Serial number 0278 M is 1 of only 13 examples of the 166 MM/53 ever produced. It comes with an incredible provenance.
Count Enrico Sterzi took delivery of the car in 1953. He raced it in several events, including the Mille Miglia, where he finished 15th with co-driver O. Rossi.
In 1954, Sterzi sold the car to Phil Hill. Yes, that Phil Hill, America’s first Formula 1 World Champion. Later that year, Hill sold it to MGM Studios.
MGM Studios used in the film “The Racers,” starring Kirk Douglas and Bella Darvi. MGM modified the coachwork, particularly the nose and tail sections, and added faux side pipes, among other several changes. After the movie’s release in 1955, it changed hands a couple of times, including stint where it sat in an airport hangar.
P. Paul Pappalardo acquired it in 1975. He had the engine rebuilt and removed the modified coachwork. In 1980, the current owner bought it and had it restored by marque experts Grand Prix SSR.
The car retains the chassis, V12 engine, 5-speed gearbox and rear axle that were listed on the factory build sheet.
Find this 1953 Ferrari 166 MM/53 Barchetta for sale from Hyman Ltd., with an asking price of $3,650,000.
