The Art of Automotive Balance

Born of invention and fueled by passion, these best works almost always exhibit an ideal balance that is easily recognized. While not everyone will understand or even appreciate what it is that defines the success of a particular endeavor, those who do know exactly what has been accomplished. This is how appreciation is fueled and winners are created.

The Birth of Ferrambo

As crazy as it may seem at first glance, there’s no questioning the seriousness of Ferrambo. Every element of its existence was built with a goal in mind, not just of winning the Ridler award at the Detroit Autorama, which it did handily, but of creating what its builders believe is a perfect union between divergent design philosophies. While Ferraris are beautifully sculpted extensions of a proud racing heritage, Nash Ramblers were conceived as inexpensive, economical transportation for the masses. So, how did two vehicles at the polar extremes of automotive expression end up united in this landmark effort?

The Initial Concept

Four years ago, Tim Divers met with his friend and longtime customer Mike Warn to discuss Warn’s next project. At that time, neither really had a handle on what that car might be. Warn began contemplating the possibilities of a ’60 American Rambler wagon sitting in Divers Street Rods in Startup, Washington. First came questions about the overall look and appeal, followed by much discussion about possible chassis concepts, before the weighty conversation led to the all-important topic of the drivetrain. As they reached a proposed mid-engine layout for this wagon, they understood that such an effort would require a visually stimulating power source. Various engines were considered but never seriously considered until fellow rodder Craig Lang rolled up in his Ferrari 360 Modena. This immediately sparked Warn’s creativity, leading to the unthinkable question: “What if we fitted the best elements of a Ferrari 360 into the Rambler wagon?”

The Creation of Ferrambo

And so came the concept for Ferrambo, a car that melds vehicles built over four decades apart into one imaginative and exceptionally well-finished creation. On its maiden showing, it earned the top award at what many consider to be the most prestigious indoor rodding show in existence. While winning this honor was never the intention or even a consideration at the time, all involved began to wonder, “What if?” Might they actually have a chance to join an elite few and take home the Ridler with such an unusual conglomeration of technology?

The Builders Behind the Dream

With plans set and the Rambler already in hand, the time came to locate the mid-engine Ferrari. Soon, one was found in California, a victim of a prom-night spin that left both passengers untouched but heavily damaged the car’s nose and tail sections. The mechanical elements remained pristine and ready to drop into the wagon, figuratively speaking.

The Creative Process

Many have praised the meticulous creativity displayed in this unique effort, from the overall design to various custom-built components. Others fail to appreciate the blending of some of the most advanced mechanicals with, arguably, one of the most uninspiring automobiles ever built. Yet, this is what makes Ferrambo so special; it’s the very dichotomy that underscores its appeal. There’s a special discovery for anyone who takes the time to look beneath the subdued exterior to see all that shines below. Even the most skilled craftsmen will have a hard time identifying the broad strokes, let alone the finer points, as the integration among all the different elements is seamless.

The Interior: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

From the seating position, the Rambler dash is very much the same, yet the Ferrari lineage is unmistakable. Saffron Fine Scottish leather borders rich PPG paint between details of another kind. The seats themselves, shaped from sheet aluminum, look transplanted from another time. This craftsmanship extends to the reveals surrounding the seats, the console, the door panels, and many unseen pieces. While the craftsmen in Maranello might find it hard to fathom the rationale behind this effort, they would doubtless appreciate its execution.

A Fusion of Function and Aesthetics

Beyond luxury, every aspect of the interior was built with functional considerations in mind. Retaining the instrument alone was pivotal to maintaining the origins of this Nash. Now, an artfully labeled and lighted tachometer replaced the speedo, with a MoTeC digital data-logger hidden beneath an adjoining leather panel to display other important functions. This system records cornering, acceleration, stopping loads, and other trip information.

Custom Details and Finishes

The steering wheel, built in the classic tradition, features an aluminum framework surrounded by laminated teak. It mimics a wheel one might see in a Lusso or vintage Ferrari, but instead of a prancing horse, the horn displays a perforated steel centerpiece. This material is also used on the shift knob, rear pillar vents, and other details, molded to the contours they accent. A wealth of specially fabricated pedals, handles, trim pieces, and other fine details create an environment that aligns with every Ferrari that has rolled out of Maranello and Modena since 1946.

A Unique Tribute to Ferrari

While some may consider this type of transformation bordering on blasphemous, the Ferrari 360 Modena components used in creating Ferrambo came from a heavily damaged unibody car far beyond repair. So, what we have here is a collection of Ferrari parts that, rather than being discarded, have become part of something truly unique and very cool.

The Legacy of Ferrambo

Whether understood or not, Ferrambo has shown how simple concepts can be born, emerging as amazing expressions of creativity that remain pure and uncontained. This remarkable fusion of seemingly incompatible elements has resulted in a car that stands as a testament to the power of imagination and the artistry of automotive design.