10/8/04
Finding Ferrari at Hershey

I know it’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve worked on my Ferrari, but Fall Hershey only comes once a year. In the middle of Pennsylvania Dutch country, on the grounds of the Hershey Chocolate Factory, the Antique Automobile Club of America holds this popular event in the Fall. It’s one of the East Coast’s biggest swap meets, where car enthusiasts can gather and pick through piles of rusty old car parts from thousands of vendors.

For the all the people who show up to this event and others like this in the country, we all share a common interest in looking at old cars, and the pieces that can create them. Part of of the allure is nostalgia, and part of it is finding that elusive part for a bargain. I personally find this kind of shopping far more enjoyable than sitting at my computer looking through the pages of E-bay. For one, I like the tactile part of shopping for parts that a computer can’t offer. I also love the surprise and discovery of what’s just ahead in the next show stall.

The self imposed challenge I had today was to see if I could find anything Vintage Ferrari related in a swap meet in the middle of Pennsylvania. Although Fall Hershey attracts people from all over the world, the cars and parts are generally American, but I was determined to find something for the Ferrari.

I eliminated Ferrari Literature because that would be too easy. In any given stall that sold books and sales brochures, I knew I could find something about Vintage Ferraris. I found this brochure on a 166 Corsa. The original was tucked away, but the color copy was on display.

Bill Hirsch Auto could be considered Ferrari related since they supply much of the leather for Vintage Restorations. Although original Connolly hides are all but gone since the company went bankrupt, Hirsch has found suitable replacements and had many of them in stock at their booth. The only problem was they were all on display under a big red tent, so everything looked red. Certainly not the best way to see what colors were available without carrying the whole hide out from under the tent into the daylight!

Just as I was starting to despair on sighting something for a Vintage Ferrari, I saw a glimpse of a bright chrome wire wheel glistening in the sunshine. As I got closer, I recognized the familiar Borrani hand insignia. My search was over, I found something in Hershey for a Vintage Ferrari!

David Reed works for a company that has become the East Coast Supplier for factory Borrani wire wheels. The future of the Italian company was  in limbo for a while, and it was certain if their vintage wheel production would continue with the new owners. Reed was happy to announce that he would soon be importing brand new Borrani wire wheels to the United States. Looking up some prices to for these new wheels, I looked up a set for my 330 America, RW3801. The price for one was $1275 each. Not exactly cheap, but if you don’t own a set, and have to buy a set, refurbished ones can cost you $1000 a piece! It’s nice to know that if you needed a new set, they’re available.

The plans for the future include a rebuilding service, but prices have not been confirmed. It is yet to be seen if it is worth having your wheels shipped to Italy for refurbishing when Wheel Tech in CO, and Precision Wire Wheel in Il, do such a good job over here in the U.S..

Another interesting piece of information David Reed mentioned was the possibility of Pirelli Cinturatos being available to us again. Mounted on a wheel at his booth was a new Pirelli manufactured 185-HR15 Cinturato. He told me that Pirelli is making these again from old molds, and he wants to import them. Since my car came with 205HR-15s, I would love a set for my car. Now I’m excited!

David can be reached at 203-335-4643, or david@dragoneclassics.com

Another thing I love about these swap meets is you never know what you may find. After walking for miles, my friend Bill and I were just about to head home, when I asked if we could just walk down one more row. As we neared the end of the isle, my eye caught this cute little sled. I had secretly been looking for a sled for my house since there is a great sledding hill in my front yard. Flexible Flyer knock offs were selling from $40 to $60 bucks, but I really didn’t want to carry a sled around with me for the rest of the day, then this one turned up!

It was perfect for my baby girl, and had this nice handle so I could guide her about on the snow. It won’t be for the massive sled run I plan on making in my yard this winter, but will let Ellie get in on the fun! Just buying this sled made the whole day worthwhile!

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