A rare 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, one of the most original early Ferraris, is set for auction at Villa d’Este.
A piece of Ferrari history is poised to change hands for the first time as the 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa by Ansaloni is set to be auctioned at the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d’Este. Estimated to fetch between €5.5 million and €7.5 million, this rare example is considered one of the most original early Ferraris in existence.
Chassis 004 C holds a storied past, having been campaigned in some of motorsport’s most prestigious events, including the Targa Florio, Mille Miglia, and several Formula Two races in the late 1940s. It was originally purchased by the Besana brothers, among Ferrari’s first private racing customers, and was a key player in the brand’s formative years in competition.
Under its hood lies the original 2.0-liter Colombo-designed V12 engine, coupled with a five-speed racing gearbox—both remarkable feats of engineering for their time. The vehicle's Ferrari Classiche White Book certification confirms its authenticity, retaining its factory chassis, bodywork, and mechanical components, an exceedingly rare trait among early Ferrari race cars.
This 166 Spyder Corsa has spent much of its life in the hands of passionate collectors, including a remarkable 50-year ownership from 1965 to 2015. It has also been recognized on the concours circuit, earning accolades at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and Cavallino Classic, among others.
With its deep-rooted racing pedigree and near-unmatched originality, experts consider this Ferrari one of the most significant examples ever offered publicly. Collectors and enthusiasts alike will be watching closely as this historic piece of Maranello’s legacy crosses the auction block in 2025.
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