**For Sale: 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 Race Car at West Coast Classics**
Step into the world of vintage racing with this extraordinary 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 Race Car, a rare gem offered by West Coast Classics. This vehicle is not just a car; it's a piece of automotive history, a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its creators and racers. With its striking yellow paint and sleek black interior, this race car is as visually captivating as it is historically significant.
**A Legacy of Innovation and Racing Excellence**
The Nardi Crosley Frua 750 is a product of the brilliant mind of Enrico Nardi, a renowned figure in the racing world. Nardi's illustrious career began in the pre-war era, where he gained fame as a racing car designer, constructor, and driver. He co-drove the first Ferrari, the Tipo 815, in the 1940 Mille Miglia, marking the beginning of a storied career in automotive design and racing.
After World War II, Nardi collaborated with Renato Danese to establish a workshop in Turin, Italy, specializing in the tuning and construction of racing cars and prototypes. The Nardi Crosley Frua 750 is a testament to their craftsmanship and innovation. This particular model features coachwork by Pietro Frua, one of Italy's leading coachbuilders in the 1950s and 1960s, known for his "outside the box" designs.
**Exquisite Engineering and Design**
Under the hood, this Nardi Crosley is powered by a four-cylinder Crosley engine, displacing 750cc and originally producing 21 horsepower. However, through the meticulous work of its last owner, Don Baldocchi, the engine's output was increased to an impressive 90 horsepower, making it one of the fastest H-mods on the track. The car's lightweight construction, weighing just 1,200 pounds, ensures nimble handling and exhilarating performance.
The chassis features an independent front suspension utilizing Fiat Topolino components, complemented by a leaf-sprung solid rear end. Braking is managed by four-wheel hydraulic drums, ensuring precise stopping power. The vehicle's dry weight is approximately 1,000 pounds, contributing to its agility and speed on the racetrack.
**A Storied Racing History**
This Nardi Crosley Frua 750 has a rich racing history, having been lovingly restored and raced by Don Baldocchi, a master machinist and founding member of the CSRG Club. Don's passion for racing and engineering is evident in the car's performance enhancements and meticulous maintenance. The car has participated in numerous events across the West Coast, from San Diego to Vancouver, and even made a memorable trip to Lime Rock.
In 2012, Don Baldocchi was awarded the prestigious 'Puckett Cup' at Laguna Seca Raceway, a testament to his dedication and skill in vintage racing. The car has amassed nearly four completed logbooks, a testament to its active and successful racing career.
**A Rare and Collectible Masterpiece**
This 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 is believed to be one of only four examples ever built, with just two powered by the Crosley engine. Its rarity and historical significance make it a highly sought-after collector's item, perfect for high-end Concours d'Elegance or other prestigious car events. The vehicle is sold on a bill of sale only, adding to its exclusivity and allure.
**A Tribute to Enrico Nardi's Legacy**
Enrico Nardi's contributions to the automotive world extend beyond this remarkable race car. He is renowned for his steering wheel designs and speed equipment, which have become iconic in the industry. His legacy lives on in this Nardi Crosley Frua 750, a testament to his engineering prowess and passion for racing.
**Conclusion**
This 1954 Nardi Crosley Frua 750 Race Car is more than just a vehicle; it's a piece of history, a symbol of innovation, and a tribute to the racing legends who shaped the automotive world. Whether you're a collector, a racing enthusiast, or someone who appreciates the artistry of vintage cars, this Nardi Crosley is a must-have addition to your collection. Don't miss the opportunity to own a piece of racing history. Contact West Coast Classics today to learn more about this exceptional vehicle.
https://sportscardigest.com/monterey-motorsports-reunion-2018-report-photos/
The original Nardi-Crosley Racing Special was powered by a four-cylinder Crosley engine that displaced 750cc and produced close 50 horsepower. The overall weight of the vehicle is just 1200 pounds.
Enrico Nardi achieved notoriety and a small amount of fame in the pre-war era as a racing car designer, constructor, and driver. In the 1940 Mille Miglia, he was the co-driver of the first Ferrari, the Tipo 815.
