The early 1960s found visionary American automobile designer Thomas Mead based in Modena Italy. From his custom shop he would go on to design and handcraft the iconic Thomassima Series of custom cars based on Ferrari engines and chassis.
There were a trio of cars completed…Thomassima I, II, and III. Sadly #1 met its demise in a flood, #2 is pictured above and #3 resides in Italy and was on display at the Museo Ferrari in Maranello Italy.
Meade developed strong working relationships and was well known around Ferrari and Maserati. He often collaborated with many of the Modenese carrozzerie manufacturers and mechanics. Through these collaborations Meade amassed countless castaway car parts and chassis…in fact he collected enough to create and build his own stunning creations.
The Ferrari Thomassima II is a mid-engine car which incorporates the brawn of the Ferrari 250 GT Colombo V12 engine…it has special brakes with vented discs and a 4-speed ZF gearbox.
Meades driving focus was to fashion a car around this powertrain that exuded impressive flair for form…with flowing seductive curves yet maintaining a classic appearance. Inspiration was derived from the design of the 330 P4 race car and it was then hand crafted by Piere Drogo.
With two major design adjustments, Meade immediately made the Thomassima II more pleasing to the eye. He added more muscular haunches than the P4…and a longer nose resembling the 275GTB…both tweaks created a dramatic visual. With gill-like side vents…it carries a roofline that appears to melt into the trunk. Generally taking this new breathtaking design to heights which ultimately pushed Italian sport car design to its very limit.
Ironically the 275GTB premiered about the same time and was said to have looked absolutely demure next to the Thomassima II.
This unicorn of a car has won first place in its class from Turin and Modena to Pebble Beach. Despite the fact that it is not officially branded as Ferrari…the Thomassima Series is recognized by The Prancing Pony Brand and remains highly acclaimed globally. This incredibly rare, iconic, and historic automobile set an all time record on EBay…selling for $9million.
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