Ferrari 195 Inter Motto

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 195 Inter Motto chassis 0117S, a unique example of Ferrari craftsmanship, is a rare model that was bodied by Rocco Motto in 1951. The car was a right-hand drive (RHD) fastback coupe, featuring an elegant light yellow finish that made it stand out in the world of motorsport. It was designed for both performance and style, with its distinctive design marking it as one of the exceptional examples of Ferrari’s early post-war luxury and racing cars. The car’s racing history began in 1951 when it was owned by Salvatore Ammendola from Torino, Italy. Ammendola, an accomplished driver, participated in several significant motorsport events with 0117S. The car’s first notable performance came in April 1951 during the Coppa InterEuropa at Monza, where Ammendola finished in 2nd overall and 2nd in the S+2.0 category. This was a strong result, showing the potential of the Ferrari 195 Inter in competitive events. Later that month, Ammendola drove the car in the famed Mille Miglia, finishing 15th overall and 5th in the S/GT+2.0 category. The car’s participation in this long-distance endurance race cemented its status in the world of Ferrari. In August 1951, 0117S achieved a significant victory by winning the 5th Stella Alpina Rallye with Ammendola and co-driver Fausto Rodenghi at the helm. The car also took the win at the Trento Bondone hillclimb, a stage of the Stella Alpina, which showcased its climbing ability and overall performance. Despite the car’s success, Ferrari’s own publications often featured a Vignale-bodied Ferrari in place of the unique Motto-bodied car for marketing purposes. The Ferrari 195 Inter Motto chassis 0117S changed ownership in 1952 when it was sold to Gustavo Galiberti of Milan. In 1954, it was acquired by Prospero Sabbia, another Italian enthusiast. The car’s later history in the 1950s saw it transition again, this time to Domenico Lo Coco, who owned it in 1955. During Lo Coco’s ownership, the car participated in the Bolzano-Mendola hillclimb, where it finished in 6th place, continuing its presence in Italian motorsport. In the mid-1950s, the car underwent a significant transformation. It was rebodied by Scaglietti, adopting a 121 LM-style Spyder body, which gave it a new identity while retaining its original Ferrari engineering. The transformation marked a departure from its original fastback coupe form, as the new body was more in line with the sportscar trends of the time. By the late 1960s, the car was painted silver, and its history became less clear. The 0117S went through various ownership changes over the next decades. In the 1960s, it was owned by American actor Peter Helm and later by Richard Allen Polodor, also in California. The car’s engine was swapped at some point with a unit from Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 chassis #4063GT. In the early 1990s, the engine was further transferred to Ferrari 212 chassis #0131E, marking the car’s continued evolution and reconfiguration. In 2006, the Ferrari 195 Inter Motto chassis 0117S was rediscovered in Southern California after being owned by the same person for over 40 years. It was presented at RM’s Monterey Sports Car Auction, where it was sold for $231,000, including the buyer’s premium. Following the auction, the car was displayed at events like the Antwerp Classic in 2007, attracting the attention of collectors and Ferrari enthusiasts. In subsequent years, the car continued to be restored and improved. By 2009, the engine was replaced with a new unit, a 083S acquired from the Roelofs collection, to further enhance its performance and maintain the Ferrari spirit. The car’s most recent appearance was in 2022, when it participated in the Mille Miglia once again, this time with Guy Dauliach and Catherine Ternoir behind the wheel, highlighting its enduring appeal and presence in the world of classic motorsport.