Sold 1956 SILA “The Baby Ferrari” Bimbo Racer V12 Serial #818

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1956 SILA “The Baby Ferrari” Bimbo Racer V12 Serial #818 w/ custom stand.


**THIS BIMBO RACER IS CURRENTLY SELLING LIVE ON A BRING-A-TRAILER ONLINE AUCTION. THE AUCTION ENDS ON TUESDAY FEBRUARY 8TH @ 3:18PM EST. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING PLEASE REGISTER WITH BRING-A-TRAILER DIRECTLY. IT'S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. PLEASE CALL WITH ANY QUESTIONS. GOOD LUCK!**


This authentic 1956 SILA “The Baby Ferrari” Bimbo Racer V12 serial #818 has been restored to show quality standards. It was styled in tribute to the 1954 Ferrari 375MM that was the 24 hours of Lemans winner which makes it one-of-a-kind. It has limited ownership history, original serial tag, original fiberglass body, original frame, original horn, original motor, original tires and the original seat wood frame is included. Photos of the restoration, matching helmet, new tires, extra stickers and a custom stand are also included. It’s believed that less than a few thousand were produced but very little remain making it one of the most valuable miniature cars of all time.

They were designed by Giovanni Michelotti to resemble the Ferrari 375MM, they were hand-built by S.I.L.A. in Torino, Italy and imported into the U.S. and Canada by Ferrari, INC of South San Francisco, California. It’s believed only a select few Ferrari dealerships had the opportunity to sell “The Baby Ferrari” Bimbo Racer V12. The body features include: reinforced body, light, durable, quiet, rustproof, color impregnated, polished lacquer finish, single unit sports car front grille, contoured functional sealed beam headlights in fenders, functional tail light, simulated carburetor air scoop and rubber bound shatter proof clear plastic wind shield. It was available in three colors which were Ferrari Red with beige leatherette, Como Blue with gray leatherette and Riviera White with red leatherette. The steel wheels came with decorative wire wheel covers and knockoff hub caps. The wheels were wrapped with 13” x 2 ½ pneumatic tires with tubes. The interior features include: contoured leatherette covered seats for 2, rubber carpeted floor and light switch on panel. The motor was a 125 watts, 1,000 rpm, 12-volt electrical system that is powered by a standard 12-volt automobile battery. The transmission was a chain drive, three position gear (forward, neutral, reverse) with floor mounted lever. The chassis has an extra rigid steel frame, independent on front wheels and torsion bar suspension on rear wheels. The mechanical features include: four inch brakes with fade resistant linings, mechanical parking brake on rear wheel, foot brake pedal, accelerator pedal, racing car positive steering, built in battery recharger and Italian sports horn. The performance includes speeds of 5 to 7 miles per hour or 35 mile range, five to six hours of continuous operation before battery needs recharging. It climbs with 20% grade.

Serial #818 was purchased in the early 60’s by George Pendergast. George was an auto racer in CT and MA who discovered serial #818 for sale at a local race with his nephew Don Frigon. George purchased it for Don who enjoyed it as a young child. It remained with Don and his family for the next 55 years before selling it to Carl Osborne in 2017. Carl actually found it by accident on Facebook Marketplace as it was listed under musical items for sale. It was advertised as all original and in need of a restoration. Carl accepted the challenge and went hard to work. As the restoration photos that are included document serial #818 was in good original condition and was originally Como Blue with gray leatherette. Carl made the decision at the time of the restoration to paint it the most desirable color combination of Ferrari Red with beige leatherette. He also decided to pay tribute to the 1954 Ferrari 375MM that won the 24 hours of Lemans by making it similar. The changes include the unique front windshield and miscellaneous decals. The entire body was stripped and attention was given to the fender flares which had been slightly damaged over the years. The body was then smoothed, primed and painted in Ferrari Red which looks amazing. The paint was recently color sanded by MS CLASSIC CARS to a show quality shine. The exterior was outfitted with new headlights, headlight bezels, V12 emblem and hub caps. The original wheels and tires were restored. The interior was completely restored including new paint. The interior was outfitted with a new steering wheel, switch for lights, button for horn and logo on dash. The headlights, rear taillight and horn are all in working order. The original motor was professionally rebuilt and works excellent. It’s equipped with a new 12 volt battery. The transmission lever shifts smooth and works in all three positions.

In recent years, juniors, especially Bimbo Racers, have largely become sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for several reasons. Like art sculpture, a few factors play into collectability for a junior, four major ones being designer, manufacturer, quality and rarity. This 1956 Sila “The Baby Ferrari” Bimbo Racer Serial #818 checks all four boxes.

**Wayne Carini from the hit TV show Chasing Classic Cars restored a 1956 Sila “The Baby Ferrari” Bimbo Racer. It was named #12 of the “14 Most Stunning Cars Restored By Wayne Carini of Chasing Classic Cars” by Hot Cars – April 2020.**

**PLEASE CALL MS CLASSIC CARS OWNER MARC SCHILIRO FOR A VERY ACCURATE VERBAL DESCRIPTION OF THIS ITEM**