Extremely early 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa offered at auction
The sale could command up to £6.3 million
Classic car collectors with wide pockets will flock to the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este on the shores of Lake Como in May for Broad Arrow Auction’s inaugural sale. Around 70 collector cars will be on offer over the course of the weekend, with an extremely rare Ferrari being the star attraction.
The 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa with Coachwork by Carrozzeria Ansaloni has never before been offered for public sale and is one of two examples purchased by Ferrari’s earliest customers, the Besana brothers.
Racing heritage
Chassis number 004 C comes with particular provenance, having finished sixth overall at the 1947 Targa Florio while also competing at the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia races. The Spyder Corsa also has appearances in Formula Two competition and hill climbs to its credit.
Race ready engine and ownership details
The 1948 Spyder Corsa is in its original body and chassis, all powered by a 2.0 litre V12 engine and a five-speed racing gearbox. Its Ferrari Classiche White Book certification comes with the sale.
From 1965 to 2015, it was owned by the same family as it scooped numerous awards during its lifetime, including a 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance class award and Best of Show at the 2003 FCA National Meet.
Barney Ruprecht, VP of Auctions at Broad Arrow, was particularly glowing about the significance of the 1948 Ferrari’s presence at the upcoming auction, stating: “With its outstanding provenance and long, well-documented history, we could not think of a more fitting and appropriate example to highlight our first Italian auction.”
He also added: “Chassis no. 004 C’s existence aptly represents the very building blocks of the legendary Ferrari brand and stands the test of time as a watershed example for the marque.”
When does the inaugural Broad Arrow Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction take place?
The auction takes place on the shores of Lake Como from May 24-25, where Thomas Forrester—one of the UK’s top auctioneers—will assist with proceedings.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: Broad Arrow Auctions