Macabre plot to steal Enzo Ferrari's body foiled

©Cahier

Italian authorities thwarted a gruesome plan by organised criminals to steal the body of Enzo Ferrari from its resting place in Modena.

The ghastly story, which reads like a scene from "The Body Snatchers", apparently involved a ransom scheme by the perpetrators had they succeeded in stealing the automobile legend's body from the San Cataldo cemetery.

In a series of raids conducted by police and the military, 34 people were arrested in connection with the plot.

It is reported that the gang whose field of expertise was drug and gun smuggling originated from Sardinia.

Their plan was to snatch the body from its tomb and hide in the Apennine Mountains while initiating a ransom demand.

Enzo Ferrari passed away in 1988 at the age of 90.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.