Title: The Unsinkable Legend: S/N 0078E – A Ferrari Barchetta’s American Odyssey and Enduring Value in 2025
In the hallowed halls of automotive history, where legends are forged in the crucible of speed and passion, few tales resonate with the dramatic arc of Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta, chassis number 0078E. This isn’t just a classic car; it’s a living artifact, a testament to an era when racing was raw, dangerous, and utterly captivating. As we stand in 2025, reflecting on the provenance and unparalleled mystique of such machines, 0078E shines brighter than ever, its intricate narrative a mosaic of European triumph, American transformation, and an enduring legacy that continues to command awe in the global collector market. Having navigated the intricate world of vintage motorsports and high-end classic car investment for over a decade, I can tell you, stories like this one are the bedrock of true automotive passion and value.
The genesis of 0078E lies in Ferrari’s relentless pursuit of dominance. Following the triumph of the 166 S at the 1948 Mille Miglia, Enzo Ferrari, ever the visionary, introduced its refined successor: the 166 MM. While it boasted a more potent engine and a shorter, more agile wheelbase, its defining characteristic was undoubtedly the breathtaking coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring. Utilizing their innovative “Superleggera” (superlight) construction method, Touring crafted an aluminum body that was as aerodynamically efficient as it was aesthetically stunning. The Italian press, captivated by its sleek, minimalist lines, quickly christened it “barchetta” – “little boat” – a moniker that perfectly captured its essence and has remained synonymous with these iconic early Ferraris ever since.
The 166 MM Barchettas wasted no time etching their name into racing folklore. In 1949, they swept the European sports car racing scene, clinching victories at the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and the grueling 24 Hours of Spa. The following year, an evolution of the Barchetta, powered by a larger 195 engine, conquered the Mille Miglia once again. For the 1951 season, Ferrari further upped the ante with the 212 engine, giving birth to the 212 Export – the very model represented by our featured chassis, s/n 0078E. This consistent evolution highlights Ferrari’s early commitment to engineering excellence, a trait that makes these early examples so highly coveted by discerning collectors today.
A Baptism by Fire: Le Mans 1951
The competitive life of s/n 0078E began with a stark, tragic entry into the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 23-24, 1951. Decked out in a stark white livery and bearing race number 30, the Barchetta was entrusted to its first owner, Jacques La Riviere, and his co-driver, André de Guetti. The atmosphere at Le Mans in those days was electric, yet laced with an undeniable peril. The circuit, a brutal blend of public roads and purpose-built sections, demanded immense skill and unwavering courage. La Riviere, eager to prove the Barchetta’s mettle, took the initial stint. However, on just the fifth lap, as he negotiated the crucial Tertre Rouge turn, leading onto the infamous, mile-long Mulsanne Straight, control was tragically lost. The car veered, striking a barbed wire fence with devastating consequences. La Riviere was instantly killed, a somber reminder of the immense risks inherent in early post-war motorsport. It was an inauspicious, heartbreaking start for a car destined for greatness, forever marking its Le Mans chapter with a poignant asterisk. The sheer bravery of these early drivers, contrasted with the fragile safety standards of the time, offers a stark historical lesson that profoundly influences how we view these vehicles today.
From Tragedy to Triumph: The Tour de France Auto
Yet, the spirit of s/n 0078E, like the resilience of Ferrari itself, was not to be permanently dimmed. Its next challenge, the inaugural postwar Tour de France Auto from August 30 to September 12, would prove to be a dramatic reversal of fortune. Repainted in a vibrant medium French blue, and now equipped with a full windshield and a folding top – practical concessions for a grueling rally-race – the Barchetta, bearing race number 227, was piloted by the formidable Pierre “Pagnibon” Boncompagni and Alfred Barraquet. The Tour Auto was a true test of endurance, a multi-day odyssey across France that combined high-speed racing on closed circuits with long, punishing road stages.
Unlike the fleeting, tragic encounter at Le Mans, Pagnibon and Barraquet meticulously coaxed the 212 Export through every challenge. Their strategic brilliance and the Barchetta’s inherent robustness shone through. After 14 days of relentless competition, navigating diverse terrains and weather conditions, they crossed the finish line not just as finishers, but as overall victors. This triumph was monumental, a powerful statement that transcended the earlier misfortune and cemented the Barchetta’s reputation as a versatile and formidable competitor. The Tour Auto victory underscored Ferrari’s engineering prowess, demonstrating that their racing machines could not only perform at top speed but also endure punishing rallies, a testament that significantly adds to the car’s provenance and appeal in the 2025 collector car market.
