Fantasy Junction

Description

1954 Moretti 750 Gran Sport s/n 1294S, Engine No. 1293S Red and Black with Grey Interior Societa Anonima Motocarri Electtrica was founded in 1939 by Giovanni Moretti. The company made a wide variety of motorcycles, small automobiles ranging from electric trucks to tiny twin cylinder (350cc) and later in the early 1950`s, 4 cylinder (600-750cc) cars. By 1951 a twin cam 750 was born and was ideally suited to a racing chassis, hence the development of the lightweight (1090lbs) Gran Sport. Moretti prided himself in designing and building his own engines, unlike other small manufactures of the day that used modified Fiat engines. Nevertheless, by the time the 60`s rolled around, Moretti also was reduced to building special bodies over Fiat chassis and drive-trains. Moretti produced just a handful of Gran Sport models in 1953 and 1954. With proportions and lines similar to those of Ferrari`s Vignale and Michelotti designs of the era, and eligible for nearly any prestige event around the globe, this Moretti 750 GS will prove to be a historically significant and very usable addition to any Italian car collection. Reportedly, this particular chassis, s/n 1294S, was sold by Ernie McAfee to Elizabeth (Isabelle) Haskell (later Mrs. Alejandro DeTomaso) with s/n 1293S, and was raced in period by Elizabeth and her boyfriend/playboy of the time, Porfirio Rubirosa. There are records of two Morettis finishing first and second at Goleta, Pomona, and possibly even Palm Springs, however who drove which car will never be known. Both cars later passed through the hands of Italian car historians Jarl and John DeBoer. The engine currently fitted to 1294S, while not original for this chassis, is the correct type and model. In fact, the engine fitted came out of s/n 1293S, which was produced immediately before this car. Ironically, the original motor for this chassis is now in 1293S, which was owned by Karl Ludvigsen, and was quite famous for being featured in several magazine articles. This car was recently restored by Butch Bucciarelli of Southern California with vintage racing in mind. The motor was rebuilt and re-engineered with Carrillo rods, billet Moldex crank, arias pistons, and Mazda Miata oil pump thus solving a historical oil circulation issue with the 750 engine. The gearbox is a close ratio unit, and a Tilton clutch was installed, along with a limited slip differential, although the car comes with its original differential also. More dependable modern gauges were installed. The car is about as nice as you could expect for a racecar. The body is straight with satisfactory gaps and panel match. The repaint was a very high quality job, including the period correct white number balls. With exception of one nick at the edge of the hood, there are no major paint flaws about the exterior of the car. The grille, badges, and delicate window frames are all intact, straight, and tidy. This car has been fitted with Plexiglas front, rear, and side windows, further reducing weight. It also comes with the original glass windshield. Today the car sits on nicely restored one piece wheels with older Dunlop racing tires. The interior was also restored. The car has seen moderate enjoyment post restoration, and to some degree, the interior reflects this. The seats, dash, floor, and rear shelf upholstery are all representative of a well kept event car. There is a significant stain on the floor carpet on the passenger`s side. A tasteful roll bar which does not abstract the rear storage area has been fitted for racing purposes. The engine bay and underside both have the look of a well sorted and fully developed 1950s racing car. While not detailed for show, both are more than presentable in a vintage racing and historic rally sense. Correct headlights, original glass windshield and differential pumpkin, and a Moretti handbrake unit all come with the car. These parts will greatly ease the conversion process into a more road going format for historic rallies. As a 1954 year model, this adorable little Morreti is eligible for nearly every major vintage car event on the planet. The car will come with Historic FIA Papers which were applied for in May of 2007. While perhaps not the fastest car money can buy, this Moretti is very light indeed, and is built with all the right equipment to move quite swiftly in the right hands. It is a welcome entrant to the Monterey Historics (where it has competed several times recently), the Italian and California Mille, Tour Auto, and Colorado Grand, among other prestigious historic venues.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

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