VIN: the Giorgio Sisini Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series 1 chassis 0477 SA
/ Ben Tyer
HISTORY OF CHASSIS 0477 SA
Chassis 0477 SA was one of 35 410 Superamericas built, 16 of which were on the long wheelbase Series 1 platform.
Powered by Ferrari’s big-block Lampredi V12, the prohibitively expensive model was the ultimate Gran Turismo of its day.
Two 410 Superamericas received coachwork by Carrozzeria Boano of Turin. One was a Coupe (0477 SA) and the other a Cabriolet (0485 SA). Around the same time, Boano also produced a 250 GT Cabriolet (chassis 0461 GT).
All three cars followed a similar theme with Americanised use of fins and chrome. 0477 SA came with a unique fastback cabin and split rear windscreen. It was purchased new by Giorgio Sisini, the playboy Count of Sant'Andrea near Lecce.
Sisini was the descendent of a noble land owning family. Born in 1901, in 1930 he moved to Milan against the wishes of his father, who had tried to keep him on the straight and narrow.
While residing in Milan, Sisini married an Austrian girl named Idell Breitenfeld. Almost immediately, Sisini’s father cut off any further financial support.
Faced with the prospect of economic hardship, in 1932, Sisini launched the weekly puzzle magazine Settimana Enigmistica, the first of its kind in Italy.
The endeavour proved a great success and enabled Sisini to expand his commercial interests. He later established a paper company, a publishing house and also became involved in the production of early colour Cicona films.
After World War 2, Sisini founded l’Airone, the first Italian airline.
Two and a half years before his death in 1972, Sisini was made a Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic.
Giorgio Sisini purchased chassis 0477 SA in 1955. It is believed to have been his only Ferrari.
Originally painted light blue with a dark blue interior, the uniquely appointed car was kept at Sisini’s residence in Milan.
Before long, 0477 SA found its way across the Atlantic where it wound up in the Los Angeles collection of William Upton.
Subsequent owners included film director, Clarence Brown, and US Ferrari importer, Ernie McAfee.
In 1985, chassis 0477 SA was acquired by collector, Robert Lee, who also owns both Boano cabriolets.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Carrozzeria Boano
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