Pasadena Turns Red – 150 Unique Models at the 5th Concorso Ferrari

Imagine a red river: that’s how Pasadena looked like last weekend, when 150 Ferrari models invaded the city center. From the newest and most futuristic models to the ‘evergreen’, like the F40 or the Spider of the Seventies’; this year’s 5th Concorso Ferrari featured an incredible variety of Italian cars coming from all over the country, brought here by the Ferrari Club of America, Ferrari owners and Ferrari enthusiasts. The unique, unmistakable noise of their engine that anyone could recognize was music to car lovers…

 

John Ratto, owner of a Ferrari 330 GTS that belonged to Sergio Pininfarina in person, is one of this year’s judges. “Only those models ‘born’ in or before 2004 can compete…” he explains. “The others would be ‘too young’. The two most important factors that determine the score assigned to a model are originality and general conditions. But judges also take into consideration exteriors, interiors and engine.”

 

100 is the maximum score that can be assigned. “From 100 to 95,” continues Ratto, “means Platinum category; from 95 to 90 means Golden; from 90 to 85 means Silver.”

The event has some surprises to show, like the 375 MM (Mille Miglia), often considered a bad car by experts. But this is now the only existing model, with a market value of five million dollars.

 

And among the 150 beauties, one catches our attention: its plate says ‘Roma E57492’. It is a GTB (Grand Touring Berlinetta) or Dayton of 1972. And the owner Tom Eldering is very proud of it.“From 1978 to 1983 this was the fastest car” explains, “it could go up to 173 miles per hour (about 278 kilometers). This model in particular is a European version: the estimated market value is 500,000.00”. And what about the expenses a Ferrari owner faces for these jewels? “Well, right two years ago I had the engine renovated, it costed me 30,000.00”. But judging from Tom’s smiling eyes, it was worthy.

 

For Tom, as for many others, having the chance to own a Ferrari is a gift. “I don’t understand those people who own such beautiful cars and they only drive them on these special occasions”, he says.“The beauty of such a car has to be enjoyed… as well as the company of women who simply love them!”