[kartman01]

I am in the process of restoring a 1956 'Bimbo' Ferrari and am in need of help from some folks on the forum who may own - or once owned - one of these cars.

I am seeking help on the following:

1) Make/model of the motor used in these cars (I understand it was a
Ferrari starter motor (?) but I do not know if that is true.

2) A photo or drawing on how the steering linkage is set up from the
steering column to the wheels

3) Any information regarding the 'on board' charger - again, make and/or
model

My direct email is: cjonesonthelake@hotmail.com

I have also attached some photos of the car 'in progress' so everyone on the forum can enjoy them!

Thanks in advance for any help!

[mk e]

I have no helpful information….but that’s a very cool project. Best of luck with it!

[Spasso]

Just some stuff I pulled off of Google.

Advertised as a real car "for pre-teen men and women of distinction", this sporty racer was hand crafted in Torino, Italy in the 1950s. It is operated by a 12-volt battery and can transport two (small) occupants in comfort and style at up to 7 mph. Featuring three forward gears, four-wheel brakes, pneumatic tires, an Italian sports horn, and sealed-beam headlights, it also boasts a 35-mile range and a Siata badge on its nose.

************************************************** ****
A rare and original ‘Bimbo Racer V12’, two seater child’s motorized car by SILA, Italian, 1956.

Built in Italy and said to have been styled by none other than Giovanni Michelotti, these wonderful child’s cars were based on the Ferrari 375MM Spyder, with a shapely sculpted fiberglass body, electric motor, and working lights – what more could a kid ask for?

*************************************************
A couple have gone through auction in the last year. Barrett and Bonehams. They are out there. Just need to find out WHO.

[kartman01]

mk e and spazzo, thanks for the info. Hopefully someone out there has one of these and can help with the questions I had posted...

Thanks again for the interest and help!

[Saint Bastage]

I think Wayne Carini (chasing classic cars) restored one a few years ago then sold it in Monterey. I'll ask for some details or you can try him yourself at www.F40.com

I no longer think it...I'm sure. Found pics in his gallery

[kartman01]

Saint Bastage: Thank you for this incredible information. I will reach out to Wayne today - I am optimistic he can help me!

Thank you for your help!

[Saint Bastage]

Any time Sir...thats why we're here.

And please keep us posted on the status of the project with lots of pics. Looks like a bit of fun.

[ECSofVirginia]

I vote you use this opportunity to do a "resto-mod" and throw a Ducati motor in this thing and make really move.

[Boxer]

Suggest you contact

Marcel Massini

MASSINI AG
In der Hoeh 12
CH-8604 Volketswil (ZH)
Switzerland

E-Mail marcel@massini.cc

He is one of the leading Ferrari historians and has extensive archives.

[Spasso]

Originally Posted by Boxer

Suggest you contact

Marcel Massini

MASSINI AG
In der Hoeh 12
CH-8604 Volketswil (ZH)
Switzerland

E-Mail marcel@massini.cc

He is one of the leading Ferrari historians and has extensive archives.

Good call.

[Archie2k]

I also have a bimbo I am restoring any info would be great

[bryanp]

In my limited experience, bimbos of all vintages are plentiful; why spend $$ restoring one?

great project, BTW - i am thinking get some real rubber and a Hyabusa . . . then challenge every Ferrari you see to a drag.

[ECSofVirginia]

The 'busa motor is a good idea. I was leaning towards a Duc motor just to keep with the Italian theme...either way you can't go wrong...until probably about 110MPH when aerodynamics take (you) over.

I think I'm going to back burner my Bi-Turbo project idea and try this one out...Cars and Coffee here I come.

[kartman01]

Archie2k:

Can you please contact me at cjonesonthelake@hotmail.com?

Perhaps we could exchange information and help each other a bit.

Thanks!

[kartman01]

Thank you to those who have attempted to reach out to me via email regarding the Bimbo Ferrari project.

If you attempt to email me at cjonesonthelake@hotmail.com some emails go into my junk folder are deleted before I can get to them. If you have emailed me and I have not responded in a few days, please re-email me. The second time it should go through!

Thanks!

[Saint Bastage]

Did you make any progress with Paul?

[kartman01]

St Bastige: yes, I was able to connect with Paul and he was very helpful! Hopefully I will be getting some additional info soon, thanks a million for that lead :-)

[Saint Bastage]

I saw Paul yesterday. He said he had a very nice conversation with you and was happy to hook you up. Hopefully you'll get the info you need. When you run in to road blocks its best to find a back way in.

[kartman01]

Originally Posted by Saint Bastage

I saw Paul yesterday. He said he had a very nice conversation with you and was happy to hook you up. Hopefully you'll get the info you need. When you run in to road blocks its best to find a back way in.

Thanks, yes, we discovered we have a common aound Autism awareness and had quite the chat. I am hopeful he will be able to come up with photos, sketches and other info to help me with my quest to get my own Bimbo racer going again!

Thanks a million for all of your help - I can't thank you enough

[maniak88r]

Kartman01, I have owned one of these cars for 31 years or since birth, however you want to put. This car was the only thing I ever got from my biological father. Until tonight I only had a vague idea what it actually was. My car is in poor condition but I would say about 80% complete. It is missing the headlights and possibly the grill. The winsheild is broken and the bimboracer emblem missing. Everything else is there. I have held onto the car with the hopes of someday restoring it. At this point I may consider selling it. I see that there are other people on this site that have a much greater knowledge of the car than me. I would love it if an honest person could give me a ball park figure of what these are worth. Or a location to obtain parts for a restoration. Thanks,MJ