‘Pegasus I’ uses the subject of the Ferrari 375 ‘Grant Piston Special’ and looks to show a racing legend returning to track. Named especially after the red pegasus that can be seen on the front of the car (visible in ‘Pegasus II’), the picture shows racer Quirina Louwman preparing for track.
With the car being a prancing horse, belonging to the stable of Ferrari, and in a cream colour which is similar to the colour of any depiction of a Pegasus, the image gives a mythological aura to the car while also hailing the driver for their ability to control such a fabled animal.
The 375 was built for Formula One and won Ferrari’s first race at the British GP in 1951 and ended Alfa Romeo’s dominance in the sport. However a change in regulations for 1952 persuaded them to use these larger engine cars at the Indianapolis, taking four of them to the Speedway.
This particular car bears the logo of Johnnie Parsons, the 1950 Indy winner, who had been approached by at the time, Los Angeles piston-ring manufacturer, Gerry Grant.
Grant wanted Parsons to drive his car at Indy and had already driven a 375 in Italy, impressing Enzo Ferrari so much he offered a factory car with one clause. He had to stay behind the Italian drivers if asked. Parson’s replied simply with ‘I drive to win’ and declined.
Driving Grant’s Ferrari, Parsons was unable to get enough speed out of the car and failed to qualify even after Grant put $1,1000 in front of him for extra spirit.
He eventually left this horse in the stable, switching to an older Kurtis-Kraft and would finish 10th in the race.
Getting other drivers, Walt Faulkner offered the final line saying ‘So this is the Great Ferrari? Take it to the harbour and ship it back to Italy’.
It was clear America wasn’t ready for Ferraris. But they would be soon.
‘Pegasus I’
‘Pegasus II’ offers a different angle on the car, showing the Ferrari red Pegasus boldly standing out against the cream of the car.
Ms Louwman was one of the few female racers during the weekend and possibly being one of the most interesting.
Inheriting her love for classic cars from her father, Evert Louwman, their family history of car collection began in 1934. All 275 of their cars are able to be seen in the Louwman Museum, found in Den Haag, Netherlands, with the this exact 375 owned by the museum. It’s clear just from her family history, Ms Louwman has petrol running through her veins.
Along with revival, she has driven an Aston Martin DB3 in the Mille Miglia which was also Peter Collin’s Miglia and Monaco Grand Prix car, and has done events such as Le Man Classic, Monte Carlo Rallye Historique, Silverstone Classic and many others.
Her classic car career is more than impressive and she drove her 375 beautifully across the weekend.