Unveiling the “Little Boat”: The Enduring Legacy of Ferrari 212 Export s/n 0078E
As a seasoned enthusiast with over a decade immersed in the thrilling, often unpredictable currents of the luxury classic car market 2025, few narratives resonate with the sheer passion and historical weight of Ferrari’s early competition machines. In an era where investment-grade classic automobiles command unprecedented attention, understanding the provenance and racing pedigree of vehicles like the Ferrari 212 Export, chassis number 0078E, offers a masterclass in automotive heritage preservation and the evolution of rare Ferrari models. This isn’t just a car; it’s a testament to Enzo Ferrari’s nascent genius, a pivotal chapter in American racing, and a cornerstone of Phil Hill’s iconic race cars legacy.
The Genesis of a Legend: From 166 MM to 212 Export
The story of Ferrari s/n 0078E begins in the post-war crucible of Modena, a period where Enzo Ferrari was rapidly forging his reputation through competition. Following the resounding success of the 166 S, a car that famously conquered the 1948 Mille Miglia, Ferrari unveiled its refined successor: the 166 MM. While engineering advancements included a shorter wheelbase and enhanced power, it was the breathtaking coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring that truly captured the world’s imagination. Dubbed “barchetta”—Italian for “little boat”—by an admiring press, its elegant, lightweight lines became synonymous with early Ferrari dominance. This seminal design, a blend of aerodynamic efficiency and artisanal beauty, established a benchmark for vintage sports car appreciation that persists even in 2025.
The Barchetta’s prowess was undeniable. In 1949, these 2-liter machines swept European sports car racing, claiming victories at the Mille Miglia, the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Spa. The following year saw a larger 195 engine maintain the momentum, securing another Mille Miglia triumph. By 1951, Ferrari had introduced the 212 series, evolving the Barchetta into the potent 212 Export. Our featured protagonist, s/n 0078E, emerged from this lineage, a machine destined for a life of both triumph and tragedy, forever etched into the annals of historic racing provenance.
A Baptism by Fire: Le Mans 1951 and the Tour de France Auto
The competitive journey of s/n 0078E commenced with the ultimate endurance test: the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 23-24, 1951. Painted a stark white and bearing race number 30, the Barchetta was entrusted to its first owner, Jacques La Riviere, and co-driver Andre de Guetti. Early in the race, a critical misjudgment, perhaps fueled by the relentless pace and the nascent state of driver safety, saw La Riviere lose control on Lap 5, crashing into a barbed wire fence near the Tertre Rouge turn. The motorsport world was tragically reminded of the era’s inherent dangers, as La Riviere was fatally injured. It was a somber and inauspicious debut for a car destined for greatness, highlighting the extreme risks inherent in early Ferrari competition history.
Undeterred by its initial misfortune, s/n 0078E was soon prepared for its next challenge: the first post-war running of the Tour de France Auto, a punishing road rally spanning from August 30 to September 12. Repainted a striking medium French blue, now fitted with a full windshield and a folding top to navigate the diverse conditions, and sporting race number 227, the 212 was campaigned by the formidable duo of Pierre “Pagnibon” Boncompagni and Alfred Barraquet. This 14-day odyssey, covering thousands of miles across varied French terrain, demanded an incredible blend of driving skill, navigational precision, and mechanical resilience. Unlike its Le Mans outing, the Barchetta, under Pagnibon’s masterful hand, not only finished but clinched a sensational first overall victory. This triumph immediately underscored the car’s inherent strength and performance capabilities, showcasing it as a true Mille Miglia eligible car and a contender on any stage.
The American Dream: Chinetti, Hill, and the West Coast Invasion
It was at this juncture that American Ferrari importer Luigi Chinetti, a man whose vision and influence were instrumental in establishing Ferrari’s presence in the United States, entered the picture. Recognizing the 212 Export’s raw potential, Chinetti orchestrated its return to the factory for a crucial upgrade. The original single twin-choke Weber carburetor setup, suitable for touring, was swiftly replaced by three twin-choke carbs, transforming the car to full-race specification. This engineering enhancement boosted its output from 150 hp to a formidable 170 hp or more, priming it for the rigors of American sports car racing.
Chinetti, with his unerring eye for talent, then arranged for the sale of s/n 0078E to a promising young American racer named Phil Hill. This acquisition marked a profound moment, becoming Hill’s first, though certainly not his last, Ferrari. This car was to be the catalyst for Hill’s meteoric rise, culminating in his future World Championship. The story of s/n 0078E is therefore inextricably linked to the very genesis of American motorsport legends. For today’s Ferrari collector investment, such direct provenance linking a vehicle to a world champion driver significantly amplifies its value.
