Title: The Relentless Pursuit: Ferrari’s 212 Export Barchetta, Chassis 0078E, and the Genesis of an American Legend
In the annals of automotive history, few marques command the reverence and passion of Ferrari. And within that legendary lineage, a select few chassis stand out, not just for their inherent beauty or engineering prowess, but for the indelible stories they tell. As we navigate the vibrant classic car market of 2025, one such narrative continues to captivate enthusiasts and discerning collectors alike: the saga of Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta, chassis number 0078E. This “little boat” – a moniker bestowed by the Italian press upon its svelte, Touring-bodied predecessors – is far more than mere metal and rubber; it’s a living testament to an era of raw, visceral racing, a transitional period for Ferrari, and a pivotal chapter in the formative years of a future World Champion, Phil Hill.
The Barchetta: A Legacy Forged in European Fire
To truly appreciate s/n 0078E, we must first cast our gaze back to the post-war European landscape where Ferrari was rapidly cementing its reputation. Following the triumphant 1948 Mille Miglia victory with the 166 S, Enzo Ferrari’s engineers, ever restless, refined their formula. The 1949 introduction of the 166 MM, boasting a shorter wheelbase and a more potent engine, was paired with an exquisite new body crafted by Carrozzeria Touring. This design, characterized by its elegant curves and open-top configuration, was instantly dubbed “barchetta” – “little boat” – a nickname that has stuck, defining an entire generation of early Ferrari sports racers. These 2-liter jewels immediately left their mark, securing overall wins at the 1949 Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Spa. The relentless pace of development saw the engine grow to 195 specification, again conquering the Mille Miglia in 1950, before culminating in the 2.6-liter 212 powerplant for 1951, housed within the 212 Export Barchetta – the very specification of our protagonist, s/n 0078E.
Chassis 0078E’s racing life began with the highest stakes imaginable: the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 23-24, 1951. Painted pristine white and bearing race number 30, it was entrusted to its first owner, Jacques La Riviere, and co-driver Andre de Guetti. The air bristled with anticipation, but destiny had a cruel twist in store. On just the fifth lap, as La Riviere piloted the Barchetta into the fast Tertre Rouge corner, leading onto the endless Mulsanne Straight, control was lost. The resulting impact with a barbed wire fence led to a horrific accident, tragically claiming La Riviere’s life. It was a somber, inauspicious debut for a car destined for greatness, a stark reminder of the unforgiving nature of motorsport in that golden, yet dangerous, era. Such a history, while tragic, is undeniably part of the car’s unique and potent narrative, adding layers of gravitas that resonate deeply with today’s elite classic car collectors.
Resilience, however, is a hallmark of these early Ferraris, and s/n 0078E soon embarked on a path to redemption. Its next challenge was the inaugural post-war running of the Tour de France Auto, a monumental rally-raid spanning August 30 to September 12. Re-liveried in a striking medium French blue, now equipped for endurance with a full windshield and folding top, and wearing race number 227, the 212 was driven by the formidable duo of Pierre “Pagnibon” Boncompagni and Alfred Barraquet. This time, the Barchetta not only finished the demanding 14-day event, but it triumphed, crossing the line in first place overall. This victory was a crucial validation, showcasing the car’s inherent robustness and competitive spirit, undoubtedly contributing to its investment-grade classic Ferrari status decades later.
Across the Atlantic: Phil Hill and the American Dream
The story of s/n 0078E truly takes an exciting turn with the intervention of Luigi Chinetti, the visionary American Ferrari importer. Chinetti, recognizing the burgeoning appetite for European sports cars in the booming post-war American market, orchestrated the Barchetta’s return to Maranello. Here, the car underwent a significant transformation, upgrading from its touring specification single twin-choke Weber carburetor to a full-race setup featuring three twin-choke units. This crucial modification elevated its output from a respectable 150 hp to a formidable 170 hp or more, priming it for the intense competition stateside. It was in this potent, updated configuration that Chinetti arranged its sale to a remarkably talented, yet largely unproven, young American driver named Phil Hill. This acquisition marked Hill’s very first Ferrari – a foundational moment for a man who would, in due course, etch his name into history as America’s first Formula 1 World Champion. The unique provenance of being Phil Hill’s first Ferrari significantly amplifies s/n 0078E’s historic Ferrari provenance and market value in 2025.