The American Dream: Phil Hill and Chinetti’s Vision
The narrative of s/n 0078E then took a pivotal turn, charting a course across the Atlantic to America, thanks to the astute vision of Luigi Chinetti. Chinetti, Ferrari’s influential American importer, recognized the Barchetta’s potential. Under his discerning eye, the car was returned to the factory for a critical transformation. Its original single twin-choke Weber carburetor, designed for touring, was replaced by a trio of twin-choke units – effectively upgrading it to full-race specification. This engineering enhancement boosted its output from a respectable 150 hp to a thrilling 170 hp or more, unleashing its true competitive spirit.
It was in this potent form that Chinetti orchestrated the sale of s/n 0078E to a young, prodigious American talent: Phil Hill. This acquisition marked a significant milestone, becoming Hill’s very first Ferrari, a car that would indelibly shape the early trajectory of his legendary career. For collectors in 2025, ownership by a future Formula 1 World Champion like Phil Hill is an almost incalculable asset, elevating the car’s prestige and market value exponentially.
However, Hill’s journey with his new Ferrari began with a touch of old-world integrity. Prior to securing the Barchetta, he had committed to a gentleman’s agreement with Jaguar importer Charles Hornburg, pledging to race Hornburg’s Jaguar XK-120 LT-3 – one of three lightweight roadsters specially prepared as a strategic counterpoint to the impending C-Type. Hill, a man of his word, honored his commitment, famously stating, “You were either worth your personal word or were not.” Thus, the freshly acquired Ferrari 212 Barchetta was temporarily entrusted to his close friend, Arnold Stubbs.
Pebble Beach Debut: A Glimpse of Potential
On April 20, 1952, Stubbs unleashed s/n 0078E, still adorned in its striking medium French blue, and now bearing race number 32, at the third annual Pebble Beach Road Races. This event, featuring the prestigious Del Monte Trophy sprint, was held on a challenging six-turn, 2.1-mile circuit. The Barchetta, under Stubbs’ capable hands, demonstrated its formidable capabilities, securing a commendable second-place finish behind Bill Pollack in Tom Carsten’s powerful Cadillac-Allard J2. Meanwhile, Phil Hill, constrained by his agreement, struggled to a distant fifth in the overheating Jaguar LT-3. The irony was palpable, with Hill’s future champion Ferrari sitting in the adjoining pit box, tantalizingly close, yet out of reach. This early American outing perfectly showcased the Barchetta’s competitive spirit and hinted at the greatness that would soon unfold under Hill’s direct command.
Golden Gate Glory, Almost: A Test of Resolve
After Pebble Beach, Hill wasted no time making the Ferrari truly his own, promptly repainting the Barchetta in a proper, vibrant Ferrari red. His next target was the inaugural Golden Gate Park Races in San Francisco, held on May 30-31, 1952, on a demanding 3.1-mile, eight-turn street circuit. The centerpiece, the Guardsman’s Cup, was an 86.8-mile sprint race that attracted a stellar field of period racers driving powerful American V8-powered Allards, nimble XK-120 Jags, and various exotic specials. The primary rival was once again Bill Pollack, commanding Carsten’s formidable 6-liter Cadillac-Allard J2, a car that had dominated the West Coast’s Over 1500-cc feature races.
Starting from 16th position on a grid determined by engine displacement, Hill, in his 2.6-liter Ferrari wearing #22, faced a daunting challenge against the pole-sitting, 275-hp Allard. When the starter’s flag dropped, the Allard’s raw power rocketed it into the first turn. Hill, displaying his characteristic finesse, made a smooth, clutch-preserving start and began his methodical ascent. With surgical precision, he picked off the less agile, big-bore machines one by one. By lap three of the 28-lap race, the Ferrari had spectacularly climbed to second place, firmly ensconced on the Allard’s tail.
Hill’s relentless pressure, particularly in the turns, began to tell on Pollack, forcing the leader to conserve his overworked brakes. As the final lap commenced, the Ferrari was poised for a breathtaking overtake. Then, the unexpected: the glorious Italian V12 suddenly faltered, running rough on six cylinders. A dual ignition coil had vibrated loose from the firewall, found later tangled by the steering. It was a cruel twist of fate. Hill, showcasing incredible composure, limped the Barchetta to the checkered flag, its engine sputtering, securing a hard-fought second place behind Pollack. While a class win was achieved, the outright victory, so tantalizingly close, slipped through his grasp, leaving a sting of disappointment for the ambitious Hill. This dramatic near-miss further enriches the Barchetta’s narrative, showcasing both its fragility and Hill’s incredible driving skill.
