With the passage of time, history has proved to be an accurate measure regarding the significance of people and events. In the history of motor sports, few figures have loomed as large or significant as Enzo Ferrari. His life and legend are so well established and documented, that it would be presumptuous to attempt to embellish it further here.
To the point, Aeromobilia is fortunate and very proud to represent this one-of-a-kind sculpture, realized in pure silver, of a proposed monument to Enzo Ferrari, intended for completion in either Modena or Maranello in the early 1990's just following 'Il Commendatore's' passing at age 90.
It is unclear just who commissioned the renowned American sculptor Jonathan Bronson to undertake the project, but it is known that it was a very serious endeavor, supported by Enzo's son Piero, who was (and continues as) Vice Chairman of Ferrari SPA.
The monument, as it was originally envisioned, was to have two life-sized bronze Ferrari pontoon-fendered Testa Rossa's in a 'flying' formation, soaring above a large stone foundation sited in a park-like environment. A photo of the original architectural rendering of the monument will accompany the silver sculpture, along with a host of other support materials, including a photograph of Piero Ferrari and F1 champion Phil Hill discussing the project at Ferrari headquarters.
The artist Jonathan Bronson, who sadly passed away in 2009, was widely acclaimed and best known for his bronze sculptures depicting animals and birds, as well as portraits and sporting scenes. His private commissions have been initiated by the likes of HRH Prince Phillip, Presidents Reagan and Bush, the Rockefeller and DuPont families, and large public institutions. In two photographs on this page we see large sculptures executed for the 2002 Winter Olympics, and a Utah public park.
Our Ferrari sculpture is cast in 99.9% silver, and is affixed to a solid bronze foundation which replicates the famous 'Ferrari' script, painted in vivid 'Rosso Corsa' red. It all rests atop a beautiful black-flecked two tier granite base. The sculpture measures 17 1/2 inches long, by 9 inches wide, by 11 inches tall, and weighs in at an impressive 30 pounds. The new owner of this remarkable piece will receive original documentation from the artist confirming the silver content as well as the unique status of the artwork.
The Testa Rossa's, although interpreted artistically, are an excellent representation of the real cars, with accurate lines, open venting, and detailed wire wheels. The lower car (#22) features a beautiful soft satin finish, while the upper TR is highly polished, resembling chrome. The racing numbers and roundels are reportedly 24 carat white gold. The cars are cleverly attached to each other and to the base by the most minimal area possible, adding to the illusion that they are hurtling through empty space unsupported.
Only three of these sculptures are rumored to exist. Two are in bronze, belonging to Piero Lardi Ferrari, and the estate of Phil Hill, respectively, and ours, which is in silver. To a dedicated and selective collector of significant Ferrari memorabilia, this sculpture checks all the right boxes: provenance, documentation, intrinsic material value, artistic integrity, and perhaps most important of all, it is a living, breathing part of the history of Enzo Ferrari.
Please note: This unique sculpture is available for purchase only within the continental United States due to special packing and shipping requirements. For our friends oustide the U.S., please contact us directly to determine whether delivery may be possible. Thank you.