The year has barely begun, but auction season is already in full swing. And as auction companies begin to plan out their spring calendars, and the lots that will anchor their sales, Broad Arrow has just announced a headliner for its inaugural Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction, to be held on the shores of Italy’s Lake Como.
This 1948 Ferrari 166 Spyder Corsa, s/n 004 C, is believed by marque experts to be one of the most original cars from the Italian firm’s earliest years of production. Along with a sister car, 002 C, it was purchased new by Gabriele and Soave Besana. The brothers, Ferrari’s earliest customers, campaigned 004 C almost immediately, starting with the Targa Florioin early April of that year, where Soave and Count Bruno Sterzi drove to 6th overall and 3rd in class. The Ferrari also raced the Mille Miglia in both 1948 and ’49 (DNF in each) along with assorted Formula 2 events and hill climbs. Throughout the early 1950s it was raced extensively by Frenchman Victor Polledry.
From 1965 to 2015, the 166 Spyder was owned by a single family, and Ferrari Classiche has certified that the Ferrari retains its original body, chassis, 2.0-litre V12 engine, and five-speed gearbox – a remarkable feat for any race car of any era.
Well-known in the Ferrari world, 004 C has appeared at Pebble Beach on three occasions, and in 2006 it won a class award there, to go along with a best of show award from the 2003 FCA National Meet, among other accolades picked up through the years.
“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,” says Barney Ruprecht, Broad Arrow’s vice president of auctions. “Chassis number 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.” On auction day, 004 C carries an estimate of €5,500,000–€7,500,000 (£4.64M–£6.32M).
Broad Arrow’s first-ever Villa d’Este Auction takes place 24–25 May and will feature 70 collector cars.