However, the path to racing glory is rarely straightforward. Prior to securing the Ferrari, Hill had made a gentleman’s agreement with Jaguar importer Charles Hornburg to campaign one of three special lightweight Jaguar XK-120 LT-3 roadsters. Faced with a choice between his word and the allure of his new Ferrari, Hill’s character shone through. “You were either worth your personal word or were not,” he famously declared, honoring his commitment to Hornburg. The 212 Barchetta was temporarily entrusted to his close friend, Arnold Stubbs, ensuring the Ferrari would still make its American racing debut, albeit with Hill observing from the sidelines, undoubtedly eager to get behind the wheel. This anecdote beautifully illustrates the integrity of the racing pioneers, a testament to character as much as speed.
On April 20, 1952, Stubbs wheeled s/n 0078E, still in its medium French blue and now bearing race number 32, onto the grid of the third-annual Pebble Beach Road Races. The feature event, the Del Monte Trophy sprint, saw the Barchetta demonstrate its potential, securing a respectable second place behind Bill Pollack in Tom Carsten’s formidable Cadillac-Allard J2. Meanwhile, Hill, battling an overheating Jaguar LT-3, could only manage a distant fifth. The irony was palpable; the two cars sat in adjoining pit boxes, the future World Champion mere feet from the Ferrari he yearned to drive. This pivotal moment underscores the burgeoning classic sports car racing history on the West Coast.
Hill’s Near Misses and Ultimate Triumph
The taste of competition with his Ferrari tantalizingly close, Hill made a decisive move: the Barchetta was repainted the iconic Ferrari red. Its next outing was the inaugural Golden Gate Park Races in San Francisco, held on May 30-31, on a challenging 3.1-mile, eight-turn circuit. The feature Guardsman’s Cup promised intense action, pitting a diverse field of American V8-powered Allards, XK-120 Jags, and various specials against each other, all driven by highly talented racers. The chief antagonist remained Bill Pollack, whose 6-liter Cadillac-Allard J2 had dominated recent West Coast feature races.
Starting from 16th on the grid due to its smaller 2.6-liter displacement compared to Pollack’s pole-sitting Allard, Hill faced a daunting task. The 275-hp Allard predictably surged ahead at the start. Hill, renowned for his smooth, precise driving, made a cautious but effective launch, systematically picking off the less agile, big-bore machines. By lap three of the 28-lap sprint, the bright red Ferrari had carved its way into second place, hot on the heels of the Allard.
Hill’s relentless pressure forced Pollack to push harder, conserving his overworked brakes. As the final lap commenced, the Ferrari was glued to the Allard’s tail, poised for a dramatic overtake. But fate, once again, intervened. Suddenly, the exquisite Italian V12 faltered, running roughly on six cylinders. Investigation later revealed one of the dual ignition coils had broken loose from the firewall, becoming entangled in the steering mechanism. Hill, a picture of perseverance, limped the Barchetta across the finish line with a rough-sounding engine, once again settling for second place behind Pollack. While securing a Class D/4 victory, the outright win had slipped through his grasp, a bitter pill for a driver of his caliber. Such moments, even in defeat, forged the legend of one of America’s legendary drivers.