However, a gentleman’s agreement temporarily sidelined Hill from immediately piloting his new acquisition. He had committed to race a Jaguar XK-120 LT-3 for importer Charles Hornburg, one of three lightweight roadsters specifically designed to predate the C-Type. Despite the allure of the Ferrari, Hill, a man of unwavering integrity, honored his word, entrusting the Barchetta to his close friend, Arnold Stubbs. This anecdote speaks volumes about the character of the individuals who shaped this era of motorsport, a narrative that resonates deeply with collectors who value authenticity and spirit.
West Coast Battles: Pebble Beach, Golden Gate, and Torrey Pines
Under Stubbs’ stewardship, s/n 0078E, still in its distinctive medium French blue, made its American debut at the third-annual Pebble Beach Road Races on April 20, 1952. Wearing race number 32, the Ferrari competed in the Del Monte Trophy sprint, a 100-mile dash over the challenging six-turn, 2.1-mile circuit. The Barchetta performed admirably, securing a strong second-place finish behind Bill Pollack in Tom Carsten’s formidable Cadillac-Allard J2. Meanwhile, Hill, battling an overheating Jaguar LT-3, finished a distant fifth. The irony was not lost on him, as his own Ferrari sat in an adjoining pit box, patiently awaiting its champion. This rivalry between the nimble European thoroughbreds and the brute force of American V8-powered specials defined much of the early West Coast racing scene. For Ferrari restoration expert workshops, understanding these historical configurations and challenges is paramount to authenticity.
Following Pebble Beach, Hill took the reins and decided a proper Ferrari deserved proper Ferrari red. He personally repainted the Barchetta before entering it in the inaugural Golden Gate Park Races in San Francisco, held on May 30-31. The 3.1-mile, eight-turn circuit was the stage for the Guardsman’s Cup, an 86.8-mile sprint attracting a star-studded field of American V8-powered Allards, Jaguar XK-120s, and various specials. Once again, Bill Pollack in the Cadillac-Allard J2 was the man to beat, having dominated recent Over 1500-cc feature races.
Starting 16th on a grid determined by displacement (Pollack’s 6-liter Allard on pole, Hill’s 2.6-liter Ferrari at the back), Hill displayed a masterful blend of caution and aggression. Making a smooth start, he meticulously picked off the larger, less agile cars. By Lap 3 of 28, the Ferrari had clawed its way to second, relentlessly pursuing the Allard. Hill’s relentless pressure forced Pollack to conserve his overworked brakes. As the final lap began, the Ferrari was on the Allard’s tail, poised for victory. But fate intervened: one of the dual ignition coils broke loose, causing the Italian V12 to run on only six cylinders. Hill, with a roughly sounding engine, limped to the checkered flag, finishing second. It was a bitter disappointment for Hill, who, despite his incredible drive, had to settle for a Class D/4 win rather than outright victory. This near-miss only fueled his determination, showcasing the raw talent that would soon make him a global superstar.
The competitive calendar continued, taking Hill and s/n 0078E to the second running of the races at Torrey Pines on July 20. This challenging 2.7-mile circuit, nestled between the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean, was a favorite among the serious drivers of the California Sports Car Club (Cal Club), a rival organization to the SCCA. The Over 1500-cc feature race, the 30-lap San Diego Cup, presented another formidable lineup, including Pollack in a 4.1-liter Ferrari 340 Vignale Coupe and a host of powerful Allards.
After witnessing his close friend Bob Doidge secure victory in an Under 1500-cc race in a Porsche 356 ahead of Hill in a borrowed MG TD, it was time for Hill to reclaim his destiny. Back behind the wheel of s/n 0078E, now wearing race number 2, Hill started from the third row. He quickly asserted dominance, seizing the lead and driving a flawless, consistent race. His ultimate triumph, lapping the entire field, was nothing short of redemption, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force on the American racing scene. This victory proved the Barchetta’s mettle and Hill’s rising star.
The Evolution of a Champion and the Car’s Enduring Journey
Luigi Chinetti, always attuned to promising talent, wasted no time contacting Hill with an offer to acquire a new 3-liter 250 MM Vignale Spyder (s/n 0260MM), a car destined for display at the 1954 New York Auto Show. Hill accepted, signaling the next chapter in his racing career. With the new Ferrari on the horizon, s/n 0078E was listed for sale in the January 1953 issue of Road & Track for $7,800, following a two-page feature article in the November 1952 issue. Such detailed documentation, particularly from contemporary publications, significantly enhances the automotive passion investment value of these vehicles today.
The Barchetta found a new home in January 1953 with Howard Wheeler, who continued its racing legacy. Over 14 races in California and Arizona in 1953 and ’54, Wheeler achieved numerous class wins and podium finishes, further cementing the car’s impressive Ferrari competition history.
