It is impossible to listen to FM radio without hearing “Freeze Frame” or “Centerfold”. The music of the J. Geils band was a combination of Pop, Rock, and a sprinkle of Blues, and it made for upbeat & chart-topping hits. The band broke up in 1985, and Mr. Geils decided to open an Italian garage in Groton, Massachusetts. Sadly, he passed away on April 11th, leaving behind an impressive collection of motorcycles, cars, and racing collectibles. Knowing her ex-husband would want them to find loving homes, Kris Geils is shipping it all to Mecum’s Monterey auction.
To put the collection into context, Mecum has published a brochure for prospective bidders. His passion centered around the 5 significant Italian automakers: Ferrari, Fiat, Alfa-Romeo, Lancia & Maserati. If you don’t want to flip through the pages, we have compiled the most significant items that will be offered:
1961 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2
An original, numbers matching engine is backed by a 5-speed transmission from a later model Daytona. It is equipped with stop watches for rally racing, Borani wire wheels, and a Nardi steering wheel. A blue and gray exterior is a nice contrast to the red interior, and you will have no distractions thanks to the radio delete. The 3.0 liter V12 is fed by triple carburetors that produce a symphony all their own.
1967 Lancia Flaminia 2.8 3C
Lancia was founded in 1906 by Vincero Lancia, who was a driver for Fiat. He built small and nimble cars with the same quality as their bigger competitors. Named after a famous Italian road, the Flaminia is powered by a 2.8 liter V6 with three 2-barrel carburetors. The aluminum body was by Carrozzeria Touring with emphasis on saving weight. Known as a Superleggera, or “super light”, it doesn’t need a V8 to be fast. Like most others in the collection, it has Borani wire wheels, a Nardi steering wheel and stopwatches for rally racing.
1967 Fiat Dino Spyder
Alfredo Ferrari was Enzo’s first son, and he developed V6 engines and racing prototypes before dying of Muscular Dystrophy at only 24 years old. In his honor, Enzo named two cars in his honor. Built to homologate the V6 engine for Formula 2 racing, the Fiat Dino and Ferrari Dino are alike in name only. Enzo was required to sell 500 examples in order to race the V6, but his company was not large enough for mass production. Fiat decided to build their own Dino, using the same V6 to help Ferrari meet their goal. In sharp contrast to the rear-engine Ferrari Dino 206 GT, the Fiat Dino was a front engine 2-seater. Spyder bodies were built by Pininfarina. Geils had a love of motorsports, which is why the bumper delete and fog lights are correct for a late 60’s racer. Like his other cars, it has a Nardi steering wheel, Borani wires, red interior, and all documents.
1958 Alfa Romeo Giulietta Sprint
Drunk driving is the easiest way to test your radiator, as Geils found out last year. Police in Concord, Massachusetts arrested him after blowing .168, over twice the legal limit. One of his favorite cars, he added several upgrades to make the car capable on the track, and to pull more power from the 2.0 liter four-cylinder. Older cars are easier to fix, so it won’t take much massaging to get her back in shape. Just like his others, it has a Nardi wheel, Borani spokes, and red interior.
1966 Maserati Sebring
Rarest of the rare, this Series II Sebring is 1 of only 247 examples built between ’65-68. Geils was restoring this one at the time of his passing. The left fender was swiped by a school bus, so he took the car down to its shell for a total rebuild. The original 3.7-liter straight-six and 5-speed transmission are included, along with Borani wheels and a Nardi steering wheel. Some assembly required.
1970 Ducati 350 Desmo
Unless you are Christian von Koenigsegg, your car has intake and exhaust valves on each cylinder. If you spin your engine too fast, the springs can’t shut them fast enough, this is called valve float. Ducati needed a way to spin past 12,000 rpm without valve springs, so their solution was to open and close each valve by lobes on the cam shaft. Yes, adding another rocker arm might seem overly complex, but the valve is always where it’s supposed to be. This is how Ducati’s single cylinder bikes were able to reach upwards of 15,000 rpm to beat the competition. Many consider the Ducati 350 to be the best Cafe Racer of all time. This bike was part of the Salterelli Moto collection before being purchased by Geils.
1976 MV Agusta 125 SS
Taking inspiration from their 750 Sport, the 125 SS uses the same fairing, gas tank, and seat as their Moto GP winning superbike. But thanks to the 123cc single cylinder, it weighs in at only 220 lbs. Engineered to slice through the air, this 5-speed model with front disc brake is fun in any situation.
1983 Benelli 900 SEI
The six Benelli brothers were machinists and fabricators who turned their love of motorcycles into a business. Sold by Montgomery Ward’s in the US, they were known for small and fast 250 and 350cc bikes. Mr. deTomasso purchased the company in 1970 while also building the iconic Pantera. He told the engineers to build a better version of the Honda CB500, and their efforts resulted in the world’s first production straight-six powered motorcycle. Originally in 750cc, the 900cc Sei (Six) was unveiled in 1979. Only 80 were sold in the US, and Geils purchased this one brand new. His favorite bike was customized with a contoured seat and clip-on handle bars.
Five Racing Suits
Motorsports can be addicting, and Geils entered his highly modified Alfa Romeo (seen above) in up to 5 races each year. Sponsored by his restoration garage, KTR Motorsports, these are the suits he used when behind the wheel. Sold on a bill of sale, they are a perfect addition to your garage.
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