Redemption, however, was just around the corner. Hill’s next stop was the second running of the races at Torrey Pines on July 20, a scenic, challenging circuit carved from a former Army base north of San Diego. Unlike the SCCA-sanctioned events at Pebble Beach and Golden Gate Park, Torrey Pines was hosted by the formidable California Sports Car Club (Cal Club), known for its serious drivers and potent machinery. The competition for the feature Over 1500-cc race was fierce, featuring Pollack in Tony Parravano’s powerful 4.1-liter 340 Vignale Coupe, Hill’s brother-in-law Don Parkinson in his lightweight Jaguar special, and other bespoke racing machines.
After watching his close friend Bob Doidge clinch victory in the Under 1500-cc race in a Porsche 356 coupe (with Hill briefly in a borrowed MG TD), it was time for the main event: the 30-lap San Diego Cup. Back in the familiar cockpit of s/n 0078E, now wearing race number 2, Hill started from the third row. His undeniable talent quickly took over; he sliced through the field, seizing the lead. What followed was a masterclass in consistent, dominant driving. Hill steadily extended his advantage, ultimately taking the checkered flag after comprehensively lapping the entire field. It was a triumphant, emphatic victory – a powerful redemption for the previous near-misses and a resounding affirmation of both Hill’s skill and the Ferrari’s raw potential. This outright win solidified s/n 0078E’s place in Ferrari racing history as a true champion.
A New Chapter: From Racer to Cherished Collector’s Item
Recognizing Phil Hill’s extraordinary talent and his constant drive for excellence, Luigi Chinetti wasted no time. He presented Hill with an offer to acquire a brand-new 3-liter 250 MM Vignale Spyder (s/n 0260MM), a car destined for the 1954 New York Auto Show. Hill accepted, and the time came for s/n 0078E to find a new custodian. Listed for sale at $7,800 in the January 1953 issue of Road & Track (an advertisement famously preceded by a two-page feature on the car in the November 1952 issue), the Barchetta was swiftly acquired by Howard Wheeler in January 1953. Wheeler continued its active racing career, competing 14 times in California and Arizona throughout 1953 and 1954, securing numerous class wins and podium finishes. This ongoing competitive life further enhanced the car’s high-value collector car appeal for future generations.
Over the next three decades, s/n 0078E passed through several appreciative hands, each owner contributing to its unbroken chain of provenance. Then, in 1986, it found a truly exceptional home within the celebrated collection of Sherman Wolf. Wolf was no casual enthusiast; his garage already housed the ex-Sterling Edwards 340 MM (winner of the 1954 Del Monte Trophy), a long-wheelbase alloy-bodied California Spyder, and a 500 TRC. This context immediately elevates s/n 0078E’s standing, placing it among some of the most revered Ferraris in private hands.
Wolf’s passion was not merely for static display. He was a fervent advocate for using these magnificent machines as they were intended. He drove s/n 0078E six times in the challenging Colorado Grand in the 1990s, three times in the Tour de France Auto retrospective, and an impressive four times in the Mille Miglia retrospective. This commitment to active enjoyment, rather than treating it as a “trailer queen,” is precisely what today’s automotive heritage preservation advocates champion. Wolf even welcomed Phil Hill back into the cockpit of his old Ferrari, notably at the 1994 Monterey Historic Races, where Hill, in a heartwarming full-circle moment, drove s/n 0078E to another victory. Wolf’s generosity extended to encouraging co-drivers to master the challenging five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox, ensuring the Barchetta’s dynamic legacy lived on. His passing in 2012 at age 86 left an indelible mark on the world of collectible vintage race cars.
A Personal Connection: The Enduring Allure of the 212 Barchetta
My own journey into the world of these magnificent machines began on the sun-drenched shores of Pebble Beach. Thanks to my parents acquiring a second home there in 1951, I was incredibly fortunate to witness six of the seven iconic Pebble Beach Road Races, from 1951 through 1956. The Concours d’Elegance, initially held on the practice tee grass, found its permanent, iconic home in ’52 by the 18th green fronting the Del Monte Lodge – a location it commands to this very day.