After the war, he is reported to have assisted in the construction of the first Tipo 166 Spider Corsa sports racing cars. This may well be true since the cars he constructed with his partner, Danese, around 1947-1948, bear a strong resemblance to the Ferraris. Nardi, however, had neither the facilities nor finances which would enable him to build his own engine. Instead, he turned to the only large displacement engine then available in Italy, the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500.
In late 1947, Nardi began constructing three cars for the 1948-49 Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. In the early 1950s, he focused on producing prototypes and tuning equipment. He ceased the production portion of his business in the mid-1950s and focus on speed-enhancing parts.
This brings us to Don Baldocchi and this amazing 1954 Nardi Crosley Spider. Last raced by Don when turning 86 years young. Don was one of the original members and founder of the CSRG Club.
The cars Crosley engine is an American 750 cc. Its original power was a whopping 21 h.p., but now the power is several times that amount. Don enjoyed racing and maintaining the car and pioneered a significant gathering of the H-Modified Racing Club.
A certain Richard Campbell has done a lot in recent years to rejuvenate the H-Modified Racing Club and generate growing interest in these historically significant and ingenious little racecars. Part of his efforts have been to bring back the Puckett Cup, awarded four times previously to a select group of vintage racing H-mod luminaries.
2010: Jean Pierre Molerus, 1954 Nichols Panhard Special. Awarded at Sears Point Raceway
2011: Dave Perry, 1958 Canada Class Fiat. Awarded at Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix
2012: Don Baldocchi, 1954 Nardi Crosley Spyder. Awarded at Laguna Seca Raceway
2013: Gary McFarlane, 1960 Dale Tholen Thundermug. Awarded at Hallet Motor Racing Circuit
2021: Stefan Vapaa, 1959 Quantum Two SAAB. Awarded at Put-In-Bay Road Race Reunion
This Nardi/Crosley (134497) was obtained and completely restored by Don Baldocchi in the early 1980s and raced until 2021 before he passed on. Don raced the Nardi in numerous events up and down the West Coast from San Diego to Portland and Vancouver, Canada, plus one memorable trip to Lime Rock, some 20 years ago. It's last race was Laguna Seca in 2021. Unfortunately, Don was unable to drive in the race. He was 86 years old at that time and ran out of endurance after the practice sessions, so he asked a good friend to race it for him. The car has amassed nearly 4 completed log books.
Don was a master machinist who fabricated many of the engine parts himself. He experimented with different camshaft grinds, piston sets, rods, crankshafts. He was able to increase the horsepower from the usual 50hp up to 90hp, making it one of the fastest H-mods on the track.
Don died in December of 2023. Racing was his passion and the Nardi his love. He very much wanted it to go to someone who would actually race it, not just sit in a collection. However, at this point, H-mod racers are a dying breed and it might be easier to target collectors.
Here are some links to YouTube videos at various venues in the 2000's:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVApS5Tsjkg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3RVQ4VQ8Ug
Still photos on line: https://www.conceptcarz.com/view/photo/652941,17842/1954-nardi-crosley_photo.aspx
Sears Point 2010 H-mod racing poster featuring the Nardi
The Nardi-Crosley Racing Special is powered by a four-cylinder Crosley engine that displaces 750cc and produces 50 horsepower. The overall weight of the vehicle is just 1200 pounds.
Enrico Nardi achieved notoriety in the pre-war era as a racing car designer, builder, and driver. In the 1940 Mille Miglia, he was the co-driver of the first Ferrari, the Tipo 815.
After the war, he is reported to have assisted in the construction of the first Tipo 166 Spider Corsa sports racing cars. This may well be true since the cars he constructed with his partner, Danese, around 1947-1948, bear a strong resemblance to the Ferraris. Nardi, however, had neither the facilities nor finances which would enable him to build his own engine. Instead, he turned to the only large displacement engine then available in Italy, the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500.
