The ‘earliest and most important Ferrari in existence’ is for the first time ever publicly for sale
A one-off Ferrari has been put up for sale, offering some of the world’s wealthiest car collectors the chance to buy perhaps the world’s most original model.
The 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa has never before been offered for sale to the public and comes with an eye-watering estimate for the exclusive auction on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como of €5.5 million to €7.5 million, which amounts to at between £4.6 million and £6.33 million, or $5.65 million to $7.7 million.
Barney Ruprecht, VP Auctions at Broad Arrow Auctions told This is Money and MailOnline: ‘The 166 Spyder Corsa is literally the first and most important Ferrari in existence today. Although the chassis no. 4, anything built before this car does not exist in an intact or original form.”
The 166 Spyder Corsa is a rarity “that stands the test of time as a turning point for the brand,” according to the auction house.
Featuring bodywork from Carrozzeria Ansaloni, it is one of only two models purchased by the Besana brothers, Ferrari’s first customers, who are said to have had the car built to order.
What gives this collector’s dream car even more power is its racing history: the Spyder Corsa, chassis number 004 C, finished sixth overall at the 1948 Targa Florio, is a veteran of the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia races, and has also a stint in Formula 2. competition and hill climbing added to the race count.
This is Money can exclusively reveal that the 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, which has never before been offered for public sale, will be auctioned at the end of May – estimated at over £6 million
It will come as no surprise that the Spyder Corsa will be the centerpiece of auction house Broad Arrows’ inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction in May, where it is expected to ‘attract significant interest’.
The multi-million pound Spyder Corsa comes complete with the coveted Ferrari Classiche White Book certification with its original bodywork, chassis, 2.0-liter V12 engine and five-speed racing gearbox.
Ruprecht told us: ‘Owning the first Ferrari would be an instant world-class purchase.
“Any enthusiast of the Ferrari brand, including both older, established collectors and the emerging generation now on the market, will be attracted to the DNA of such a legendary brand.”
This is the first time the rare Ferrari has been offered for sale to the public, with the car previously only changing hands privately – at one point remaining in the same family ownership for 50 years.
The 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa is described by Broad Arrows Auctioneers as ‘the earliest and most important Ferrari in existence today’
This example has bodywork by Carrozzeria Ansaloni and is one of only two models purchased by the Besana brothers, Ferrari’s first customers
The elusive 2.0-litre V12 two-seater is further complemented by 50 years of family ownership
Finishing sixth overall at the 1948 Targa Florio, the car is a veteran of the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia races, while also adding period Formula 2 competitions and hill climbs to its list.
Weighing in at millions of pounds, the Spyder Corsa comes complete with the coveted Ferrari Classiche White Book certification, original 2.0-liter V12 engine and has chassis number 004 C
Thanks to its DNA and exemplary shape, the Spyder Corsa has won numerous awards.
The car’s trophies include a 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class award, a Best of Show at the 2003 FCA National Meet, and the Cavallino and FCA Platinum Awards.
Additionally, it has been on display at Pebble Beach at Casa Ferrari in 2019 and 2022, and as the main car on display at the 2006 Cavallino Classic.
The 2.0-litre V12 two-seater is further complemented by 50 years of family ownership – from 1965 to 2015 it remained in the same caring hands while attracting the attention of editorial publications.
Continued single family ownership of the car from 1965 to 2015 has helped keep the car in pristine condition
The car has the original five-speed racing gearbox, the Ferrari red gear lever and elegant seats
The car’s trophies include a 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class award, a Best of Show at the 2003 FCA National Meet, and Cavallino and FCA Platinum Awards.
The Spyder Corsa will headline the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este held on Lake Como from May 24 to 25
Barney Ruprecht explained to This is Money that “bringing the Ferrari back to its roots on the Italian soul” for the inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este auction “makes perfect sense.”
He said: ‘It has a significant racing history at some of the most renowned events in Italy and across Europe, so it feels only natural to sell the car at the most prestigious concours event on the continent.’
Broad Arrow Auctions, a Hagerty company, in collaboration with BMW AG, is the official auction partner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, which will be held from May 24 to 25.
The Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa will be the top prize for the sale and will be the crown jewel of the 70 cars presented by Broad Arrows.
So high rollers should prepare for a potentially historic bidding war on the shores of Lake Como in late spring.
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