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1952 Ferrari Arno XI Racing Boat

The only Ferrari-powered hydroplane in history is now up for sale. While the automaker did partnered with other companies to release Ferrari-branded boat, the Arno XI racing boat here is the only watercraft fitted with a Ferrari engine.

Back in 1951, Arno XI’s first owner, Achille Castoldi, commissioned Cantieri Timossi to build a racing boat for breaking world speed records in the 800-kg class. The three-point hydroplane was crafted from hardwood and finished with a mahogany veneer. When Enzo knowing upper body of the boat is painted in Ferrari Red, he agreed to be involved in the project, overseeing every step of the motor build and testing together with the Scuderia F1 engineering team. Arno XI set the record of 150.49 mph which is still unbroken till today.

Originally Castoldi had bought a 4.5-litre V12 that was identical to the 385 hp “Lampredi” engine used in the Ferrari 375, but the Scuderia team turned up with a race-prepped Grand Prix engine and helped to further power it up to over 550 hp. After setting the record the boat was sold to engineer Nando dell’Orto. With modifications on aerodynamics Arno XI was raced at the 900 kg class in 1965. Under current ownership Arno XI is currently being restored at the Ferrari Classiche technical centre and it’ll be completed in coming months. Check out the listing on duPont Registry here.

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