1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Barchetta

In 1949, Ferrari introduced their 166 Inter Barchetta at the Paris Motor Show. It housed a 2.0-liter V12 engine that was also found in the 166S and 166MM and was available in various states of tune with one to three carburetors. Total production over a two-year period was just 37 units. They were bodied by Bertone, Ghia, Pinin Farina, Touring, Vignale, and Stabilimenti Farina.

This example, chassis number 0049/S, began life in 1950 as a Berlinetta by Carrozzeria Ghia. It is believed to have been delivered to Inico Bernabei in Rome, Italy and sold later that same year to an owner in Naples. At some point in its early history, perhaps before it was sold, a second chassis number was stamped in the frame. However, this car is known as 0049/S. It is an odd chassis number which was typically assigned to street cars, not competition cars. Many Ferrari street cars, however, were used for racing.

The car was later exported to the United States, and used for many years as a competition car. By the mid-1970s, it had passed through several American owners and had come into the care of Ron Walden in Southern California. During this time, the 0049/S engine had been removed and fitted into another car. A fire broke out in the garage where 0049/S was being stored and damaged much of the trim, glass and interior of the coupe body. The car had been partly dismantled prior to the fire and parts were stored in different sections throughout the garage. The body and some of the trim survived.

In the mid-1980s, a new owner purchased 0049/S along with another car, which had the original engine of 0049/S. The chassis was then converted to the style of Carrozzeria Touring Barchetta. The frame was modified and a new subframe and body panels was formed. The work was completed by 2000.

A correct-type five-speed gearbox and differential was mounted to the rebuilt engine.

In 2010, this car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Pebble Beach where it was estimated to sell for $750,000 - $1,000,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $753,500 including buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010