RIP Phil Hill

He was a great man. But for those who didn’t know him personally, Phil Hill was a great racecar driver. Born in Miami and raised in Santa Monica, Phil studied business administration at USC in the mid-‘40s. But he left so that he could pursue his passion: motor racing. At age 22, he scored a gig in England as a Jaguar trainee in 1949. Seven years later, he signed with Scuderia Ferrari. He debuted in 1958, at the French Grand Prix, in a Maserati. He placed seventh. Later that year, he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with his teammate, Olivier Gendebien. That first time, the win was in spite of ridiculous rain conditions. So it must have been a breeze for them to win it two more times.

In 1961, Hill became the first American-born racer to win a Formula One World Championship. He is, to this day, the only person with that title. He accomplished that while racing for Ferrari, in a 156 Sharknose.

Phil’s last racing season was 1966. He started what ultimately became an award-winning restoration shop with Ken Vaughn, called Hill & Vaughn. Phil went on to commentate for ABC’s Wide World of Sports, he had a long and respected relationship with Road & Track and he’s been a judge at Pebble Beach for almost four decades. Phil Hill’s impression in the automotive world is more like a brand; a unique and distinct mark whose memory will last forever.

Phil Hill raced for Ferrari, Maserati, Cooper, Porsche, Automobili Turismo e Sport, Lotus, Eagle and Chaparral. In Formula One, he competed in 51 races with 48 starts, claiming one championship, three wins, 16 podium finishes and 98 career points. However, he won the hearts of millions who won’t mourn his passing, but will rather celebrate his life and achievements and place in motor racing history. For those who knew him personally, he will be greatly missed. But for everyone else, his spirit will live on forever.

RIP Phil Hill
20 April 1927 – 28 August 2008

For sale: 2007 F430 Spider

The summer heat waves have rolled out and the perfect convertible weather has arrived. And if you're going to drop the top on something, it might as well be Ferrari's newest and sexiest V8 sports car, right? For those not in the know, the F430 is the 360 Modena's successor. It's more powerful, more aggressive and more bang for your buck than anything else in its class - that is, if there was anything else out there that could be in the F430's class.

The example on our showroom floor is liveried in Ferrari's classis Rosso Corsa with tan leather. Accoutrement include power Daytona seats, carbon fiber interior trim, yellow tachometer, black top, carbon fiber rear panel, shields, red calipers and rear parking sensors. The car comes with tools, a car cover, tire air pump and a battery tender. If that's not enough, she only has 2,111 miles on the clock.

If you've never driven an F430, then you're not familiar with its butterfly exhaust, the steering wheel's Manettino, the gated shifter or the acceleration of a contemporary Ferrari. If that's the case, then we invite you to our home. Make an appointment or come unannounced - we don't care, the door's always open. We'd be happy to have you test drive the car and see firsthand what it means to be behind the wheel of a Ferrari.

For sale: 1999 360 Modena F1 Challenge

Whether you just want to see what it's like, or you've got the itch to swap paint in the esses, a 360 Modena F1 Challenge is versatile enough to quench any thirst. If you're just beginning, the 360 Challenge is easy enough to drive that you can hone the most basic of skills in it. However, if you've got track experience under your belt and you're ready for that next level, the Challenge can bring you there as well.

This particular example comes with an extra set of wheels. The car has Brembo brakes, full roll cage, fire extinguisher system and is ready to race. The car was originally owned and raced by Ian Seville. Later it was raced by Jimmy Pugliese. It has been privately owned for the last four years - and thoroughly enjoyed.

When you think about the corkscrew at Laguna Seca, or the front straight at Homestead, there's a good chance you're imagining running those courses - and others - in a Ferrari Challenge car. Rest assured, this car will please a novice or a seasoned track rat. So whatever your intentions are, this car is for you. We'd love to slap a dealer plate on it and invite you to take a test drive - but something about the laws here in the United States precludes us from extending that invitation. However, we're fully equipped and happy to provide any trackside support you may require.

Universal Autosports introduces Live Sales Chat!

Universal Autosports announces the introduction of Live Sales Chat to its Website. Now, users browsing our inventory at http://www.universalautosports.com/ can opt to chat with a salesperson – on the spot! Michael Lussos, our Creative Director and Web designer, had this to say: “This is a new, innovative vein of communication that we’ve opened, yielding instant customer service. No more waiting for a reply to an e-mail, no more calling or waiting to be called back. The Live Sales Chat venue is one in which the customer has complete control and instant gratification.”

Users who browse our site have the option of initiating chat services, and accepting or rejecting chat initiations sent to them. In this manner, users can find out information pertaining to certain cars, and ask our sales staff questions about pricing and financing, all without sitting on the phone, coming into the dealer or awaiting an e-mail reply. We’re very in tune with the importance of discretion, and this new method of communication provides an intimate setting in which consumers can arm themselves with knowledge without disclosing anything if they don’t want to.

Owner Giacomo Ciaccia said, “We’re very enthusiastic about this new feature. We don’t sell cars here, we sell customer service. Cars are just a byproduct.”

Users who want to experience this new service can simply go to UniversalAutosports.com, click Inventory, and then click Live Salesman. “Periodically,” Lussos said, “we’ll be initiating unsolicited chat sessions with random users so that people who aren’t aware of the service can be made privy.” There is no login required and anyone with an Internet connection can utilize this newest aspect to our Website. The feature is live and already fully implemented so you can make full use of it right away.