[iicarJohn]

Since Kurt Zeller's car, AR1493*01889, has been discussed in some detail on this thread, it seems appropriate to offer a few details and thoughts based on information that has been shared by others including Tito Anselmi, Lorenzo Boscarelli and Paolo Epifani. Paolo saw the car in about 2004 in Germany and identified the Bertone body number. The original engine number was AR1315*30048. The Bertone body number is *77048*. As with a good many of the early production, through 1956 anyway, the engine numbers and Bertone body numbers ran in close proximity for obvious reasons. Not always the same, however!

Although the body (77048) was built nominally by Bertone, there is always the chance that Zagato built some special doors after the fact. If there is genuine anecdotal evidence that Zagato built the doors, then that would be nice to know. However, it would not have been because of any "overtime" issues. It is not impossible that Bertone made some alloy door frames, but I would consider it unlikely. Perhaps there are clues? If the doors are skinned on Bertone pressings (presuming that Bertone was using stampings in this part of the car by this time?), then it seems likely that only Bertone would have made them. If the alloy door frames are fabricated, then anyone could have made them, Zagato included. If the car was tuned by Facetti as has been claimed, then it probably spent time in Milano for that work.

Paolo Epifani voiced the opinion after seeing the car that the so-called "original" engine did not seem to be "Veloce" to him. He has worked on a good number of them and probably should know, but the engine is very early (perhaps not all were the same?) and had apparently a lot of work done to it over the years by various tuners and restoration shops. From photos, it clearly does not have the original carburetors fitted. What else might have been changed? At that time (2004?) the car was described as having been fitted 1985 with a 101 engine for racing purposes. "Seat frames are tubular". "Optional five-speed gearbox for racing." and "Fitted with 3-shoe brakes for racing ... but original 2-shoe brakes may be available(?)." All cool stuff, but clearly not a completely original car at the time. But then, "originality" is sometimes over-emphasized?

Walter Zeller (deceased circa 1995) apparently did not remember to whom the car was sold. It reportedly turned up 1973 in germany with a "Mr. Hoben" of Bergisch Gladbach. For my files, and for eventual editing into another "Italian Car Registry" publication, I would like to learn the precise names and time periods of ownership for this car and any other similar cars out there.

John de Boer
The Italian Car Registry