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by Bernard Martin  Luigi Chinetti Jr. has a unique perspective on Ferrari’s history, shaped by his family’s deep-rooted connection to the brand. His father, Luigi Chinetti Sr., was instrumental in Ferrari’s early success in North America. Chinetti Sr. began his career as a machinist for Nicola Romeo, where he developed expertise in precision engineering. His technical skill and passion for racing led him to join Alfa Romeo’s racing division in the 1920s, where he worked alongside Enzo Ferrari. Throughout the 1930s, Chinetti Sr. played a crucial role in Alfa Romeo’s racing efforts, preparing, racing and maintaining race cars for Ferrari’s 'Scuderia Ferrari' Alfa Romeo team. When World War II broke out, Chinetti Sr. found himself stranded in the United States, unable to return to Italy. Seizing the opportunity, he became a U.S. citizen and used his knowledge of Ferrari’s craftsmanship to introduce the brand to an American audience. Unlike war-ravaged Europe, the United States had an affluent market eager for high-performance automobiles, and Chinetti Sr. understood how to position Ferrari as a prestigious marque among American collectors and racers. The Birth of NART and Ferrari’s Expansion in North America The North American Racing Team, aka N.A.R.T., was instrumental in Ferrari’s expansion beyond Europe. Chinetti Jr. recalls that, in the early days, there was no formal Ferrari dealer network—every Ferrari built in 1946 was essentially a race car. His father, Luigi Chinetti Sr., was a key figure in bringing Ferrari to North America.  Ferrari 166MM Barchetta at the Ferrari Challenge at Watkins Glen 2024 NART was founded in 1956, partly inspired by a North American Van Lines truck that influenced the team’s name. At its core, NART sought to promote American drivers on the international racing stage, helping solidify Ferrari’s presence in North America. One of the team’s most significant moments came in 1949, when Chinetti Sr. decided to campaign a Ferrari 166MM barchetta at the 24 Hours of Le Mans—despite Ferrari’s initial reluctance. He strategically reduced the car’s horsepower to ensure its durability over the grueling endurance race, a move that ultimately paid off. The nickname barchetta, meaning 'little boat,' calls attention to the chassis's superleggera strengthening ribs, which gave the car a boat-like shape. The name was first used at the 1948 Turin Auto Show, likely applied by a journalist. In 2005, Motor Trend Classic placed the 166 MM barchetta sixth in their list of the ten "greatest Ferraris of all time." Ferrari’s Focus: Europe vs. North America Chinetti Jr. reflected on how Ferrari’s focus differed across markets. "While Ferrari prioritized single-seater race cars in Europe, NART emphasized two-seater sports cars for the American market." This distinction helped Ferrari appeal to U.S. customers and racers, and it was the sports car sales in North America that supported the single-seater racing program in Europe. Chinetti Jr.'s Critical Look at the Ferrari Film Chinetti Jr. also shared his thoughts on Ferrari (2023), a film that attempts to capture the essence of Enzo Ferrari’s life and career. While he found the Mille Miglia race sequences evocative of the era, he felt the film’s portrayal of Ferrari himself did not align with his own memories. Chinetti Jr. remarked, "No one called him Enzo. I could never imagine it. He referred to my father as 'Chinetti' and my dad called him 'Commendatore.'" Chinetti Jr. was also found the depiction of Mrs Ferrari not to be accurate according to his recollection. “Mr. Ferrari was made by Mrs. Ferrari,” Laura Ferrari played a crucial role in managing Ferrari’s business operations, particularly in financial and administrative matters. Her influence extended to key decisions within the company, ensuring its stability during difficult periods. She was known for her strong presence and unwavering support of Enzo Ferrari, often acting as the backbone of the company behind the scenes. Her deep involvement in Ferrari's management and her oversight of finances truly helped solidify the marque’s longevity. Her prominent role also indirectly contributed to one of Ferrari’s most significant internal conflicts, the "Palace Revolt" of 1961. Tensions between key engineers—most notably Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini—and Ferrari’s leadership, including Laura Ferrari’s firm grip on company affairs, led to the mass departure of several top engineers. This shake-up ultimately resulted in the formation of ATS, Automobili Turismo e Sport, a rival firm founded by the disgruntled former Ferrari staff. That in turn led to the inception of Iso Rivolta's Grifo and the iconic BIzzarini's. The incident was a defining moment in Ferrari’s history, really demonstrating Laura Ferrari’s formidable influence in the company’s structure and decision-making. Engineering Philosophy and the Colombo Engine Chinetti Jr. also highlighted Ferrari’s