Rare 1964 ASA 1000 GT "Ferrarina" (w/ startup)

A very rare silver 1964 ASA 1000 GT arriving at and leaving the 2024 San Marino Motor Classic at Lacy Park, where it won Second in Class (Italian Sports Cars Other 1946-1975). Built by Milan-based ASA (Autocostruzioni Società per Azioni) from 1964 to 1967, the 1000 GT was originally envisioned by Ferrari engineers as a more affordable and compact alternative to Ferrari's GT cars. Unofficially known as "Ferrarina" ("Little Ferrari"), the car was powered by an inline-4 engine based on Ferrari's Colombo V12. A Bertone-bodied prototype called the Mille was introduced at the 1961 Turin Motor Show, and due to the anticipated volume production of 3000-5000 cars per year, Enzo Ferrari entrusted production of the new car to his close friend, industrialist Oronzio de Nora, and his son Niccolò de Nora, who formed ASA with the help of several renowned Italian racing drivers and ex-Ferrari chief engineer Giotto Bizzarrini. The production ASA 1000 GT, largely unchanged from the Mille, was introduced in 1962. Sales were much lower than expected, largely due to production delays and the car's high price. ASA built less than 100 examples of the 1000 GT before closing its factory in 1967.

Here's an angry-sounding little Italian car that many car enthusiasts may not be familiar with. "ASA" simply doesn't sound as cool as "Ferrari", "Maserati", or even "Fiat", and when fully spelled out most non-Italians won't even come close to pronouncing it correctly. But unlike many European carmakers that were conceived from some sort of major disagreement with Ferrari, ASA actually spawned from a project fully endorsed by Enzo himself. Unfortunately, weak commercial interest resulted in the brand's demise after just a few short years. But given the 1000 GT's rarity, excellent performance, and close association with the famed Prancing Horse, it's no surprise these cars now trade hands for over $100,000 or even $200,000.

Why do you think the ASA 1000 GT failed to attract as many buyers as anticipated? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!