Welcome to Cars & Coffee Liverpool. Despite the wonderful weather we’ ve had this summer, it decided to rain on two out of the three meetings we held this month. As a classic car lover, it is very difficult to bring your polished pride and joy out in the wet, right? Well one local gentleman, Mr Steve P and his copilot Kev Jessop didn’ t care about the weather and braved the rain, rolling up gracefully in an extremely rare Ferrari 250 GT SWB.
One of the most important GT racers of its time, the 1959 250 GT Berlinetta SWB used a short wheelbase for better handling. Of the 176 examples built, both steel and aluminium bodies were used in various road(“ Lusso”) and racing trims. Engine output ranged from 240- 280 hp. Development of the 250 GT SWB Berlinetta was handled by Giotto Bizzarrini, Carlo Chiti, and Mauro Forghieri, the same team that later produced the 250 GTO. Disc brakes were a first in the Ferrari GT, and the combination of low weight, high power, and well-sorted suspension made it a competitive offering. It was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October and quickly began selling and racing.
The ultimate development of the all conquering Ferrari 250 SWB was introduced in 1961- the SEFAC“ hot rods”- about 8 to 20 in total were modified to varying degrees for special customers- with upgraded engines, suspension and further lightening measures. The SWB Berlinetta claimed GT class of the Constructor’ s Championship for Ferrari in 1961.
All the wonderful stories from Mr P, he is certainly known in the Ferrari world for his treasured Ferrari collections around the world. As you know, after previous articles about the Ferrari 250 GTO, it is one of THE most desired prestige cars and my favourite. Unsurprisingly Steve has owned one, amongst a handful of collectors such as Nick Mason( Pink Floyd drummer) or fashion icon Ralph Lauren. Hopefully, we’ ll see another of his wonderful rare Ferraris. The most important thing, as with all other members, it’ s not what you own, but the journey and stories your vehicles can tell.
At the meet, we were also pleased to welcome the new Liverpool Lord Mayor, Christine Banks. Christine will be sponsoring three charities during her year as Lord Mayor. They are Everton in the Community, Merchant Navy Association and The Michael Causer Foundation.
Greeted by coffee aromas( sponsor‘ Cafe Origin’) and Chung Ku Restaurants famous Char Sui buns( Chinese Bacon Butty), Mayor Christine and Emilia the Mayoress daughter helped bucket shake, raising a total of £ 204.
The members favourite car of the month belongs to Ted Bemand from Wirral, a burgundy French Panhard et Levassor, 1965‘ 24’ Berliner Coupé, one of only 6 Panhard Coupé in UK. 848cc Tigre spec, 60bhp engine. Two cylinder aircooled 4 stroke, front wheel drive 4 speed overdrive gearbox. Owned for 50 years!
The steering wheel is oval to facilitate easy access. The car was designed almost 60 years ago around the same time as the Triumph Herald. The car was expensive at the time due to the high purchase tax on import, in 1965 the car was sold for approx £ 1500, at this time you could buy a new Ford Corsair for £ 750! Take a look at the pictures of the car she’ s beautiful in every angle and form, you could mistake this as an early German designed car.
A big thanks to all our motoring members, amazing friends and supporters, especially the Cars and Coffee Liverpool team Terry Alan Barnett, John Kane, John Connell, Tom Owen, Matthew Eaton, Luke Jordan, and Charalene Lee and her Coffee family and CCL friends! Well done to Michelle O’ dwyer, Lord Mayors grand-daughter for bucket shaking in the rain, in her wellies. Mark & Simon at Merseyside Blood Bikes, Cafe Origin Coffee, Chung Ku Restaurant, David Gidman for going out of his way with his busy schedule at HR Owen, Carly at Tesla, Autorenew, OCD Porsche Specialist, WSR Recycling, Tom Tully Tyres, Impact Solutions, Philangle Stamps, Wirral Life Magazine, photographers Mike McTigue, Brian Lloyd and Paul Rankin.
Until next time, See you all again next month, www. carsandcoffeeliverpool. co. uk
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