Facebook Blurb # 4 – THE RED AND THE GREEN

What is it about auto racing that inexorably associates it with fountain pens? The Montegrappa Bugatti Chiron pays homage to both the French sports car maker and the Grand Prix racing legend. The Krone Le Mans celebrates the world’s oldest endurance race. And the Delta Giulietto Sprint is a paean to the storied and venerable Alfa Romeo.

Maybe it’s the passion, talent and expertise, qualities that are profoundly needed to drive a racing team, as well as to produce an extraordinary writing instrument. Or could it be the sleek, sometimes bold, but almost always classical lines that define both Formula I machines and fountain pens? Is the fuel that powers a Lamborghini to victory just as potent as the ink that flows to the nib and produces an acclaimed novel?

In 2013, Sheaffer collaborated with Scuderia Ferrari, the racing division of the luxury auto brand, to produce the “Ferrari 300” series of fountain pens. Stunning in “rosso corsa” (or racing red, the FIA-mandated national racing color for Italy), it is a tribute to Enzo Ferrari, racing enthusiast and founder of the eponymous automobile marque.

Much earlier, in 1976, Sheaffer introduced the Targa 1086 fountain pen, a limited edition model that honors the “Targa Florio,” an open endurance race in Palermo, Sicily that was created by racer Vincenzo Florio. The rarefied Targa Green Moire, produced in 1994, has a wavy, herringbone pattern in lacquer and the iconic inlaid nib that make it a much sought-after instrument. Interestingly, it’s original name was “Genesis,” but Sheaffer changed it at the last minute in order not to compromise sales in the Middle East.

These pens rest atop two Avon glass figural perfume bottles which were produced starting in 1965. Shaped like vintage racing automobiles, the “Oland” cologne (red) was launched in 1970, while the “Tai Winds” after shave (green) was introduced in 1973.