One of Ferrari's earliest and most original racing cars, a 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, heads to public auction.
An extraordinarily rare 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, considered among the most historically significant and original examples in existence, will soon cross the auction block at the prestigious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este.
Bearing chassis number 004 C, this Spyder Corsa is one of Ferrari’s earliest customer competition cars. The Ansaloni-bodied model retains its original components, including the handmade aluminum bodywork, chassis, 2.0-liter Colombo V12 engine, and rare five-speed racing transmission. Marque expert Marcel Massini and Ferrari’s Classiche certification confirm its unmatched originality.
Chassis 004 C was initially delivered to Italian aristocrat and amateur racer Soave Besana in March 1948. Soon after delivery, it entered the renowned Targa Florio, finishing sixth overall. The car also competed in other iconic events including the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia, as well as numerous Formula Two races and hill climbs throughout Europe.
After its competitive years concluded, 004 C eventually made its way to France, remaining largely unused until American automotive historian Stan Nowak discovered it in the mid-1960s. It was soon acquired by prominent collector Henry Austin Clark Jr., who meticulously restored it. Remarkably, the Ferrari remained within the Clark family for 50 years—from 1965 until 2015—achieving numerous awards and accolades, including a podium finish at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and multiple Cavallino Classic honors.
Never before offered publicly, this iconic Ferrari has consistently captivated enthusiasts for its purity and historic significance. Auction house RM Sotheby’s estimates its value between €5.5 million and €7.5 million, reflecting its exceptional provenance and rarity.
As one of only two 166 Spyder Corsas initially purchased by the Besana brothers, and among the few surviving models from Ferrari’s foundational years, chassis number 004 C provides collectors with an unprecedented opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. Its forthcoming auction at Villa d’Este will surely draw significant interest from international collectors eager to acquire a car emblematic of Ferrari’s earliest racing endeavors.