In late 1947, Nardi began constructing three cars for the 1948-49 Mille Miglia and Targa Florio. In the early 1950s, he focused on producing prototypes and tuning equipment. He ceased the production portion of his business in the mid-1950s and focus on speed-enhancing parts.
This 1953/4 Nardi 750 features coachwork by Pietro Frua and is believed to be one of two Crosley-powered Barchettas constructed by Enrico Nardi at his Turin workshop. Some modifications can be seen on the body that were performed at some point by Don.
An example of Pietro Fruas outside the box designs with all car hoods being held up one of 3 ways: pneumatic pistons, springs or torsion bars or the stick.
Pietro Fruas open 2-seat coachwork, one of Italys leading coachbuilders in the 1950s and 1960s, four cars with a similar body style are believed to have been completed, two of them powered by a Panhard opposed-twin powerplant and two with the Crosley inline-four.
Note Pietro Fruas logo on the dashboard. The tube chassis features an independent front suspension utilizing Fiat Topolino components, as well as a leaf-sprung solid rear end. Braking is managed by 4-wheel hydraulic drums, though no master cylinder, lines, or hoses are currently installed. Dry weight when the car is assembled is reported to be approximately 1,000 pounds.
Mr Nardi would go on to become famous for his steering wheels and speed equipment, but before the war Mr Nardi worked for Lancia as an engineer and race car driver. He competed in Mille Miglia from 1935-1938 in Fiat and Lancias finishing every time.
In 1940 he was once again in the Mille Miglia this time behind the wheel of Ferraris 815 (Auto Avio Costruzioni 815). He was renown and very well respected in the automotive world. Along with the Frua-bodied Nardi 750, additional examples were built including a unique example known as the Nardi 750LM. It had Crosley power and contested the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1955. It wore twin torpedo-like coachwork with the fuel tank in one compartment and the drive in the other. The two sides were joined by an upside-down wing. The design was creative but problematic, as the upside-down wing caused it to be blown off the road when passed by faster traffic.
In the fall of 1952 Stanley H Wacky Arnolt saw the Panhard engined Nardis. He reportedly asked Enrico Nardi to build two with Crosley engines.
After the war, he partnered with Renato Danese in the establishment of a workshop in Via Vincenzo Lancia, Torino, specializing in the tuning and construction of racing cars, prototypes and low-volume specials. They built speed equipment including intake manifolds, gearshift assemblies, steering wheels, and exhausts. His steering wheel designs would gain him the most fame.
Four examples of the Nardi-Danese 750 (a.k.a. Nardi 750 ND) were constructed with coachwork by Pietro Frua. The first car may have been powered by a BMW 750cc motorcycle engine and the second example may have received a French Panhard opposed-twin engine. The third example was ordered by Entrepreneur and racer Stanley 'Wacky' Arnolt and was given a Crosley 750cc inline four-cylinder engine. After completion it was sent to the United States where it was shown at the International Motor Sport Show in New York in 1953.
The chassis of the Nardi ND 750 had a wheelbase size of 1900mm and was comprised of small diameter tubes that were triangulated to give strength and keep weight to a minimum. The typical suspension setup used Fiat components with an independent front and leaf-spring solid rear-end design. Many of the mechanical components were sourced from the Fiat Topolino. Stopping power was courtesy of four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. The 4.00x15-inch tires were wrapped around Rudge detachable wire wheels.
Here we believe we have an incredibly rare 1954 Enrico Nardi built 750 Frua Body car to be sold on a bill of sale only, one of only four of these known to exist in the world. In fact, this number can be narrowed down even further with this believed to be just 1 of 2 Nardi 750s powered by a Crosley engine which would no doubt steal the show at any high-end Concours d'Elegance or other prestigious car events.
Racing legend Enrico Nardi, who drove for Ferrari back in the 1930s and 1940s was not only an incredible icon on the track, but he was also an incredible engineer. Two cars with American racing history were built for the New York Auto Show on order by American millionaire industrialist Stanley H. "Wacky" Arnolt where one of them was awarded best in design.
