Topic: SOLVED: FW #369: RAM-Fiat Formula Junior prototype, Scaglietti/Gentilini design

[fromwien]

When people are reduced to guessing names of a particular genre of car, as we are here,  it is quite common to cut down the range to guess from.  Is it from the A-K range?

Dear "D-type",
I think, you read my previous message carefully, so I answer you with: NO..
..and lift the puzzle up to the "Masters"

[fromwien]

When people are reduced to guessing names of a particular genre of car, as we are here,  it is quite common to cut down the range to guess from.  Is it from the A-K range?

It is your individual approach, if you think, "When people are reduced to guessing names of a particular genre of car, as we are here.."
I am very sorry, I personally would like to distance myself from this statement and have a completely different approach.

How would you feel if anybody who doesn't know anything about cars as a rookie just asks questions like
Is it from the A-K range?
Is the second letter in the range of B to L?
Is the third letter in the range of D to P?
etc, etc...
The same with numbers, the same with geographical questions,...

Sorry, then I will be sure out of this game. I think to play with car-maniacs

[nicanary]

This site has a well-known member who asks questions like that  .

Patriarca?

[fromwien]

No

[nicanary]

I have found at least 35 marques of that style..............

This will take a lot of work LOL.

[fromwien]

Sorry, only can say, I know about that,...

[nicanary]

Pirocchi ?

[fromwien]

No

[D-type]

A Taraschi?

[fromwien]

No

[Paul Jaray]

It's the prototype of the RAM (Roman American Engineering) built in 1959-1961 by C.R. Hatch. Tuned by Taraschi, coachwork by Corna.

[fromwien]

I think, it's nearly impossible to find any Italian race car, you don't know about..
Yes, RAM Formula Junior prototype, Fiat-engined.
My source mentions another engine-tuner than Taraschi and another body-designer than Corna. LOCKED for you

[Paul Jaray]

Thank you.

They built just 3 cars. Two front engined cars in 1960 (one in alloy, the puzzle car, and one in fiberglass) and a rear engined one, in 1961.
According to C. Richard Hatch's recollections, they had some room to work in Giannini's workshop, but there's no proof of Giannini's involvment. The chassis was built by Oreste Sorcase.
Taraschi's name seems more than a possibility: Rod Carveth was the importer of both Taraschi cars and RAM's kits. He also entered a RAM-Taraschi in some races in the States to promote the future Junior by RAM (the racing car in the States was actually a Taraschi). The prototype (the puzzle car) was then shipped to the Sates as well.
You were right, Corna built the rear engined car. The front engined alloy prototype was built following a project by Reisner.

[fromwien]

As you've mentioned, my source means, Giannini may have been the engine-tuner.
And you are right, the first car wore a fibreglass bodywork. My source mentions an designer of the bodywork. I am not clear, if they meant the bodaywork manufacturer. It's, in my opinion not Reisner, as he worked together with Corna

At first I want to add an additional point to your account, but would like to let the puzzle running, for finding the bodywork designer

[fromwien]

Additional picture of an advertisement attached

[Paul Jaray]

Thank you. I've been in contact with the guy who found what's left of it and I read about it in Siva's latest book about Formula Junior. Two pages dedicated to RAM. No mention of any other designer. I'll be happy to learn more and to tell Sandro.

[fromwien]

Ok. So I will move this puzzle to the solved ones, adding the text of my source, stating "Scaglietti & Gentilini" as body designer
Great, thank you for contributing to solve this puzzle

[Paul Jaray]

Thank you. A contemporary article is always a strong source. Which magazine is that? Sometimes, expecially in the States when it comes to italian racing cars, names can be thrown with not great accuracy, but it's worth to verify it.