[Barry]

I've just read a remarkably interesting article in Cavallino edition 50 (April/May 1989) about the private Ferrari collection of Pierre Bardinon, in Mas du Clos, France.

It sounds like such a magnificent collection and I'm sure the pictures in the article don't do justice to the entire collection.

I looked it up on line but only found info on the racing circuit (also on the estate property).

Does anyone know about this collection? Is it totally private? Or are there any ways for mere mortals to visit? (Or is it even still in existence?)

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Barry

I've just read a remarkably interesting article in Cavallino edition 50 (April/May 1989) about the private Ferrari collection of Pierre Bardinon, in Mas du Clos, France.

It sounds like such a magnificent collection and I'm sure the pictures in the article don't do justice to the entire collection.

I looked it up on line but only found info on the racing circuit (also on the estate property).

Does anyone know about this collection? Is it totally private? Or are there any ways for mere mortals to visit? (Or is it even still in existence?)

Barry, Congratulations...you are starting to get into deep classic territory. Therfore you have bought an older collection of Cavallino's ??
Mas du clos is owned by Pierre Bardignon a heir of a french industrial imperium in early days. He started to buy the wonderful Ferraris in the 60's and 70's and some in the 80's. He had it all what was somehow important in racing history. Marcel Massini will be able to tell you about Pierre and his cars for a whole evening at the castle, I just hope he will be able to join fled 6.

The Mas du clos track used to be the private track build around Bardignons estate, when after great coming together parties of close friends the started to excercise their F-cars the next morning on that private track. However some years ago in France (as everywhere else) the state came to Bardignon to tell him that he has to invest substantial sums to get the track up to date safety wise and until that they will forbid him to use it (his private track! So much for european centralism). He abandoned the idea and hence the track is not used anymore. A pitty.

The collection can be seen by appointment only and I'm sure if you get to be a member of the french Ferrari club you're able to see it as they at least used to have a yearly gathering together at Bardignon's museum.
But again Marcel would be the commetent person to tell you all the latest on this.

[Barry]

212
Thank you for the additional information. It sounds like the collection I am reading about (23 year old article!) is still intact. I am learning as I read but cars such as P4, 250 GTO, GTO64 ,multiple 24hr Le Mans winners, 312B, 312P, 290MM sound so magnificent that the opportunity to see such a collection in the metal would be wonderful. I wonder could we arrange a Ferrari Life visit?

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Barry

212
Thank you for the additional information. It sounds like the collection I am reading about (23 year old article!) is still intact. I am learning as I read but cars such as P4, 250 GTO, GTO64 ,multiple 24hr Le Mans winners, 312B, 312P, 290MM sound so magnificent that the opportunity to see such a collection in the metal would be wonderful. I wonder could we arrange a Ferrari Life visit?

If you want to really do that maybe approach Marcel uf that is possible. If I'm not wrong he handled more than one deal between his clientele and Pierre Bardignon.

[212Export]

But easier Barry, half of such a collection can be seen public in Basel (I was there and have seen it) until April. We mentioned that on another thread.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by 212Export

If you want to really do that maybe approach Marcel uf that is possible. If I'm not wrong he handled more than one deal between his clientele and Pierre Bardignon.

Would be nice if it were possible.

Just read that there is a front engined Dino 246 in the collection. Such a thing exists!?

[212Export]

Originally Posted by Barry

Would be nice if it were possible.

Just read that there is a front engined Dino 246 in the collection. Such a thing exists!?

Have no clue about that but maybe the workers in maranello just put the front lights wrongly around ?

[tazandjan]

Barry- Affirmative, there were front engined Dino 246 F1 cars that predated the Dino 246 GT and competed from 1958-1960. The V6 engines in these F1 cars were the first to introduce the 65 degree angle between banks also used on the Dino GTs and later F1 and GT V12s. The 65 degree bank angle allowed more room for induction from the 3x2 barrel webers. The engine layout was very similar to the eventual Dino GT cars, with DOHC and three two-barrel webers.

Here is a modern photo of one of the cars and a period photo of the engine.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by Barry

Would be nice if it were possible.

Just read that there is a front engined Dino 246 in the collection. Such a thing exists!?

