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Christian Bale quits Enzo Ferrari biopic over weight gain

Christian Bale has an unusual but rational reason for dropping the role of Enzo Ferrari in the upcoming biopic of that same name, Variety reports. The actor, famous for his role in the Dark Knight trilogy and American Psycho, apparently felt that he couldn't gain the weight necessary to start filming this spring quickly enough without putting his health in danger. As we reported last year, Bale was to play Ferrari during a dark year for the company, when 11 people died during an accident involving one of the company's race cars during the 1957 Mille Miglia, a race in Italy held on public roads. The crash led to the cancelation of the Mille Miglia entirely. The script itself is based on a book written by famous automotive journalist Brock Yates, "Enzo Ferrari, The Man, The Cars, The Races." While the director, Michael Mann, now has to scramble to find a new lead actor, Robert de Niro is reportedly developing a movie in which he will play il Commendatore over a wider span of the man's life. Nonetheless, the idea of two Enzo biopics in the offing should make gearhead movie lovers doubly happy. Related Video:

Custom-built Ferrari 412 is not easy on the eyes

The 1989 Ferrari 412 Pavesi Ventorosso is a one-off topless creation from Carrozzeria Pavesi, which isn't the most well-known Italian coachbuilder in history. Ventorosso stands for "Red Wind", which brings a tear to one's eye – much like the 'improvements' to the bodywork. To begin with, the front end isn't all that bad. The headlights seem to have been grabbed from the then-new Citroen XM, and they are far less squinty than the lights originally complementing the 412's pop-ups. But the further toward the rear you go, the more it all falls apart, as the rear end treatment inexplicably combines round 412 taillights with a black, Testarossa-like plastic slatting above them. The complete car is somehow similar to the Michelotti-designed Reliant Scimitar SS1, which is undeniably also a product of its time. Still, the 18,641-mile car is mentioned to be in perfect condition inside and out, and that has resulted in a nearly $137,000-price tag by the seller, Maranello Service in Calvatone, Italy. It is also noteworthy that the 5.0-liter Colombo V12 is mated to a manual gearbox, which isn't always the case with 400i/412 models. And the best thing? You cannot see the exterior when driving it. Related Video:

Ferrari 312PB looks amazing, sounds like you're ripping sheets

Whether it's Mozart, Beethoven or The Beatles, they all (arguably) pale in comparison to just the right engine note for many auto enthusiasts. Petrolicious has found one of the absolute best with its latest focus on a 1972 Ferrari 312PB.
The 312PB is important for more than just its ability to sound like an automotive symphony. It was also the final purpose-built prototype racer of the era from Ferrari before the Prancing Horse put its entire focus into Formula One. Maranello went out with a bang, though. The 312PB's design is simplicity itself with just a modified wedge shape combined with the necessary scoops and ducting to keep its 12-cylinder engine at full tune. The car won a string of races and scored the 1972 championship. Although even if it had been a loser, the racecar likely would have been famous just for its wonderful exhaust note.
In the video, Petrolicious expertly balances its interview with owner Steven Read with wonderful cinematography and just letting the Ferrari sing around the Willow Springs track. Crank up the volume and scroll down to get a wonderful earful of this sonorous vintage racer.