Barkaways Open Day


Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta TdF s/n 0763GT

Ferrari 250 GT LWB Berlinetta TdF s/n 0763GT

 

London, 10 June, 2017 

The annual Barkaways Open Day was held on Saturday 10 June, with the fine weather drawing out a record number of Ferraris, together with a variety of other exotica, to the gathering. In total there were over eighty Ferraris spread across the apron fronting the main workshop, and over two hundred and seventy guests in attendance, to enjoy a convivial day in the sunshine, with a string trio playing soothing ambience music in the background.

The day is not only Ferrari but also family orientated, with plenty to keep the younger generation entertained, like the candy store and the driving simulator, whilst for those of technical persuasion there are the “oily bits” in the engine bay. Each year Barkaways try and ring the changes with what is on offer, apart from the splendid array of nourishment offered, which is a constant, and always one of the highlights. This year there was a book signing, wine tasting from a local vineyard, yes there are wines from Kent, and the first public presentation of the Cortese 56 watch by Jordan Bespoke. As the name implies this is a tribute to the first Ferrari race win at the Caracalla Circuit in Rome, 70 years ago in May 1947, when Franco Cortese took a 125 model to victory wearing race # 56. Hence the watch will be produced in two series of 125 pieces, one with a black face, and the other with a white one, each individually numbered and engraved with the outline of the circuit on the rear. 

The main workshop, body shop, plus sales and storage building also featured a varied selection of models, along with other exotica, both ancient and modern, including the 1929 Mille Miglia winning Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, a Bugatti Type 35, an Iso Grifo and a Lamborghini Countach. There were also Ferraris in various stages of restoration including a Dino 246 GT, a 250 GT Lusso, a 330 GT 2+2, a 330 GTC and a 275 GTB. There was also a recently completed Dino 246 GT restoration, the owner of which, Martin McGlone, had succumbed to cancer prior to its completion, but his widow and family wanted the car completed in his memory. The finished car was presented to his wife Gwen and daughter Kay in a poignant ceremony just before lunch, where a few tears were shed upon seeing the end product. 

Amongst the fine array of clients Ferraris gathered outside the premises, there were a number of Dinos, including at least three yellow examples, a 330 GT 2+2, a 365 GT 2+2, a 365 GT4BB, and a F40 to name but a few. With the beautiful weather, a great selection of Maranello’s finest, together with a friendly crowd with a common interest, plus an abundant selection of very tasty food and drink, it was well into the afternoon before the party was over for another year.

 

Keith Bluemel         
06/2017