The story of Ghia – part 1
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
the Ferrari 166 Inter Coupé Ghia #049S.
The Ferrari 166 Inter #049S is a historically significant vehicle, originally designed by Giovanni Michelotti and bodied by Carrozzeria Ghia. This elegant coupé represented one of the early road-going Ferraris and was part of the prestigious 166 Inter series, which helped establish Ferrari’s reputation in the world of luxury sports cars during the late 1940s and early 1950s. This particular model, #049S, has a fascinating and tragic history. It was involved in a dramatic accident when Alfredo “Dino” Ferrari, the son of Ferrari’s founder Enzo Ferrari, crashed the car into a factory wall during a test drive. Dino, who was a promising engineer and the inspiration behind some of Ferrari’s iconic engines, had been an active part of Ferrari’s development efforts. Fortunately, Dino survived the crash, but the car sustained significant damage. Following the accident, the original Ghia-bodied coupé was deemed beyond repair in its existing form. Instead of restoring it to its previous state, the car was rebodied in the style of a Touring Superleggera spider. The Superleggera technique, which involved lightweight aluminum construction over a steel frame, was a hallmark of Touring’s designs and resulted in a sleeker, more performance-oriented open-top roadster. This transformation added another layer of exclusivity to the Ferrari 166 Inter #049S, making it a unique example in Ferrari’s storied history. The new body gave the car a sportier and more dynamic appearance, enhancing both its aesthetic appeal and its performance potential. The rebodied spider reflects the versatility of early Ferraris, where a chassis could be adapted to multiple designs throughout its life. The Ferrari 166 Inter #049S stands as a rare piece of automotive history, embodying both the craftsmanship of renowned designers like Michelotti and Touring, as well as the legacy of Dino Ferrari, whose brief but impactful life remains intertwined with Ferrari’s enduring success..
The beginning In tracing the genealogy of coachbuilding firms, it turns out that they originated in the early years of the last century as…
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