Wayne Sparling's Ferrari Abarth 166MM makes it's debut at Amelia.
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Out of sight for almost 50 years, the rare and beautiful Ferrari Abarth 166MM, serial number 0262MM, now totally restored by Ferrari wizard Wayne Sparling, will be presented at the Amelia Island Concours de Elegance, March 12th through March 14th.
While every Amelia Island Concours brings out a smashing turnout of Ferraris, this year promises to be better than ever, with the Sparling Ferrari Abarth featured as the star of the Maranello contingent. Created by an incredibly good Italian panel beater by the name of Giuseppe Manera, it was built in the Abarth & C factory in 1952 upon the request of Scuderia Guastalla driver Giulio Musitella. It was the only collaboration between the two famous race car constructors.
While much is now known about the car, there remains the mystery of who really designed the advanced and removable body. This particular chassis was purchased new by Franco Cornacchia, and is one of the few new chassis not officially bodied by Touring, Vignale, Pininfarina or Farina.
The full story of the Ferrari Abarth can be read in the latest issue of Forza magazine, at the newsstands now. Bill Warner, who also conducts the yearly Amelia Concours, took the outstanding photos of the Sparling 166MM.
Another significant debut at Amelia will be Willem Oosthoek's new book on Maseratis, "Birdcage to Supercage". Oosthoek will be on hand to sign and sell copies of his book. Look for him in the Ritz Hotel on Saturday and Sunday.
Willem
Oosthoek will be signing books at the Amelia Island Concours.
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Ferraris, Maseratis and other Italian classics are just part of the Amelia presentation. Each year a famous racing personality is chosen to host the activities, and in the past have included Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss and John Surtees. This year is the year of the Indy cars, and famed three time Indy winner Bobby Unser will guest host the event.
Amelia will also be presenting a photo gallery of a number of important photographers. Six of the best photographers in the nation will participate in an exhibition entitled "Chrysler Presents The Great Automotive Photographers Exhibit". On hand with their wares will be Dennis Adler, Pete Biro, Peter Brock, Hal Crocker, Michael Furman and Winston Goodfellow. Each participant will display ten photos and sell the originals and prints.
Pick up your copy of Forza magazine with the complete story of the
Ferrari Abarth - on newsstands now.
