1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta

By on in Ferrari April 2011 issue
The car had been undergoing Classiche certification, but the process was not complete at the time of the auction The Ferrari 166 MM is the definitive 1950s sports car configuration, with its smooth envelope body, long flowing hood and short tail. Named for the Mille Miglia race, it was created by Carrozzeria Touring in Milan, and compared to the 125S, from which it was developed, the Barchetta (“little boat”) is a masterpiece of simple style. In all, 25 Barchettas were built and the car on offer is number 10. Its history is extremely interesting—not to mention nail-biting at times—just like the race for which it was named. Its survival can be attributed to determination and luck. The story is also remarkably well documented, and numerous period photos and documents accompany the car. 0024M is unusual in that it combines both the “Lusso” creature comforts and the competition package. The engine, 0022M, which is original to this car, was fitted with three Weber 32-mm DCF carburetors, instead of the street version’s single Zenith, and “MM” pistons, which raised the compression ratio from 8:1 to 10:1. Gauges included a large tachometer, fuel pressure gauge, oil pressure gauge and oil and water temperature gauges. No odometer was fitted, as the car was intended primarily for competition. Estimated horsepower was 140, with 0–100 mph coming up in 27 seconds. 0024M was commissioned as the 1949 Paris Motor Show car and finished in Argentine racing colors—two tones of bright blue with yellow sides. The buyer of record was the Automobile Club of Argentina, and while rumors persist that it was intended as a gift to Eva Perón, it seems more likely that race driver Carlos Menditeguy was hoping to curry favor with the Peronistas—and avoid the country’s ruinous import duties. The ploy didn’t work, and the car was shipped back to Italy. 0024M was resold in Italy, and the following owner arranged to have the car re-bodied by Carrozzeria Vignale, who fitted it with an aluminum coupe body. Following that event, the car found its way to the U.S. In the States, a former owner had some mechanical problems and then removed the drivetrain and sold the rest of the car. A Corvette 283-ci V8, gearbox and rear axle were then fitted to the chassis and the engine found its way into a Siata special. In 1974, Ferrari dealer and historian Stanley Nowak bought 0024M. Nowak heroically dug away at the car’s history, turning up photographs, correspondence, documents and finally the remains of the Siata special—complete with 0024M’s original engine. A couple of new owners followed and finally a five-year restoration commenced using Nowak’s research—as well as a comprehensive ten-year collection of material from another former owner. The drivetrain was reunited with the car, and a replica spider body was built to replace the coupe body. The restoration of 0024M was completed in late 1989, and the car was finally returned to its original Barchetta configuration. Ferrari 166 MMs are among the most desirable Ferraris on the market, not only for their rarity but also their tremendous event potential. As offered, 0024M would be an exciting entry at any vintage event in the world, not the least of which is the Mille Miglia Storica—an event in which this car participated, in period! Beautifully restored and complete with its original engine, this is a Ferrari worthy of the connoisseur’s close attention.

SCM Analysis

Detailing

Vehicle:1949 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta
Number Produced:25
Original List Price:$9,000
Chassis Number Location:Stamped on the left side frame rail next to the engine
Engine Number Location:Stamped on a flange on the rear passenger side of block. Note: early Ferrari engine numbers match but are two numbers less than the chassis number.
Website:http://www.FerrariClubofAmerica.org
Alternatives:1949 Cisitalia 202MM Nuvolari Spyder, 1953-55 Fiat 8V Zagato, 1947-53 Maserati A6GCS

This car, Lot 285, sold for $1,870,000 at RM’s Phoenix, AZ, auction on January 21, 2011.

It is to be expected that a 1949/1950s vintage Ferrari might be light on authenticity and even lighter on documentation, but 166 Barchetta #0024M is an exception. Through good conversation—and saved paperwork—by a couple of previous owners, as well as Ferrari historian Stan Nowak’s exceptional efforts, virtually all the history of 0024M is known, and all the original components have been reunited with the car. With the exception of the original body, 0024M is nearly true to its original configuration, and few apologies need to be made for its current condition.

$1,870,000 is a lot of money to most people, but it was a disappointingly light sale for this 166 Barchetta. The Barchetta didn’t even break the low number of the $1.9m to $2.9m pre-auction estimate. The January Arizona auction circus clashes with the very popular and well attended Cavallino Classic Ferrari event in Florida, and that may have stifled some interest. Many big Ferrari collectors would rather spend the weekend with friends than fight the Arizona crowds to spend a couple of million dollars.

A few other factors may have kept the number low. One Barchetta expert I consulted was very high on the car, but he noted that 0024M has been on the market since 2007—and flogged all over the world. He said that the asking price started out at $4.5m, which was way too much for the car. He said that the rebody was good, but it still left a little to be desired.

This car has apparently has been sold a couple of times since 2007, and I suspect these sales were for more than it brought at this auction. Too much activity is not good for an important car. Many of this Ferrari’s potential buyers had already been offered the car, and its availability was yesterday’s news.
A future trip to Italy?

Like it or not, Ferrari Classiche certification is now a factor in the value of important Ferraris. The newest version of the program is more realistic than the original. Ferrari now grants conditional certificates to some historically correct cars that are not able to meet the rigorous originality standards. The conditional certificates allow important race cars or in-period modified Ferraris to be certified without returning them to factory configuration.

A conditional certificate is an approval of the car—with an explanation of why the car doesn’t meet full certification. Scores of Ferraris have been certified, and even the critics of the program can’t deny that certification is becoming an important part of a buyer’s criteria. Most cars can be certified with the assistance of a local dealer.

Barchetta 0024M had been undergoing Ferrari Classiche certification, but the process was not complete at the time of the auction. Ferrari wanted the car shipped to Italy for inspection before they would certify it. The request to send 0024 M to the factory is an ominous sign that Ferrari suspects a problem that will require their assistance—and the owner’s money—to correct.

In the end, the buyer got a deal on 0024M. It is one of only a handful of the 166 Barchettas, an immensely desirable model. It is well known in the Ferrari community—and is accepted as a legitimate car without reservation. It should only require minor tweaking to pass Ferrari Classiche certification. It is in restored condition, and while it isn’t in Pebble Beach-winner condition, all the expensive work has been done. This is a blue-chip car at a fair price that will only appreciate with time. Call this one well bought.

Avatar photo

Written by

Steve Ahlgrim cut his Ferrari teeth as general manager and vice president of FAF Motorcars, a former Atlanta-area authorized Ferrari dealer. Today he owns Italycars LLC, a Ferrari appraisal, inspection and consulting service. Steve is an IAC/PFA council member and judges Ferraris at many of the top concours. He has been writing for SCM since 2002.

Comments are closed.