A LOVING HOME

While exploring New Zealand in a fleet of Ferrari Purosangues, a group of motoring journalists stumbled upon a hidden gem: a 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter. The intricate history of this particular vehicle, identified by serial number 007-S, was uncovered after extensive research by its current owners, Amanda and Philip. The retired couple, living in New Zealand, had “adopted the 166 into our family” three decades ago.

Originating from Ferrari’s second year of production, the 166 was an advanced machine for its time. Its all-alloy V12 engine delivered impressive performance: 110 cv at 6,500 rpm from a 2.0-litre displacement, or 166 cc per cylinder, hence its name.

READ MORE: Bentley Motors Reports Robust Half-Year Financial Results for 2024 Despite Market Challenges

The 007-S was the first 166 to bear the ‘Inter’ name. It was showcased at the 1949 Geneva Motor Show and later competed in the Inter Europa Cup at Monza. Early Ferrari road cars were assigned odd serial numbers, with even numbers designated for racers, making 007-S the fourth Ferrari road car ever built. While 001-S and 003-S have been lost to time, and 005-S resides in the Museo Enzo Ferrari in Modena, 007-S remains the oldest road-going Ferrari in existence, now residing in rural New Zealand.

By July 1949, the car had its first owner in Genoa, followed by a second in Florence in 1951. Pietro Barbetti, its third owner, raced 007-S in the 1952 Mille Miglia, finishing 20th in class. The car’s journey continued with Henry Bartecchi, a US Army captain stationed in Italy, who acquired it in 1953. After a serious accident during a hillclimb, the car required significant repairs, which took a toll on its notchback body by Carrozzeria Touring of Milan. When 007-S arrived in the US in 1954 with Bob McKinsey, he separated the body from the chassis to complete repairs, but the project stalled, and the body languished in a field for two years.

In 1956, Thomas Wiggins decided to replace the Touring body due to its poor condition. However, it took another 15 years to find a suitable shell—a coupe body made by Stabilimenti Farina, one of only five crafted by the Turin coachbuilder. The Farina body, salvaged from another 166 chassis in the US, needed meticulous restoration. The project stalled again and remained unfinished for 23 years until Wiggins abandoned it in 1994.

Amanda and her husband, ‘Phips,’ who already owned two 1966 Ferrari models—a 330 GT and a 330 GTC—discovered the 166 Inter through a magazine ad shortly after moving to New Zealand from Alaska. After six months of negotiations, they received a rolling chassis with an engine, a loose body shell, and five crates filled with parts. They enlisted a specialist restoration workshop to confirm that most of the original engine components were salvageable. The restoration was finally completed in 1997, fulfilling their dream of taking the car back to its roots. An airline sponsored the transport to Rome, from where they drove to Emilia-Romagna, where their car was prominently featured in Maranello’s half-century celebrations.

Since then, Amanda and Phips have driven over 50,000 kilometers in their cherished 166 Inter and continue to share their passion. “We’re not precious about driving her,” Amanda says. “We’ve never worried too much about showing the car at events. We like to share the car with people by driving it.”

The 166 has participated in hillclimb events across New Zealand and remains highly useable despite its age. Housed in a spacious Alaskan-style timber garage in a picturesque, verdant landscape, this beautiful 166 Inter is a testament to the dedication of Amanda and Phips. Their love for 007-S has preserved a piece of irreplaceable motoring history for future generations to enjoy and admire.

The rare Ferrari 166 Inter, which left the Maranello gates in 1948, showcases its elegant profile against the snow-capped mountains of New Zealand’s enchanting coastline, north of Christchurch.

READ MORE: Citroën Enhances On-Board Comfort with ChatGPT Integration