Ferrari 330 P4
Jim Carpenter's Italian Design & Racing in Tempe, Arizona, took on the ambitious project of recreating the iconic 1967 Ferrari 330 P4, the only original of which exists in the world today. Starting with the chassis of a 1967 Ferrari 330 GT, this recreation boasts a Ferrari 550 Maranello V-12 power plant. Monitored by a Haltech Engine Management System, this setup distinguishes this build from the rest. To handle the impressive 600hp, the Porsche G50's transaxle was utilized, allowing the rear wheels to grab traction with ferocity.
I took the scenic route up the coastline of Maine to a destination known as Maine Line Exotics. There, Bob Tkacik and Peter Starr curate an exquisite collection of fine automobiles that I was fortunate enough to visit. The cars on display were nothing short of stunning and iconic. The anticipation of being in the presence of this particular car, alone in the room, ready to review its exquisite lines, was invigorating.
One of the most rewarding aspects of being an automotive photographer is the moments of solitude with the cars. In these quiet moments, I can immerse myself in the design and imagine what the designers were aiming for. Being alone with these beautiful machines allows me to hyper-focus on capturing their essence. These are the moments I find most gratifying in my job.
Bob climbed into the cockpit of this lightweight jet fighter and began to flip switches, bringing the systems to life. The interior exuded a sense of wonder. As the vehicle roared to life, emitting a sinister snarl, my excitement soared. This was a racecar built for the streets, and its thunderous revs as Bob maneuvered the car into position seemed to tell a story. His passion and affection for this machine were palpable as he gripped the wheel, pushing the pedal down. In that moment, he seemed to come alive, enveloped in pure enjoyment. The car seemed poised, eager to be unleashed on the track, drifting through corners and surging over the finish line. It was a sight that stirred a desire within me to experience it firsthand.
The uniqueness of their collection lies in the fact that every car is meant to be driven, not merely stored behind four walls. Bob and Peter emphasized that if a car is no longer being driven, it will be put up for sale to make way for another prized gem. The pleasure of cruising along the coast of Maine, traversing the winding mountain roads, is an experience that never loses its allure.
Bob and Peter's dedication to their cars is evident in every detail. Their meticulous care in setting up and maintaining their collection brings these vehicles to life, making the photos truly captivating. It was an incredible experience to photograph this beauty. Despite being a recreation, it had the power to convince me otherwise. As always, it's all in the details.
