Classic Ferrari-Powered Boat Racing to Auction

A 1953 Ferrari-powered race boat is for sale. C’mon, you know you want it as bad as we do. Part of the fun we’re having with UHR is exploring modern advances in the best racing action on earth. As fans new to the sport, we’re learning, exploring and trying to taste all the current technologies, politics, and even some behind the scenes dirt when we can dig it up!

Sometimes it is just as enjoyable to see from where the technology – and excitement – originated. Being a fan of anything “current” must include perspectives of the “past” to be able to appreciate the magnitude of what we enjoy in our sport every day.

First, the Auction Lot in question.

Courtesy RM Auctions

Cast your eyes on a shovel-nose to which all garden shed implements aspire. No dirt needed for this one, as it’s all about digging into pure water. This is the Arno XI whose 12 cylinders of Ferrari goodness evokes the thrills of racing to the point where one can almost smell the exhaust, and hear each cylinder firing.  To me, that sounds almost as good as the Arno looks. The 150+ miles per hour speed record is still today’s world record holder.

A friend to some of Ferrari’s grand prix drivers, the Arno’s builder, Achille Castoldi had the world speed record in mind from the beginning. With over 600 horsepower coming from a 12 cylinder, 4.5 liter engine supported by twin superchargers, it’s no surprise they were able to set that record on Lake Iseo in Italy’s northern region on October 15, 1953.


For more on the Arno XI, you can read a Wall Street Journal blog post or go directly to the RM Auctions site to see some great old photos. A date has not yet been set for the auction, so you’ll just have to stay tuned – and be sure to save your nickels. We’re quite sure you’ll need several.

Next, a request.

Courtesy RM Auctions

As we fill out the content on Unlimited Hydroplane Racing, let us know how much of the nostalgia like this you want to see. Are you all about the new, the fastest (hey, this is still a world record-holder), the highest tech? Conversely, do you like the classic photos, the old school operations, the simpler times? Of course, you could even want both!

Let us know how you want us to drive the content. We’ll mix it up – just because we’re fans of the sport. But we’ll also pay attention to your needs as well.

Help us drive the UHR content!


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