Collector Colin Comer acquired this Bimbo Racer 17 years ago from a keeper who purchased it from a Cord family member who was auctioning off the estate of E.L. Cord, believed to have been the original owner. The Cord family members explained that E.L. Cord kept it at his home for his grandchildren to drive, quite fitting for a family such as the Cords. Originally marketed as the Bimbo Racer V-12, the name translates to Baby Racer, which of course, it certainly is, judging by the diminutive size. Unrestored, this Bimbo retains its original fiberglass body, red paint and tan seat upholstery. Never reupholstered and never repainted, finding such an original Bimbo in this exceptional condition is a rare treat indeed. Designed by Giovanni Michelotti to resemble the Ferrari 375MM, they were hand built by S.I.L.A. in Torino, Italy, and imported into the U.S. and Canada by Ferrari, Inc., of South San Francisco, California. Powered by an electric engine, the car could travel nearly 35 miles at about 7 MPH before needing a charge. Measuring 5-feet 6-inches long with a 3-foot 4-inch wheelbase, the car is 23-inches tall at the top of the windshield and 29-inches wide, making it possible to carry two small children. Advertising for the day touted, “A real car! For pre-teen men and women of distinction,” and went on describing the merits of owning a Baby Ferrari, aspects like its ability to climb 20-percent grades and that the 12-volt battery could last for about five or six hours between charging. These Bimbo Racers were well-constructed scale juniors, assembled with quality parts from the factory. The quality of the fiberglass body is also evident, one that is resilient and durable in nature. In recent years, juniors, especially Bimbo Racers, have largely become sought after by collectors and enthusiasts for several reasons. Like art sculpture, a few factors play into collectability for a junior, four major ones being designer, manufacturer, quality and rarity. The Bimbo Racer from the Comer Collection possesses all four in droves, plus adds a level of extreme originality that is rarely, if ever, seen to the mix, making it one of the most desirable juniors of all.