Model Arno XI 50cm
True object of exception, this model of Arno XI (Ferrari engine) of a length of 50 cm was carried out with the scale 1/12ème. Faithful replica of the mythical hydroplane, this model is entirely handmade from noble materials: real wood and marine upholstery. All the fittings are made of chromed brass and are custom-made by jewelers. 10 layers of varnish are applied to obtain an excellent shine and depth of varnish.
The model is delivered in a secure package.
Numbered certificate of authenticity and one year warranty.
1204,17 €
History of this model:
The ultimate evolution of the Arno racing boat series, this model was designed by the wealthy racing engineer Achille Castoldi and built in 1952 by the Timossi Azzano shipyard on Lake Como, with a wooden frame, a marine plywood hull and varnished mahogany veneer. Of hydrofoil type, it rests on the water at full speed by only three points (lift): two foils and a two-blade propeller that can rotate at 10,000 rpm.
To break the world water speed record and compete with the Alfa Romeo and Maserati engines of the day, Achille Castoldi asked his Scuderia Ferrari racing friends Alberto Ascari and Luigi Villoresi to influence Enzo Ferrari to supply him with the exceptional historic Ferrari V12 engine with 600 hp and 4,5-liter Ferrari 375 F1, which won the 1951 British Grand Prix at Silverstone with driver José Froilán González (Scuderia Ferrari's first historic victory in the Formula 1 World Championship created in 1950).
Castoldi renamed the engine "G.P. 52/1 Nautico", had it converted to methanol, and increased its power with two compressors, enabling him to personally and easily beat the world speed record for a boat in the under 800 kg category, on October 15, 1953, with a speed of 241.708 km/h / 130.51 knots on Lake Iseo (an unbeaten record to this day).
The boat was then sold to wealthy Italian industrial engineer Nando Dell'Orto, who improved its aerodynamics and continued to race it successfully in competition for over 10 years, with numerous victories, including a European Championship win in 1960, before ending its sporting career in 1968.
In 1990, the car was sold to a collector who had it completely restored to its original condition. After restoration at Ferrari in Maranello, the engine reached 700 hp.
In 2012, it was resold during the Monaco Grand Prix at an auction at Monaco's Grimaldi Forum[1]. It has since been exhibited at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello.