by Scott Harrison

Saturday May 25, 1996

What do you get when you blend a racy European history, soft Italian leather, sexy, curvey lines and the power to leave a big smile on your face? If you're a woman you might think of Fabio (I can't believe it's not butter!) or if you're a man you might think of Brigitte Bardot or Ursula Andress.  Well you might be right (In your dreams!) but in reality a small enthusiastic group of VSA members recently had the chance to see the lines, touch the leather and hear the power of the answer which is "Ferrari". They also had the opportunity to be teased by the likes of Lamborghini and Maserati as well.

  All three of these historic marques are the specialty of restoration expert Gary Bobileff. He was very generous to spend a few hours of his Saturday morning educating us on the tricks of his trade. Gary shared history, stories and advice in a very educational, entertaining and humorous way as he led us through his expansive shops. As we carefully wove our way through about 16 different priceless vehicles he answered countless questions. His answers enabled us to not only solve simple restoration problems but also gave us an inside look at the mind of a concours judge.

  Gary has been involved with working on and restoring these cars for over twenty years. He has achieved a reputation as one of the most respected and knowledgeable experts in the restoration and judging of Ferraris in the country. He is often called upon to judge major national concours events whenever Ferraris are involved.

  His shop sees as many as 600 cars a year that visit his facility. He provides the full spectrum of service from something as simple as an oil change all the way up to a complete frame off restoration. Gary says that he now averages as many as six restorations per year. The cars are shipped from allover the world in various states of condition and he brings them back to life resulting in a concours quality entry.

  Even though he carries out most of the restoration process, he recommended some outside services for Upholstery (Ocean Beach Upholstery on Voltaire St, see Louie or Chuck) and for Anodizing (American Metal in East County). We were told that due to environmental restrictions in California that anodizing cannot be done in away that achieves the same final silver hue of your original part. Refer to Hemmings Motor News for out of state companies that can anodize the old way and reproduce your desired finish.

  We got an inside look at his paint finish shop and met one of his experts on surface refinishing and waxing. He highly recommends the full line of Meguiar's products for prep and finish but said the best product on the market is Auto Glym Super Resin Polish (if you can get it). It's usually only available through commercial product reps or body shop supply stores. On Tire and rubber trim parts he recommends Meguiar's Tire Dressing.

  It would take many pages to share the extensive and valuble information that we learned from this tour and we don't have space for that in this small newsletter. All I can say is, "you had to be there to appreciate it". Those that attended, left with a big smile!

For Ferrari, Lamborghini or Maserati service or restoration contact:

   Bobileff Motorcar Company (sales - service - parts)
   9924 Mesa Rim Road
   San Diego, CA 92121 (619) 622-1600 (619) 587-0579 fax