1947 Ferrari 166 Corsa Spyder: Oldest Complete Ferrari Mega-Gallery

By The Auto Insider, 4:00 PM on Fri Jun 19 2009, 11,491 views (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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This 1947 Ferrari 166 Corsa Spyder is one of the rarest cars in existence and also considered to be the oldest, completely original Ferrari. We've got 32 stunning, detailed images for you to drool over.

Currently owned by James Clark of Vancouver, Washington, this rare Ferrari was originally purchased in 1947 for $3800. Clark has spent numerous years restoring this Italian thoroughbred back to its original shine and in our humble opinion, has done an impeccable job.

This Ferrari 166 Corsa Spyder, serial number 004C, is the second Spyder Corsa built and it's been said that it's the fourth Ferrari ever constructed. You read that right -- The fourth Ferrari. Ever. In total, eight Corsa Spyders were ever created, but this car is one of two that still have the original body in place.

Powered by a longitudinally, front mounted SOHC 2.0-liter V12 featuring two valves per cylinder and three Weber carbs. It produced a measly 110 horsepower @ 6000 rpm, but for the day it was one of the faster derby horses and really paved the way for modern day Ferrari V12s.

The 'Rossa Corsa' red body was formed in aluminum and laid down on a tubular steel frame suspended by double wishbone control arms with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs and friction dampers in the front; while a live axle, semi-elliptic leaf springs and Houdaille friction dampers round out the rear suspension setup. At 1763 pounds, this early racer must not have been a screaming rocket, but with drum brakes at all four corners, we're sure it was about as scary as a rocket to drive.

Take a peek below to gander at some of the finer details of this rarer than rare Ferrari.

[via TeamSpeed, UltimateCarPage]