One of the most historically significant Ferraris ever built is set to cross the auction block in May, with experts predicting it could fetch up to $8 million. The 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, chassis No. 004 C, is believed to be the earliest surviving Prancing Horse in original form and is expected to be the highlight of Broad Arrow Auctions’ inaugural Villa d’Este sale.
Regarded as one of Ferrari’s first customer race cars, the 166 Spyder Corsa was introduced in 1948, featuring a revolutionary 2.0-liter Colombo V-12 engine and a five-speed racing gearbox. This particular chassis was one of two originally sold to brothers Soave and Gabriele Besana, Italian aristocrats who commissioned coachbuilder Carrozzeria Ansaloni to craft a unique, cycle-fendered body.
With an extensive racing pedigree, chassis No. 004 C competed in some of the world’s most grueling endurance races, including the 1948 and 1949 Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio, where it placed sixth. After its competitive career ended in 1957, the car changed hands multiple times before spending 50 years under the stewardship of the Clark family, owners of the Long Island Automotive Museum in New York.
During this time, the Ferrari underwent a concours-level restoration, earning prestigious accolades such as Best of Show at the Ferrari Club of America National Meet and class victories at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. It remained in the Clark family until 2015, when it was acquired by a prominent U.S. Ferrari collector.
What sets this 166 Spyder Corsa apart is its exceptional originality. The car retains its factory-built bodywork, V-12 engine, and gearbox, a rarity among vintage race cars that often underwent extensive modifications. It also boasts Ferrari Classiche White Book certification, confirming its authenticity and historical significance.
“Nothing predating this car exists in original form,” said Barney Ruprecht, vice president of auctions at Broad Arrow. “This is the earliest and most important Ferrari available today, and for any collector, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime acquisition.”
The auction, set for May 25 at the prestigious Villa d’Este, is expected to draw elite collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts eager to own a piece of automotive history. With its rich racing legacy, meticulous preservation, and status as one of Ferrari’s first road-legal race cars, chassis No. 004 C is anticipated to command a record-breaking bid.