Description
The Ferrari 166 Inter Cabriolet by Farina is one of the earliest open-top touring Ferraris ever built and a foundational example of the company’s transition from race-focused engineering to refined road-going luxury. Introduced between 1948 and 1950, the 166 Inter series was Ferrari’s first true grand touring car line, and the cabriolets crafted by Stabilimenti Farina — the Turin-based coachbuilder that preceded the rise of Pininfarina — embodied a delicate balance of sporting character and bespoke craftsmanship.
Built on the same tubular chassis as the 166 Inter Coupé, the cabriolet was powered by the Colombo-designed 2.0-liter V12 engine. This compact and highly advanced engine featured a single overhead camshaft per bank and was typically fitted with a trio of Weber carburetors, producing between 90 and 110 horsepower. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, it delivered smooth, eager performance and a top speed in excess of 170 km/h — more than adequate for grand touring in the early postwar era.
Stabilimenti Farina’s cabriolet design was graceful and understated, in keeping with the more formal styling of the early 1950s. It featured a long hood, subtly flared fenders, a simple front grille flanked by round headlamps, and an elegant, upright windscreen. The proportions were classic, with a low beltline and clean body sides, giving the car an air of quiet sophistication. The rear was typically rounded, with small tailfins or gentle tapering and minimal chrome trim. Each car was hand-built, and no two were exactly alike.
The soft top was manually operated and could be neatly folded behind the seats, transforming the car into a stylish open tourer. With the top down, the 166 Inter Cabriolet offered a fully immersive driving experience, the sound of the V12 engine blending with the sensation of wind and motion in a way that defined the appeal of early Ferrari motoring.
Inside, the cabin was modestly trimmed but elegant. Leather seats, painted metal dashboards, and Jaeger or Veglia instruments gave the driver essential information while maintaining a refined atmosphere. Depending on the owner’s preferences, the level of detail and decoration could vary, with some examples fitted more luxuriously than others.
Production of the 166 Inter was very limited, and even fewer were bodied as cabriolets by Farina — likely fewer than five examples in total. These cars were among the first Ferraris built for public sale, often delivered to important early clients or shown at prestigious concours events to introduce the Ferrari name to a wider international audience.
Today, the Ferrari 166 Inter Cabriolet by Farina is regarded as one of the most historically significant and collectible early Ferraris. It represents the genesis of the marque’s road car tradition and its first experiments in combining race-proven engineering with tailored Italian elegance. These rare cabriolets are prized not only for their beauty and rarity but also for their role in establishing Ferrari’s reputation as a builder of both speed and style.