Bonhams' elegant Christmas (20th December 2002) Auction at Gstaad this year will see the oldest existing Ferrari racing car under the hammer. This car can legitimately lay claim to this title as with this model the legendary Italian manufacturer introduced the suffix "C", for "Competizione". The 2-litre V12 car being number 002-C.

Designated "166 Spider Corsa", it was probably used by Ferrari's work team on 12 October 1947 in the Turin Grand Prix, this being the first season in which Enzo Ferrari entered his own cars in his name. The 1900cc Type 159 was entrusted to the French star driver Raymond Sommer, who promptly won. In the winter of 1947/48 the victorious car was re-bodied and received Ferrari's 2000cc V12 motor. On 19 January 1948 the brothers Gabriele and Soave, from the aristocracy family Besana, acquired the car and in so doing became Enzo Ferrari's first customers.

Chassis No. 002-C was entered in Italian events throughout 1948 and then sold to a buyer in the USA. For many years the car formed part of a museum collection, then well-known collector Sir Anthony Bamford acquired the vehicle. In the early eighties the car was completely restored to the condition you see it in today, and in 1999 ex-Ferrari Formula 1 World Champion Phil Hill drove it in the Mille Miglia.

002-C will present itself in Gstaad in perfect condition and forms the high point of the Ferrari-only auction this year.






For more information: www.bonhams.com

Please see the Provisional Auction Lotlist of Ferraris

Please see the Full listing of cars, with photographs, on Classic Driver

Text & Photos: Bonhams