In the world of classic car restoration and performance innovation, few names are as respected and storied as Bob Norwood Ferrari. With a career that spans over five decades and includes everything from world record drag racing to factory-authorized Ferrari re-imaginings, Bob Norwood's contributions to the automotive community are equal parts mechanical genius and artistic integrity. His unique approach to Ferrari restoration and performance engineering has earned him a global following of collectors, enthusiasts, and historians.
Bob Norwood's automotive journey began in the small town of Grandview, Washington. As a teenager, he was already racing modified Fords and Chevrolets, teaching himself how to rebuild engines and fabricate custom parts. His talent was quickly recognized, and by the 1960s, Norwood had already carved a niche in the Northwest drag racing scene.
His drag racing prowess led to a factory ride with Chrysler, followed by his own speed shop in Yakima, Washington. Always one to push boundaries, Bob was among the first to experiment with nitrous oxide in fuel engines. This innovation laid the groundwork for what would later become Nitrous Oxide Systems (NOS), changing the performance automotive industry forever.
In 1976, Norwood purchased his first Ferrari, a 330 2+2. Initially drawn by the sleek aesthetic, he swapped out the engine with a Ford V8. But as he immersed himself in the mechanics of the car, he discovered the precision and craftsmanship unique to Ferrari. "Had I known what I know now, I never would have replaced that engine," Norwood reflects.
What followed was a deep dive into the engineering philosophy that sets Ferrari apart. Norwood began studying every aspect of the brand’s mechanical systems, realizing that even the smallest components had a purpose-built quality that was rare in other vehicles. This epiphany sparked a lifelong devotion to Ferrari and elevated Norwood from hot-rod enthusiast to marque specialist.
He quickly became a sought-after Ferrari expert in Dallas, Texas, founding Norwood Autocraft, where he began restoring rare Ferraris to concours standards while also engineering high-performance re-imaginings that maintained the brand’s integrity.
One of the hallmarks of the Bob Norwood Ferrari legacy is his clear distinction between restoration and modification. "I will never modify a rare or valuable Ferrari," Norwood states firmly. "These cars are historical artifacts and deserve to be restored to perfection."
However, Norwood is also known for his innovative rebodies, projects where he starts with an existing Ferrari chassis and serial number and reimagines the body and engine configuration. For instance, using a Ferrari 250 or 330 2+2 chassis to construct a California Spyder rebody, or using a Ferrari 308 as a starting point for a GTO rebody. Unlike traditional replicas, Norwood’s rebodies use genuine Ferrari parts and reflect a deep respect for the brand’s design language and technical heritage.
His legendary 1983 P4 replica project even received written approval from Enzo Ferrari himself. This rare endorsement from Ferrari’s founder is a testament to Norwood’s reputation and commitment to upholding the brand’s standards.
Among Norwood’s most celebrated projects is the twin-turbo Ferrari 288 GTO. This car, inspired by his experiences racing at Bonneville Salt Flats, was built using a Ferrari 308 chassis, 288 body, and a CanAm engine. It achieved 199 mph and later versions with a 500 cubic inch Chevy big block went on to set land speed records that still stand today. These cars became the fastest Ferraris in the world at the time, showcasing Norwood's unmatched ability to blend performance with pedigree.
Norwood also developed a 308 Drag Car in 1986, equipped with a Ferrari Testarossa 12-cylinder engine, a massive crank-driven supercharger, and a self-designed electronic fuel injection system, a system ahead of its time. The car ran under the NHRA BB Altered record, immediately prompting rule changes that effectively banned the vehicle from competition. This bold creation demonstrated Norwood's technical ingenuity and his ability to pioneer new performance frontiers.
Not all of Norwood’s projects focused on speed. One of his most technically challenging restorations was a 1950 Ferrari Barchetta, originally owned by actor Sparky Spangler of Little Rascals fame. The car, identified as Ferrari's fifth race car (serial #10), required exhaustive research and historical accuracy. Norwood meticulously studied original stitching patterns, materials, and component layouts to ensure the restoration remained faithful to its heritage. Restoring such a significant piece of Ferrari history highlighted Norwood’s dedication to preservation as much as performance.
Each Bob Norwood Ferrari project is a balance between mechanical precision and historical respect. When deciding whether to restore or reimagine a Ferrari, Norwood applies a strict litmus test based on the car’s rarity and provenance. Valuable, historically significant Ferraris are always restored to factory specifications, while less rare models may be transformed into high-performance art pieces.
Bob Norwood’s engineering expertise extended beyond Ferraris when he was enlisted for the Oldsmobile Aerotech endurance program in the early 1990s. Working with CJ Batten and Oldsmobile, Norwood helped develop and build carbon fiber long-tail prototypes designed for high-speed endurance testing at Firestone’s Fort Stockton test track.
His team at Norwood Autocraft fabricated and assembled the vehicles in a secure Dallas facility. From designing wiring harnesses and integrating aviation-grade materials to managing logistics and track testing, Norwood’s role was pivotal. The project broke 47 FIA records and demonstrated his ability to manage large-scale, technically complex operations.
This experience also introduced Norwood to new materials and technologies, further refining his approach to automotive innovation. It showed the world that Norwood was more than a Ferrari specialist. He was a versatile, world-class automotive engineer.
Beyond building and restoring Ferraris, Norwood has always valued sharing his knowledge. His advice to aspiring builders is simple yet profound: "Pick one marque and become an expert. Study everything about the company, its history, and the technology behind its vehicles."
This focused approach allows enthusiasts to gain deep insights and develop meaningful expertise. Norwood encourages young mechanics and restorers to learn through hands-on experience and research, especially studying the differences between Italian, German, and British automotive design philosophies.
He has also mentored numerous builders, restorers, and collectors throughout his career, helping them develop both technical skills and the judgment necessary to treat rare automobiles with the respect they deserve.
As the vintage car market matures, Norwood believes the future of Ferrari restoration lies in preservation. "Most old Ferraris have known owners, so the future will just be keeping all these old Ferraris in pristine condition," he explains. "They will just keep getting re-restored as needed."
However, he also recognizes that as time progresses, newer models from the 1980s and 1990s will enter the vintage category and require the same level of care. For Norwood, staying informed about evolving materials, diagnostic tools, and restoration practices is crucial to maintaining Ferrari’s legacy across generations.
In this context, Norwood continues to advocate for education, mentorship, and the use of authentic parts. This ensures that restorers and collectors alike uphold the same high standards that have defined his own work.
The Bob Norwood Ferrari name has become synonymous with innovation, precision, and passion. Whether setting records at Bonneville, restoring a million-dollar classic, or mentoring future craftsmen, Norwood's work continues to elevate the standard in automotive restoration and performance.
His legacy is not just in the cars he's built or the records he's broken, but in the respect he's earned from one of the most discerning communities in the world: Ferrari enthusiasts. As long as vintage Ferraris grace our roads and museums, the name Bob Norwood will remain etched in the automotive history books. Not merely as a restorer, but as a visionary who bridged tradition with progress, and speed with soul.
