Daniel Calabresi, italy-based automotive sourcing expert
1) What is your name and what do you do?
My name is Daniel Calabresi, and I specialize in classic car sourcing and art.
2) Can you tell us more about Outentico? What is unique about the company?
Outentico serves as an umbrella that allows me to combine my passion for cars with a desire to be creative. Specifically, I specialize in sourcing classic cars and young-timers within the European market. Additionally, I offer support for parts sourcing and managing restoration projects. In my spare time, I devote myself to art, which aims to explore our shared obsession with automobiles.
Photos: Daniel Calabresi
3) Where did your passion for cars come from?
My passion for cars began at the age of 13 when my father bought me a dune buggy with a manual gearbox to teach me "proper driving," in his words. I quickly lost interest in video games and found solace in driving. Whether I was in a bad mood needing an escape or in a celebratory mood, driving was my go-to activity.
I vividly remember watching videos of Group B rally races and attempting to replicate their driving techniques. One particular video of Walter Röhrl's footwork while driving an Audi Quattro taught me heel-and-toe shifting. I would repeatedly drive laps around the Orange orchard, aggressively downshifting and using Scandinavian flicks to slide around corners. Sometimes, I would collect fallen fruit between my feet due to my enthusiastic driving. To this day, the smell of citrus and fuel remains vivid in my memory.
I grew deeply attached to my buggy, selling it only after ten years when I realized it was losing more engine oil than gas during my drives.
I recently read ‘Why We Drive’ by Matthew Crawford, and he perfectly captured the essence of the driving experience with this quote:
“Put simply, there is a tonic effect in being scared shitless and trusting in your skills to see through. It focuses the mind. It clears away the nonessential. And when it is over, you feel elated to be alive. For a brief spell, you feel justified in taking up space on the earth.”
4) Could you speak about your studies in Italy and how you incorporate them into your work at Outentico?
Photo: Daniel Calabresi
Certainly. I studied Automotive Design in Turin, which was an enriching experience. Having lectures from renowned designers like Giugiaro and Chris Bangle was incredibly insightful. I learned how different lines and shapes can evoke various emotions, transforming the aesthetic value of a car into a multilayered experience. It was akin to watching a black-and-white movie suddenly transition to color—I could discern the intentions behind designs and appreciate even the less successful ones.
In the context of my current work, my studies equipped me with a keen eye for details, especially in bodywork. For instance, a distorted reflection can reveal much about the condition of the paint and panels. Moreover, it helps in recognizing good designs that may gain new recognition and value in the future.
5) What type of car-related work is best done in Italy compared to other places?
Italy offers a unique blend of quality craftsmanship and relatively lower labor costs. There is a specialist for almost every brand, with high-quality body shops, upholsterers, mechanics, and other artisans who are deeply passionate about their work and do not compromise on quality. One of my favorite aspects of my work is learning from these artisans about the intricate details of the cars I bring them, especially when the car is on the lift.
Photo: Daniel Calabresi
6) Can you share one Outentico success story you are proud of?
One standout success story from Outentico was the discovery of a Ferrari F355 in Warsaw. Picture this: driving the F355 to Warsaw airport and seeing a man in his 60s leaping cheerfully like a schoolgirl toward his dream car at the arrivals section. The two-day road trip back to Italy in December was quite memorable. Completing the picture, I sourced rare F355 Challenge wheels and a grill from a workshop in England. Although the entire process took over six months, he received exactly what he had wished for.
7) What car are you currently driving?
I currently drive a '95 Miata, which I bought during my university days. Some things, like memories, are truly priceless.
8) Which car, popular in Italy, has the best chances of becoming successful in the US currently?
I believe a car should first be acquired to be driven and enjoyed. However, a car that is appreciating in value in Italy and has promising potential in the US market is the Maserati 3200 GT. It boasts a beautiful design that pictures can't fully capture, was produced in limited numbers, introduced LED lights for the first time, and was the last Maserati with a fully in-house designed engine before Ferrari took over. Now that it has turned 25, it can be imported into the US.
9) What is your dream car?
That's a tough question. Perhaps this blue 550 Maranello is as good as it gets for me. However, my ultimate dream car would be one that I design and build myself. One day...
Photo: Daniel Calabresi
Outentico’s website- https://www.outenti.co/