BOV
JETHRO BOVINGDON
PHOTOGRAPHY:
TOM BARNES
We all have a ‘Ferrari’ from our youth. Jethro’s is Japanese
Italy. If you don’t know Kimera, then look up its spectacular EVO37 restomod inspired by the Lancia 037 Group B hero.
In fact, the term ‘restomod’ doesn’t do the project justice. It Irecently visited Kimera Automobili in Cuneo, northwest sweeps up myth and legend and supercharges it (actually the EVO37 is supercharged and turbocharged) with a blend of engineering and artistry that is literally breathtaking.
Anyway, a phrase uttered by Kimera’s driving force, former rally driver Luca Betti, really stuck with me. “I am from Piedmont,” he began. “And even if people think that Emilia-Romagna is the motor land of Italy, really Torino is the heart of our industry.” By now I could see the pride and he spoke about his father’s love of the Martini Racing dynasty in the World Rally Championship. Then he said it. “For Piedmontese, our Ferrari was Lancia.”