Redemption at Torrey Pines: A Masterclass
The setback at Golden Gate only fueled Hill’s competitive fire. His next engagement was the second running of the races at Torrey Pines on July 20, a former Army base transformed into a challenging 2.7-mile circuit north of San Diego. Unlike the SCCA-sponsored races, Torrey Pines was hosted by the California Sports Car Club (Cal Club), a Los Angeles-based rival known for attracting serious drivers and top-tier machinery. The competition in the feature Over 1500-cc race was fierce, including Pollack in Tony Parravano’s 4.1-liter 340 Vignale Coupe, Hill’s brother-in-law Don Parkinson in a lightweight Jaguar special, Chuck Manning’s Mercury special, and Hastings Harcourt in an Oldsmobile-Allard.
Following an Under 1500-cc race where my dear friend Bob Doidge, a burgeoning talent himself, drove his Porsche 356 coupe to victory ahead of Hill (who was in a borrowed MG TD), it was time for the main event: the 30-lap San Diego Cup. Back behind the wheel of s/n 0078E, now wearing race number 2, Hill started from the third row. What followed was a masterclass in controlled aggression and strategic driving. He quickly took command of the lead, demonstrating superior pace and unerring consistency. Lap after lap, he widened his advantage, ultimately crossing the checkered flag having lapped the entire field. It was a complete, emphatic redemption – a resounding declaration of both his talent and the Barchetta’s undeniable prowess. This dominant victory at Torrey Pines cemented the Barchetta’s place in American racing history and validated Chinetti’s foresight. For a collector in 2025, a car with such clear, definitive race wins by a legendary driver represents the pinnacle of historical significance.
A New Chapter: The Barchetta’s Evolving Value
Always attentive to the needs of his star drivers, Chinetti soon approached Hill with an enticing proposition: the acquisition of a brand-new 3-liter 250 MM Vignale Spyder (s/n 0260MM), a car destined for the 1954 New York Auto Show. Hill, ready for the next evolution in Ferrari’s racing machines, approved the trade. This decision led him to list s/n 0078E for sale at $7,800 in the January 1953 issue of Road & Track, an advertisement that followed a comprehensive two-page feature on the car in the magazine’s November 1952 edition. The Barchetta found a new custodian in January 1953, Howard Wheeler, who campaigned it extensively across California and Arizona throughout 1953 and ’54, consistently securing class wins and podium finishes.
It’s crucial to pause here and consider the sheer magnitude of value appreciation for a car like s/n 0078E. In 1953, $7,800 was a substantial sum. In 2025, a Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta with this kind of verifiable provenance – a Le Mans entry, a Tour Auto victory, and a pivotal role in Phil Hill’s early career – would command a multi-million dollar valuation. We’re talking about an eight-figure asset, a prized jewel in any serious collector’s portfolio. The incredible scarcity, coupled with its historical importance and the global resurgence of interest in vintage racing heritage, ensures its position as a blue-chip automotive investment.
Sherman Wolf’s Stewardship: The Spirit of Preservation and Use
Over the subsequent three decades, the Ferrari passed through a few hands, each recognizing its special nature. However, it was in 1986 that s/n 0078E found a truly dedicated steward in Sherman Wolf. Wolf was not merely a collector; he was a passionate enthusiast, a true connoisseur of Ferrari lore. His collection was already legendary, including the ex-Sterling Edwards 340 MM (winner of the 1954 Del Monte Trophy), a long-wheelbase alloy-bodied California Spyder, and a 500 TRC.
Wolf’s philosophy was refreshingly clear: these magnificent machines were meant to be driven and experienced, not merely enshrined in climate-controlled garages. He regularly campaigned s/n 0078E in some of the world’s most prestigious historic rallies and tours. The Barchetta traversed the breathtaking landscapes of the Colorado Grand six times in the 1990s, revisited its roots in the Tour de France Auto three times, and participated in the Mille Miglia retrospective four times. Wolf was also a close friend of Phil Hill, often inviting the legendary driver to join him. Their reunion at the 1994 Monterey Historic Races, where Hill once again piloted his old Ferrari to victory, was a poignant and celebrated moment, connecting past glory with present-day appreciation.
Wolf’s dedication extended to sharing this experience. He frequently encouraged his co-drivers to take the wheel of s/n 0078E, patiently instructing them on the nuanced art of mastering its five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox – a hallmark of vintage racing. This Barchetta, despite being over 40 years old during Wolf’s ownership, was the antithesis of a “trailer queen.” It was a car that lived, breathed, and roared, its competition scars and patina adding immeasurable character. Sherman Wolf’s passing in 2012, at the age of 86, marked the end of an era, but his legacy of celebrating and actively preserving these automotive titans left an indelible mark on the world of collector Ferraris, ensuring cars like 0078E retain their operational integrity for future generations.
