If you were to ask ten Ferraristas what they consider to be the ultimate masterpieces of the legendary Italian car manufacturer Ferrari, you would get ten different opinions and collections.
The National Car Museum – The Loh Collection in Dietzhölztal has answered this question in its own way and is showing its selection of Ferrari masterpieces in an impressive exhibition.
Dietzhölztal is located halfway between Siegen and Marburg in the beautiful ‘Lahn-Dill district’ in the state of Hessen. The National Car Museum is simply marvellous. Automobile highlights from many decades are perfectly staged and presented there in a loving and original way. An exuberant delight for all the senses. Simply perfect and beautiful.
But back to the Ferrari collection of the Loh Collection. The compilation of Ferrari masterpieces is as elite as it is surprising in some respects. From classic to modern road-going sports cars from Maranello to various sports prototypes and Formula One cars, everything is on display.
There is also a rare Formula 2 Ferrari on display, a Dino 166 F2 from the 1967 season, which was not actually used until the 1968 season. This is the racing car with chassis number #0008, which was mainly driven by Chris Amon in various Formula 2 races. A really rare sight for me.
Another very special Ferrari is the 246SP from 1961 with chassis number #0790, a beautiful racing car that won the Targa Florio on 30 April 1961 with Wolfgang von Trips, Richie Ginther and Olivier Gendebien at the wheel. In the 1962 season, a prestigious victory in the 1000km race at the Nürburgring was added to the list. The Ferrari 246SP is in the National Motor Museum in a very original condition and bears its signs of use with dignity. For me, this 246SP radiates the entire myth of Ferrari and the racing scene of the time, with its carefully preserved patina.
Another highlight, but for me an ‘old acquaintance’, is the red 250 S (Sport Berlinetta Vignale) with the starting number 611. After all, it was the winning car of the Mille Miglia in 1952. Above all, however, this Ferrari 250 S is the forefather, or rather the prototype, of the legendary 250 series of the fifties and sixties. I had the photographic pleasure of seeing this first 250 a few years ago at Masterpieces and Style at Schloss Dyck.
One side of the showroom is dedicated to the Big Five. Ferrari 288 GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and La Ferrari. The 288 GTO is somewhat reminiscent of the 328 GTB in terms of its shape, but is altogether beefier. It was limited to 272 units, the last 288 GTO allegedly went to Niki Lauda. Possibly a reconciliation between Enzo Ferrari and the three-time Formula One world champion, after the Commendatore once accused him of selling himself to Brabham for three salamis.
The Ferrari F40 is known to be the last Ferrari to be presented during the lifetime of the ‘old man’, to mark the 40th anniversary of Scuderia Ferrari. For me, the F40 is still one of the most beautiful Ferraris and the origin or trigger of the unbridled hype surrounding the Ferrari brand. At the time, the first F40s were sold on even though they had not yet been delivered; an order confirmation was enough for the buyers, and usually at three times the list price.
The F50 and La Ferrari are further strictly limited super sports cars that further cemented Ferrari’s worldwide reputation and perfectly reflected the creation of the legend.
Of course, the most successful Formula One Ferrari is another exhibit, the F2004 with chassis number #239 won eight Grand Prix with Michael Schumacher at the wheel and secured Schumacher his seventh world championship title.
All in all, this compilation is really great, fantastically presented and a must-see. As a Ferrari fan, but also as a simple petrolhead, this is definitely not to be missed. There is also an accompanying exhibition book, written by Jörg Walz, with lots of very good pictures and further facts and stories about the exhibits.
Don’t miss this.
Find out more about our photographer Ralph Lüker.
