roberto Goldoni who sourced Ferraris in and around the Rome area for Los Angeles-based attorney and car dealer, Ed Niles.
Niles had 5139 SA exported to the US and in 1970 repainted the exterior red.
In January 1971 the car was sold to industrialist and serial car collector Ralli Dimitrius in Pasadena. The 400 Superamerica was reputedly Dimitrius’s favourite car. He went on to have it restored during the 1990s and retained it until his death in 2020, after which it returned to Europe.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Fair Film
