San Francisco, CA – The BASIC Fund, a nonprofit that funds school scholarships for low-income students and families, is continuing the restoration of an extremely rare 1964 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina Cabriolet (s/n 5093). This car was donated to The BASIC Fund to support low-income students and families in the Bay Area.
The organization released two new behind-the-scenes videos offering a glimpse into the meticulous restoration process, which continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors alike. With its unique features and rich history, this iconic vehicle will be available for public viewing and sale in 2025.
In 26 years, The BASIC Fund donors raised nearly $200 million for thousands of children to get the right start in elementary school and set them on the long-term path to success in life. Ninety-eight percent of The BASIC Fund’s scholars graduate high school, and 92% continue their education after high school. These numbers rival those of students at elite schools and far outperform district schools around the Bay Area. They suggest that The BASIC Fund is making progress in closing the achievement gap.
The proceeds from the upcoming Ferrari sale will be directed into an endowment fund, creating a sustainable, long-term funding source to help Bay Area students and families for generations.
The vehicle, partially disassembled and stored for decades, is now undergoing extensive work to return to its former glory. The 400 Superamerica restoration includes a complete engine rebuild and a fresh coat of paint in its original Grigio Argento (Silver and Aqua) color scheme. The car’s engine is fully refurbished, yet the odometer will remain at 87,791 miles, a nod to the car’s rich history.
Alfred Bloomingdale, the heir to Bloomingdale’s fortune and founder of Diners Club, was the car’s first owner. After Bloomingdale’s ownership, it passed into the hands of noted philanthropist and Ferrari enthusiast Dan Curran, who generously donated it and two other classic Ferraris to The BASIC Fund.
“The Ferrari 400 Superamerica is a rare gem that has spent decades out of the public eye, but now, thanks to this restoration, it will be ready for a new chapter,” said Scott Bergan, restoration expert overseeing the project. “We’re committed to preserving the integrity of this vehicle while ensuring that every detail—from the engine to the body—is restored for future generations to enjoy. The finished product will testify to its storied history and craftsmanship.”
New Details from the Restoration Process:
- Complete Engine Overhaul: Despite the extensive rebuild, the car’s odometer will remain at 87,791 miles, preserving its original mileage while showcasing its refreshed mechanical systems.
- Refreshed Paint Job: In January 2025, the Ferrari was repainted to its original Grigio Argento (Silver and Aqua) color, meticulously restored to replicate the car’s first appearance.
- Restoring the Underside: The Ferrari’s underside, often overlooked in restorations, has been painstakingly restored to its factory specifications. Every coat of paint and undercoating has been applied by hand to ensure authenticity.
- Rare and Missing Parts: The restoration team has tracked down rare, original parts, including a U.S. model Blaupunkt AM/FM car stereo from 1964, a luxury at the time.
- Authenticity in the Restoration: Every aspect of the restoration has been focused on maintaining the car’s originality, from body lead removal to the restoration of the rare Borrani wire wheels, which have now been sent back to Italy for certification.
Giving to the Cause
The BASIC Fund is profoundly changing the lives of young students, empowering them to achieve academic success. With a 98% high school graduation rate and 54% of scholarship recipients graduating from college, the fund is breaking barriers for students. The restoration and sale of this car marks a new era of legacy giving and education philanthropy.
“We’re excited to introduce The BASIC Fund to both the luxury car and philanthropic communities, who understand the importance of making impactful, lasting investments,” said Brian Griggs, President of the Board at The BASIC Fund. “For us, these Ferraris represent an innovative approach to philanthropy, enabling us to connect with a distinct audience and secure crucial resources to broaden our reach.”
“The Ferrari’s story is just as important as its restoration,” said Jim Herbert, Chairman of The BASIC Fund. “By bringing this iconic car back to life, we are also breathing new life into our mission and engaging a new audience in the conversation about education and philanthropy.”
The upcoming car sale will generate significant interest from collectors and philanthropists. For more information about the Ferrari and The BASIC Fund, visit https://basicfund.org/the-ferrari/ or contact Laura Gonzalez-Reed at [email protected].
About The BASIC Fund – The BASIC Fund is a 501(c)3 nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) dedicated to providing educational scholarships to low-income students across the Bay Area, closing the opportunity gap for its students. Since 1998, The BASIC Fund has supported nearly 30,000 students, with 98% of scholars graduating high school, and 92% pursuing higher education, with a graduation rate five times that of low-income students nationally. The BASIC Fund believes every child deserves a pathway to success. www.BASICFund.org
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