engineering philosophy, recalling how certain individuals—like Gioachino Colombo, the designer of Ferrari’s early engines—operated with full creative control. “You didn’t tell Mr. Colombo how to design an intake manifold,” Chinetti Jr. noted, emphasizing the respect and autonomy given to Ferrari’s top engineers. The Ferrari Colombo engine, designed by Colombo in the late 1940s, became the backbone of Ferrari’s early road and race cars. It was a lightweight, high-revving V12 that powered some of the most iconic Ferraris, from the 166 series to the 250 GT, cementing its place in Ferrari’s engineering history. Colombo’s work laid the foundation for Ferrari’s dominance in motorsports and luxury performance vehicles. A Lasting Legacy NART’s influence on Ferrari and motorsports remains undeniable. The team not only introduced Ferrari to North America but also provided American drivers with opportunities to compete at the highest levels. Chinetti Jr.’s reflections offer a rare and personal glimpse into this critical chapter in motorsports history, bridging past triumphs with modern interpretations of Ferrari’s legacy. For those interested in Ferrari’s rich racing history and its cinematic portrayal, Chinetti Jr.’s insights serve as a compelling reminder of the people and decisions that shaped the brand’s success.
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The iconic off-road utility vehicle set to redefine the vintage automotive re-creation landscape.  The 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix (#PVGP) is gearing up for a momentous occasion as it prepares to welcome the debut of the highly anticipated INEOS Grenadier. Designed and produced by Ineos Automotive Ltd. and manufactured in Hambach, France, the INEOS Grenadier promises to revolutionize the off-road driving experience with its rugged durability and homage to automotive heritage. Scheduled for an official unveiling on Saturday morning, August 3, at Schenley Park near the French Quarter Showfield, the addition of the INEOS Grenadier to the prestigious lineup of vehicles showcased at the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix marks a significant milestone in automotive innovation.  The INEOS Grenadier, which went into production in October 2022, aims to be a modern replacement for the original Land Rover Defender, featuring boxy bodywork, a steel ladder chassis, and beam axles with front and rear long-travel progressive-rate coil spring suspension. Powered by BMW six-cylinder internal combustion engines, the Grenadier embodies the spirit of its predecessor while incorporating significant improvements. Jim Ratcliffe, Chairman of INEOS, expressed his admiration for the Land Rover Defender and highlighted the INEOS Grenadier's advancements, stating, "Our new 4X4 has been inspired by the spirit of the Land Rover Defender, but it represents a major improvement on previous models." With a global target market encompassing agriculture and forestry workers, explorers, adventurers, and traditional 4X4 enthusiasts seeking an authentic off-road driving experience, the INEOS Grenadier is poised to make a lasting impact in the automotive industry.  The 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, renowned as the largest motorsports festival in North America, celebrates automotive heritage and racing excellence. As the perfect platform for the official debut of the INEOS Grenadier, attendees can anticipate an exclusive first look at this groundbreaking vehicle during the opening festivities on Saturday morning, August 3.
RDS Automotive Group, delighted to welcome the INEOS Grenadier to its esteemed group of automotive brands showcased at the PVGP, adds another dimension to the event's portfolio. Show sponsors such as Ferrari Philadelphia and McLaren Philadelphia contribute to the diverse array of brands on display. For more information about the INEOS Grenadier and itsdebut at the 2024 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix, please visit www.pvgp.org. About Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix The Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to hosting a world-class vintage automotive festival for charity. Spanning 10 days with two race weekends, car shows, parties, motorbikes, and galas, the PVGP is the nation's largest motorsport festival. Highlighted by "The Vintage," the longest-running vintage race on city streets in North America, surrounded by 17 individual car shows segmented by country and marque, the PVGP's 2024 Race Week runs from July 25th through August 4th. Culminating with the 42nd annual vintage races and car shows at Schenley Park on the weekend of August 3/4, the Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix Association has raised over $6 million for Autism-Pittsburgh and Merakey Allegheny Valley School since its founding in 1983, contributing to autistic and intellectual and developmental disabilities charities. |
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