One to Buy: ex-Fritz Ries 1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast
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During the mid 1960s, Ferrari customers that wanted the ultimate money-no-object Grand Tourer could order a 500 Superfast. Essentially the last in a line of ultra high end models begun with Ferrari’s America and subsequent Superamerica specials, these wickedly expensive low volume flagships represented the ultimate expression of Italian elegance, speed and luxury.
Launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 1964, the 500 Superfast combined the most powerful engine Ferrari offered with a spectacular low drag body designed to cut through the air at speeds in excess of 170mph. Inside, fit, finish and equipment levels typically rivalled anything Rolls-Royce or Bentley had to offer.
In total, just 37 copies of the 500 Superfast were constructed between 1964 and ‘66, a fine low mileage example of which will be going under the hammer at RM Sotheby’s Cavallino sale in Palm Beach on February 14th.
Chassis 6033 SF was supplied new via the Auto Becker dealership in Dusseldorf to German industrialist, Dr. Fritz Ries. During the 1930s, Ries became the main shareholder in the rubber goods factory, Flugel & Polter. Having joined the Nazi party in 1933, Ries then headed the illegal takeovers of various Polish companies and employed thousands of forced labourers.
Ahead of invasion by the Red Army, Ries fled to West Germany with extensive assets. After the cessation of hostilities he went on to acquire several hotels and established the Pegulan-Werke rubber factory.
The 500 Superfast was not Ries’ first Ferrari; 6033 SF followed a second series 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico acquired in 1964 (chassis 5131 SA).
Ries took delivery of this latest machine in January 1965. It was configured in the handsome combination of Grigio Fumo with Nero leather upholstery and remained in Ries’ possession until 1968 when Auto Becker took the car back into stock with a little over 6000km on the odometer.
Chassis 6033 SF subsequently left Europe, heading to the United States. It passed through the hands of Chicago dealer, Joe Marchetti, into the possession of Ed Weschler from Nashotah, Wisconsin. After a brief foray back to Europe during the late 1980s / early 1990s, the by now red 500 Superfast again made its way across the Atlantic.
In 1996 chassis 6033 SF joined the collection of the consigning owner who, during the mid 2010s, commissioned a sympathetic restoration back to original configuration.
Now showing a little over 30,000km, chassis 6033 SF retains its original matching numbers engine, gearbox and differential. The car is accompanied by a substantial history file that includes Ferrari Classiche Red Book certification issued in 2017.