A Personal Connection: The Barchetta’s Enduring Allure
My own fascination with these early Ferraris was nurtured from a young age. Thanks to my parents acquiring a second home in Pebble Beach in 1951, I was incredibly fortunate to witness six of the seven original Pebble Beach Road Races, from 1951 through 1956. I vividly recall the Concours d’Elegance, initially held on the practice tee grass, before its iconic move in ’52 to the manicured lawns fronting the 18th green of the Del Monte Lodge, where it remains a global automotive pilgrimage site to this day.
It was there I met I. W. “Steve” Stephenson, a generous mentor who, like a second older brother, fueled my burgeoning interests in automobiles, sailing, flying, and photography. Stephenson’s own impressive collection included a Bugatti Type 35, two HRGs, an OSCA, an MG TF, and a significant 212 Vignale Berlinetta (s/n 0092E) acquired from the legendary Los Angeles dealer Ernie McAfee. This was, in fact, the very Ferrari that Phil Hill and Arnold Stubbs had famously raced in the brutal 1952 Carrera Panamericana, where they finished a remarkable sixth in the grueling five-day event. I still vividly recall the exhilarating, if bone-rattling, drives Stephenson and I took over the rough, crushed-stone roads of Pebble Beach in the early and mid-1950s, the stiff suspension of that 212 Berlinetta imprinting itself on my memory. Those experiences solidified my lifelong appreciation for these incredible machines.
By the early 1960s, the allure of Ferrari became irresistible. In 1963, I placed a $1,000 deposit for a new 250 GT Lusso through Charles Rezzaghi, Chinetti’s West Coast associate. Rezzaghi would often invite enthusiasts to inspect the newly arrived Ferraris as they docked in San Francisco. On one unforgettable day, aboard a ship that had navigated the Panama Canal, I found myself among five or six pristine Lussos. Yet, upon returning to Rezzaghi’s Hyde Street shop, near the iconic Buena Vista Cafe, my gaze fell upon a lower storage area. There, nestled among other used Ferraris, was a pristine 212 Export Barchetta, offered for $4,500.
It was, quite simply, love at first sight. Without hesitation, I switched my deposit to this Barchetta, s/n 0158ED, which, I later discovered, was the very last of only eight such cars constructed. Its brethren included s/n 0078E, 0084E, 0100E, 0102E, 0104E, 0134E, and 0136E. This particular Barchetta had undergone a meticulous restoration by its owner, Chris Cord, grandson of the founder of Cord Automobile. It had been “detailed” with multiple coats of hand-rubbed lacquer, a level of perfection that was almost unheard of at the time – perhaps the first-ever “over-restored” Ferrari, earning it my affectionate nickname, “L.A. to the Max.” I eventually sold s/n 0158ED a few years later, but not before twice having the pleasure of showing it at the Pebble Beach Concours, in 1965 and ’66. In its first appearance, my Barchetta earned a red second-place ribbon, a testament to its beauty, though first in class went to an equally magnificent, beautifully restored 166 Barchetta.
The Enduring Legacy and Invitation
The saga of Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta s/n 0078E is a powerful illustration of how machines transcend mere mechanics to become vessels of history, drama, and human achievement. From the brutal circuits of Europe to the nascent racing scene of post-war America, this “little boat” navigated treacherous waters, endured unimaginable setbacks, and ultimately achieved legendary status under the hands of some of motorsports’ greatest figures. In 2025, its story continues to captivate, reminding us of the foundational courage, innovation, and passion that built the Ferrari legend. Its current value, both monetary and historical, serves as a beacon for what true automotive provenance represents.
These iconic vehicles are more than just investments; they are cultural touchstones, living embodiments of a bygone era, demanding appreciation and careful stewardship. To truly understand the heart of motorsports, one must delve into the narratives of these pioneering machines and the titans who dared to tame them.
If you’re captivated by the profound history and enduring allure of vintage Ferraris and wish to explore the intricate world of classic car collecting, restoration, or simply immerse yourself further in these incredible sagas, we invite you to join our community. Share your insights, ask your questions, and connect with fellow enthusiasts who appreciate the unparalleled heritage and investment potential of automotive legends like the Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta. The journey through automotive history is an endless one, and we believe the most rewarding path is shared.
