Today’s car is a 1966 ASA (Autocostruzioni Società per Azioni) 1000 GT. It originated around 1959 as an experimental project. Enzo Ferrari’s wanted to create a less expensive, compact alternative to existing Ferrari GT cars. Nicknamed “Ferrarina”, meaning “little Ferrari”, it was produced from 1964 through 1967 but, not by Ferrari. Enzo entrusted production to a close friend, Oronzio de Nora. The car was manufactured in Milan by a newly formed company called ASA owned by the De Nora Electrochemical Group.
I saw this car at the French / Italian car show at Woodley Park in Van Nuys, CA on November 7th, 2021. It is owned by Rafael Dinner who acquired it from his farther Arnold. Arnold was the original owner, as listed in the ASA owners register. Arnold fell in love with the ASA 1000 GT at the Chicago Auto Show where Luigi Chinetti had imported 32 coupes. Arnold decided to purchase this one direct from the factory in Milan. He drove it to the port of Seville and had it shipped to Chicago. He kept the car there until 2015 at which point he transferred the car to Rafael.
This car is nearly all original including the paint. It is finished in Grey / Blue with a Dark Blue interior It is powered by a 1 Liter, inline 4 cylinder engine with 2 2bbl Weber DOCE 9 carburetors, producing 91 hp and transferring that power through a 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive only in 3rd and 4th gears. Delivering that power to the Borrani wheels through 4.56 to 1 rear end. Helping slow this baby down are 4 wheel disc brakes. The car is equipped with double wishbone front suspension and a live axle at the rear. Both the front and rear of the car were equipped with coil springs , shock absorbers, and anti-roll bars.
The original MSRP was about $6,000.00 which was not competitive with the American market. The total number of ASA 1000 GT produced is estimated at 90 coupes and 16 spiders. The factory suggested top speed of 118 mph and the 0-60 mph time of 14.0 seconds.
The is a very rare mostly original car that has a great family story. What a great car to take to Italian car shows, and Cars & Coffee events. I hope to see this car in years to come with Rafael’s son at the helm. Thank you for riding along. Frank
