Page 23 - The Origin of the Species

THE ORIGIN OF THE SPECIES 23
middle of the existing red color scheme, satisfying the organizers, who demanded
at least some nominal showing of blue and white on the vehicle. In an impressive
outing, Stiles and Huntoon managed an 11th overall and third in class finish, 26
laps behind Juan Manuel Fangio that took the win in a works Ferrari 860 Monza
had shared with Eugenio Castellotti.
While the two other cars present would compete in other North American
events throughout the year, SPL 224B (AHS 3804) was transferred to Ship &
Shore, who held the car in inventory for the next year. SPL 224B (AHS 3804)
reportedly competed in the Nassau Trophy Race in September 1956 (according
to the Hyman Ltd. report) although no records can be found at this time to
corroborate this assertion. Phil Stiles returned with the car to Sebring in 1957,
partnering with John Bentley, but the car suffered a fractured fuel line that forced
its retirement after 98 laps. (Note that the Hyman Ltd.
record incorrectly lists the driver as Ed Bussey).
Later that year, SPL 224B (AHS 3804) was offered
for sale at Ship & Shore, who resorted to placing a
classified advertisement for the tired racer, noting
that it was a former works competitor and touting its
successful outings at the Mille Miglia and Sebring. It
was eventually purchased and campaigned for the next
(ABOVE) A collage of images
depicting SPL 224B (AHS
3804) at the 1956 12 Hours of
Sebring. (Carrosso)
(BELOW) The advertisement
that Ship & Shore prepared
to offer SPL 224B (AHS
3804) for sale following the
1957 Sebring 12-Hour race.
(Carrosso)