Ouch.......How did the story end up ? No fatalities I hope?

 

We all know how biased those articles are, painting this image of a wreckless spoilt kid driving his dad's car. Jealousy is a sad thing and that is how all local media portray the wealthy that get into a small mishap. This is not the case at all. Accidents happen, even to the most experienced of drivers. In anycase it is their car and the father can decide whom ever he deems fit to get behind the wheel. Like I said these cars get driven, and obviously he is a busy man. I would rather trust my own blood with the car than anybody else. His children grew up with these cars - they realize the priceless / sentimental value these cars are worth to the world and obviously themselves. It's not like they recently acquired got the car and decided to show off with his friend. Like I said, they open their doors to the public willingly - I don't know many enthusiasts with a collection of that calibre that would. I hope to be able to offer my future children the same kind of previledge one day.

 

No fatalities or any other vehicles were involved. The car is being repaired at the local Ferrari dealer in Cape Town. The car is not that badly damaged.

 

Press release from the father defending his son.

The press has been full of wild speculation about our son Anton, “writing off” the museum’s F50. This is simply not true.

Herewith the facts.
Firstly, we are extremely relieved that nobody sustained any injuries of any kind. This is any parent’s only concern. Secondly, the F50 has NOT been “written-off” as the press have stated.

The garage report states: “The Tub, engine, gearbox, doors, right rear panel, engine cover, rear wing, front left suspension, right rear suspension, headlight clusters rear lights, up rights stub-axels, drive shafts and brake assemblies all appear to be undamaged. The largest extent of the damage is carbon fibre body parts and rear left suspension and front right suspension radiators and oil coolers.

Three rims and all the tyres will have to be replaced.”

The car will therefore be repaired in South Africa.

Clearly, the press reports have been wildly inaccurate – wrongly suggesting some high speed accident. But, I suppose, the facts should never interfere with a “good story.”

As we are all aware, cars that are not driven regularly, suffer irreparable damage. The museum cars are therefore driven often.

I have thus asked a number of people that I trust (including my son) to drive the museum cars. This has been going on for well over a year.

Therefore, if anyone has to be blamed, it is me. But I do not think I chose the drivers incorrectly.

Anton has done an advanced driving course and has been my co-driver in two Mille Miglia’s. This race, as we all know, entails driving fast cars that are at least fifty years old. These vehicles therefore have no disc brakes, traction control or ABS and are notoriously hard to handle. He drove brilliantly, during very difficult conditions, as anyone who has competed in this 1,000 mile race can confirm.

My wife and I are very proud of our three children. Despite growing up under an inevitable spotlight, they have all coped very well. They are not spoilt brats.

Anton normally drives an eight year old, second-hand Toyota.

Regards,
Johann Rupert.

 

Seems like a stand-up guy. Any one can get in an accident, and from what I've heard, the F50 is quite a handful, even when driven normally.

 

glad to hear no one was killed all things can be replaced(including an F50) but a human life is priceless

 

Did it come off that harsh? My apologies, wasn't my intention at all ...

 

that looks like Rufmd's garage


wonder if the owner of the collection likes watches?????
:hmm

 

its a shame how the press portrays some GOOD people that happen to have money as well.

 

This is the same exact thing I said. The 288 GTO is by far the most desirable car in that collection (that we've seen) for me.


Thanks for posting!