Meet the Legendary Ferrari 166 Inter: The Oldest Road-Going Ferrari Still Thrilling New Zealand

The allure of classic automobiles is timeless, but some vehicles transcend the ordinary, whispering tales of their storied past with each curve and rev of their engines. Enter the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter, the oldest Ferrari still cruising the roads, making its home in the beautiful landscapes of New Zealand. Owned by the adventurous couple Amanda and Philip, this masterpiece is not just a relic but a living testament to the spirit of motoring. From its breathtaking design to historical significance, the Ferrari 166 Inter encapsulates what it means to appreciate the art of driving.

A Storied Past: Finding a Legend

The journey of this stunning Ferrari began in an unusual setting. Amanda and Philip discovered the car while scouring through Hemmings under the faint glow of a gas lamp in Alaska—a story that would make any car enthusiast's heart race. Many might think that the allure of a classic car fades as time passes, but these two proved otherwise. As they held hands and shared their dreams beneath the Alaskan stars, who knew that lifetimes later, they would be restoring history on wheels?

Restoration wasn’t a simple endeavor. This was a labor of love that called upon expert craftsmanship to breathe new life into a car that had seen decades of wear and tear. Fortunately for the couple, the 166 Inter is fully restored, now dazzling in a pale silvery blue, a nod to Pininfarina’s influence, steering its lap around New Zealand. Amanda and Philip have taken this magnificent vehicle on numerous journeys across breathtaking landscapes, capturing the hearts of locals and tourists alike.

The Work of Master Craftsmen

This specific Ferrari 166 Inter is distinct not just because of its age, but also due to its bodywork, which diverges from the majority of its siblings. While most of the 166 Inters utilized Carrozzeria Touring bodywork, Amanda and Philip's beautiful machine boasts Stabilimenti Farina craftsmanship, a hallmark of luxury car styling from its period. These curves have been shaped by some of Italy’s most renowned automotive artisans, complete with stories and history etched in each line.

As this car never fails to turn heads, it offers a flowing design that is visually compelling. As it glides over the roads and through the valleys, the interplay of shadow and light dances on its body, a celebration of both performance and aesthetics. More than just a vehicle, the 166 Inter is a moving piece of art—proof that every car is a canvas, and this one has been painted with the brush of history.

The Beauty of Sound and Speed

One cannot speak of the Ferrari 166 Inter without mentioning its engine—a 2-liter V12 that is as symphonic as it is powerful. While it only produces 90 horsepower, the sound that emanates from this engine is like an orchestra of roaring notes, evoking excitement in any car enthusiast's heart. When it first hit the streets, it was a performance powerhorse, flying at speeds geared to approximately 100 mph, making heads turn wherever it ventured.

What’s more impressive is that Amanda and Philip still drive this magnificent piece of history. Their philosophy resonates perfectly—“It needs to be appreciated as the historical artifact that it is, but it also needs to be used.” This mindset keeps the spirit of the 166 Inter alive, ensuring it doesn’t just sit in a museum but remains an active part of car culture today.

More than Just a Car

This remarkable tale showcases that owning such a classic vehicle is less about the car itself and more about the stories and experiences it brings. Amanda and Philip have woven the legacy of the Ferrari 166 Inter into their lives, treating every journey as an homage to decades of automotive craftsmanship and innovation. The couple has devoted their time, resources, and love into preserving this gem, which now serves as a reminder that classic cars are not only history; they're meant to be experienced, cherished, and shared.

As the world of cars continues evolving, seeing this 1948 Ferrari rev its engine against the modern backdrop of New Zealand's roads is a vivid reminder of where it all began. Amidst the hustle and bustle of new models and electric engines, the 166 Inter stands as a vintage beacon, lighting the way for automotive enthusiasts everywhere to appreciate the art of the automobile. Thanks to Amanda and Philip, this historical artifact not only survives; it thrives on the roads of New Zealand.