These formative years allowed me to meet a constellation of sporting enthusiasts. Among them, I. W. “Steve” Stephenson shone brightest – a truly generous soul who, like a second older brother to my then 14-year-old self, nurtured my budding interests in automobiles, sailing, flying, and photography. Stephenson’s collection was enviable, including a Bugatti Type 35, HRGs, an OSCA, an MG TF, and, significantly, a 212 Vignale Berlinetta (s/n 0092E), acquired from the legendary Los Angeles dealer Ernie McAfee.
This was the very Ferrari that Phil Hill and Arnold Stubbs had famously raced in the grueling 1952 Carrera Panamericana, finishing a remarkable sixth in the five-day event. I still vividly recall, as if it were yesterday, the exhilarating, bone-shaking drives Stephenson and I took in that Berlinetta over the rough, crushed stone roads of Pebble Beach in the early and mid-1950s – a visceral experience that cemented my passion for these cars.
By the early 1960s, I was determined to own a Ferrari of my own. In 1963, I placed a $1,000 deposit for a new 250 GT Lusso with Charles Rezzaghi, who regularly imported Ferraris to San Francisco via Chinetti. It was on a ship, having sailed through the Panama Canal, laden with Lussos – mostly red – that I was encouraged to pick one. Yet, after returning to Rezzaghi’s shop on Hyde Street, tucked away in a lower storage area, I discovered a used but utterly pristine 212 Export Barchetta, for sale at $4,500.
It was love at first sight. I immediately switched my deposit to that Barchetta, chassis 0158ED. It turned out to be the very last of only eight such cars constructed, a true rarity. The car had been masterfully restored by its owner, Chris Cord, grandson of the founder of Cord Automobile. The level of detail was astounding, multiple coats of hand-rubbed lacquer giving it an almost otherworldly sheen – perhaps the first “over-restored” Ferrari, earning it my affectionate nickname, “L.A. to the Max.” I had the immense pleasure of showing s/n 0158ED twice at the Pebble Beach Concours, in 1965 and ’66, even earning a red second-place ribbon in its class. My experience with this sibling chassis provides a unique insight into the engineering, performance, and enduring charm of these elite car collecting 2025 specimens.
The Enduring Legacy in 2025
From the tragic start at Le Mans to the triumph at Torrey Pines, from a budding American champion’s first Ferrari to its status as a cornerstone in a significant private collection, Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta s/n 0078E embodies the spirit of an era. In 2025, its value extends far beyond its exquisite Carrozzeria Touring coachwork or its potent V12. This car represents a tangible link to Phil Hill’s racing legacy, to the dawn of American sports car racing, and to the very genesis of Ferrari’s dominance.
The market for such cars in 2025 is robust, driven by a deep appreciation for authenticity, provenance, and historical significance. A car with an unbroken chain of ownership, extensive period racing history, and direct ties to a World Champion is not merely an object; it’s a blue-chip classic car investment. The story of s/n 0078E resonates with discerning buyers who seek not just beauty and performance, but a piece of history, an artifact that tells a compelling, human story of triumph, tragedy, and perseverance. These vehicles are appreciating assets, their value reflecting not only economic trends but also the increasing rarity of such pristine, historically significant examples. Concours d’Elegance events globally highlight these cars, further cementing their status and driving their market allure.
Unlock the Stories of Automotive History
The journey of Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta s/n 0078E is a powerful reminder that every classic car holds a narrative, a whisper of past glories and untold adventures. Do you possess a piece of automotive history with a story waiting to be told? Or perhaps you’re on the hunt for your own slice of iconic motoring heritage, seeking expert guidance in the intricate world of premium vintage sports car market acquisitions? We invite you to delve deeper into the captivating world of classic Ferraris and historic racing machines. Connect with us to explore how these magnificent artifacts continue to inspire, endure, and offer unparalleled opportunities for connoisseurs and investors alike. Let’s preserve and celebrate these timeless treasures together.