Originally Posted by tazandjan

Barry- Affirmative, there were front engined Dino 246 F1 cars that predated the Dino 246 GT and competed from 1958-1960. The V6 engines in these F1 cars were the first to introduce the 65 degree angle between banks also used on the Dino GTs and later F1 and GT V12s. The 65 degree bank angle allowed more room for induction from the 3x2 barrel webers. The engine layout was very similar to the eventual Dino GT cars, with DOHC and three two-barrel webers.

Now that makes infinitely more sense. I had visions of a front engined 246 GT

Terry, once again you deliver the goods!

[tazandjan]

Barry- I owned a front engined Dino, but it was a Fiat Dino 2400 GT. Nice car that felt like a little Daytona. This is her with her replacement 308 GTS in the background. I sold her to a full colonel, whose son over-revved her while cold and dropped a valve. He wanted his money back, but that did not work out too well for him.

Do not know why, but the 2.4 coupes were way more attractive than the 2 liter coupes. Guess I need to do a side by side to figure out why.

[Barry]

Nice pic Terry. The Fiat Dino is lovely, but not a patch on the 308 you replaced it with.

[212Export]

Sorry guys, I thought you're talking about a street 246 GT Dino. Of course the Formula Dino is something else.

[550JM]

Reminds me of the collection of Laurence Stroll from Canada, also has his own racetrack. Was a very nice article about him in the Ferrari Magazine last year.

Cavallino's are a good read, aren't they, Barry? Check out ebay, you'll find them now and then...

[550JM]

"http://www.thegallerybrummen.nl/nl_NL/autobedrijf/collectie/2901109/details.html"


Here's a nice Fiat Dino, for sale in Holland.
(I have no connection's or interests with that company...)

[Barry]

Originally Posted by 212Export

But easier Barry, half of such a collection can be seen public in Basel (I was there and have seen it) until April. We mentioned that on another thread.

You are very right 212. If I can find a weekend that suits between now and April I shall try to get over to Basel and bring my son.

[Barry]

Originally Posted by 550JM

Cavallino's are a good read, aren't they, Barry?

Most certainly are.

[Rogie]

Originally Posted by Barry

I've just read a remarkably interesting article in Cavallino edition 50 (April/May 1989) about the private Ferrari collection of Pierre Bardinon, in Mas du Clos, France.

It sounds like such a magnificent collection and I'm sure the pictures in the article don't do justice to the entire collection.

I looked it up on line but only found info on the racing circuit (also on the estate property).

Does anyone know about this collection? Is it totally private? Or are there any ways for mere mortals to visit? (Or is it even still in existence?)

I was lucky enough to get to see the collection at Mas Du Clos in 1995 it was stunning ,Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures inside the hall ,we were only allowed to take pictures outside of the track etc. We were there for a day racing on the track (it is a fantastic track ) it was part of a 6 day tour of French Circuits both old and new for classic and modern cars. I intend to go back later this year as it happens ( health permitting ) The son runs things now so I am not sure if he is as accommodating as his father was.
I have seen many collections over the years but none were a patch on Mas Du Clos. It will be a great shame and loss if they close the circuit

[Killer58]

Originally Posted by tazandjan

I owned a front engined Dino, I sold her to a full colonel, whose son over-revved her while cold and dropped a valve. He wanted his money back.

So Taz, now we know the real reason you got out of the service...

[champagne612]

Originally Posted by Rogie

I was lucky enough to get to see the collection at Mas Du Clos in 1995 it was stunning ,Unfortunately we were not allowed to take any pictures inside the hall ,we were only allowed to take pictures outside of the track etc. We were there for a day racing on the track (it is a fantastic track ) it was part of a 6 day tour of French Circuits both old and new for classic and modern cars. I intend to go back later this year as it happens ( health permitting ) The son runs things now so I am not sure if he is as accommodating as his father was.
I have seen many collections over the years but none were a patch on Mas Du Clos. It will be a great shame and loss if they close the circuit

Rogie

Welcome to FLife - were you able to use the track ... be great to see any pictures

[tazandjan]

Rogie- Welcome and it sounds like a really fun tour.

David- No threat. He was a feather merchant.