Highlights
- Based on Enzo Ferrari’s first ever 166 Inter Spyder Corsa race car
- One of only 43 made
- Factory built and subsequently upgraded at great expense
- Triumph 2-litre six-cylinder performance
- Recently recommissioned
The Appeal
Built after Ferrari’s major victory at the 1947 Gran Premio di Torino, Ferrari’s first customer model was the 166 Inter with Syder Corsa bodywork. Fitted with a V12, each cylinder produced 166cc - hence the 166 reference.
The original cars had removable fenders and lights so they could race in Formula 2 and sports car races. Initially Type 125’s, then 159’s, they evolved into the 166 Sports and 166 inter models of 1948 competing at events such as the Mille Miglia, the Paris 12-hour race and won four races during 1948 including the prestigious Targo Florio.
This Type 48 recreation is an original design by Alan Hooper of the Hooper Design Company and was inspired by post war race cars and in particular Enzo Ferrari’s first car, the 166 SC of 1948. Refined over nine years of production, the body kit is designed to be fitted to a modified Triumph Spitfire chassis and utilises easy to maintain Triumph components.
The original owner commissioned this amazing car to be professionally constructed at the factory in 1980 and in 2011 it underwent an extensive refit and upgrade with the installation of a 2-litre six-cylinder Triumph Vitesse high compression engine and and re-built 4-speed overdrive gearbox.
Fast but sure-footed, this replica ‘Prancing Horse’ is fully road legal and registered as an historic vehicle, and therefore, inexpensive to insure. Welcome at classic car shows, it not only looks fantastic, it represents a great opportunity to experience the exhilaration those fearless racers enjoyed during the heyday of historic motor racing.
The History and Paperwork
- Up to date V5 present (listed as a 1972 Triumph Spitfire Coupe)
- Triumph vin-plate attached to bulkhead
- Type 48 Syder Corsa Construction Manual
- Invoices for improvement/upgrade work by Jigsaw, Corby, in 2011
- Invoice for a new stainless steel exhaust system at a cost of £700.00
- A selection of parts invoices from Rimmer Brothers
- Maintenance instructions and manuals
- Last ‘Pass’ MOT carried out in 2017 at 61,974 miles
- Just 731 recorded miles since 2010
- Taxed until 1st April 2024 (exempt)
- Personal number plate included
Having been on display for the last ten years or so, the current owner has completely recommissioned the car including the fitment of a new electronic ignition system, new tyres and a quieter exhaust system. So ready to have some fun!…
The Condition
- Superb quality glass-fibre body
- Excellent gel coat and no body damage
- A few age-related scuffs
- Distinctive chrome front grille
- Great lighting and bullet mirror
- Brooklands style perspex windscreens
- Authentic-looking cockpit
- Wood-rimmed steering wheel with Ferrari ‘prancing horse’
- Smiths Rev-counter, speedometer, temperature, fuel and ammeter gauges
- Electrical cut-off switch and starter button
- Bucket seats and additional seat (for the shorter person)
- 4-point harness
- Fire extinguisher
- Excellent mohair tonneau cover
- Strong-looking chassis
- Knock-off painted wire wheels
- New Maxxis 165/80 R15 tyres
- Dry stored
The Mechanics
- Presentable engine bay
- High compression 2-litre six-cylinder Triumph engine
- 4-speed Triumph gearbox and D-type overdrive (on 3rd & 4th)
- Triple Weber carburettors
- Powerspark electronic ignition kit
- Recent Accuspark coil
- Recent distributor cap and HT leads
- Alternator fitted
- GT6 radiator
- Triumph steering rack
- Triumph Spitfire independent suspension
- Front disc brakes / rear drums
- Aluminium fuel tank
- Lithium racing battery
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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