Over the ensuing three decades, s/n 0078E passed through a few hands, each new custodian adding to its rich tapestry of ownership. Then, in 1986, it was acquired by Sherman Wolf, a collector of immense discernment and a true Ferrari enthusiast. Wolf’s collection already boasted significant machines, 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. His acquisition of s/n 0078E was a testament to its singular importance.
Wolf, a purist who believed in exercising these magnificent machines, regularly campaigned s/n 0078E in prestigious national and international rallies and tours. He drove it in the challenging Colorado Grand six times in the 1990s, participated in the Tour de France Auto three times, and graced the Mille Miglia retrospective on four occasions. His deep friendship with Phil Hill often saw the two reunited with the Barchetta at various events, including the 1994 Monterey Historic Races, where Hill once again piloted his old Ferrari to victory. Wolf’s dedication to keeping the car vibrant and active, even teaching co-drivers the nuances of its five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox, ensured that s/n 0078E remained the antithesis of a “trailer queen,” embodying the true spirit of historic racing provenance. His legacy, and that of s/n 0078E under his care, left an indelible mark on the world of Ferrari collector market as an example of stewardship. Wolf’s passing in 2012, at 86, marked the end of an era for this particular chapter, but the Barchetta’s journey continued.
The Barchetta’s Enduring Allure and My Personal Connection
The allure of the Ferrari Barchetta design extends far beyond s/n 0078E. Its captivating lines and powerful performance captivated an entire generation. I can speak to this personally, having been fortunate enough to experience the magic firsthand. Growing up near Pebble Beach, I witnessed six of the seven iconic Pebble Beach Road Races, from 1951 to 1956, watching these magnificent machines thunder past. My early exposure, combined with the mentorship of generous enthusiasts like I. W. “Steve” Stephenson—who owned his own 212 Vignale Berlinetta (s/n 0092E), a car also raced by Phil Hill and Arnold Stubbs in the 1952 Carrera Panamericana—ignited a lifelong passion for these vehicles. I still recall the thrilling, bone-jarring drives Steve and I shared over Pebble Beach’s rough roads in his Ferrari, experiencing firsthand the “stiff suspension!” that defined these early race cars.
My path to Ferrari ownership eventually led me to a stunning 212 Export Barchetta of my own, s/n 0158ED, in 1963. After initially putting a deposit on a new 250 GT Lusso, a chance encounter in a lower storage area of Charles Rezzaghi’s San Francisco shop changed everything. There, among other used Ferraris, sat a pristine 212 Export Barchetta, listed for $4,500. It was love at first sight. I switched my deposit, acquiring what turned out to be the last of only eight such cars constructed. This particular Barchetta had been meticulously restored by its owner, Chris Cord, grandson of the founder of Cord Automobile, to an almost impossibly perfect standard, earning it the affectionate nickname “L.A. to the Max” as perhaps the first “over-restored” Ferrari. While I eventually sold s/n 0158ED, I had the distinct pleasure of twice showcasing it at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in 1965 and ’66, receiving a red second-place ribbon in its first appearance. These personal experiences underscore not only the beauty and performance of these cars but also the deep emotional connection they foster, a sentiment that drives much of the Ferrari collector market in 2025.
The 2025 Perspective: Why s/n 0078E Still Matters
In the current luxury automotive heritage landscape of 2025, a car like Ferrari 212 Export s/n 0078E holds immense significance. Its journey from Le Mans tragedy to Tour de France triumph, its pivotal role in launching Phil Hill’s career, its relentless competition across America’s nascent road racing circuits, and its cherished preservation by passionate custodians like Sherman Wolf, all converge to make it an incredibly desirable asset.
Today, rare post-war Ferrari value is at an all-time high, driven by a confluence of factors: dwindling supply, increasing global wealth, and a growing appreciation for genuine racing provenance. Cars with verifiable history, linked to legendary drivers and iconic races, command premium prices at elite classic car brokerage houses and international auctions. The meticulous documentation, the stories, and the sheer exhilaration of these machines continue to captivate. A 212 Export Barchetta, with its classic Touring lines, potent V12 engine, and a competitive spirit that defied tragedy, represents the zenith of early Ferrari production.
The future of automotive heritage preservation focuses not just on static display, but on celebrating these machines in motion, as Sherman Wolf so passionately believed. Events like the Mille Miglia retrospective, the Tour Auto, and the Monterey Car Week continue to draw these automotive titans out, allowing new generations to witness their splendor and hear the glorious symphony of their engines. Owning such a vehicle is not merely an act of consumption; it’s an act of stewardship, an investment in a tangible piece of history that continues to appreciate both monetarily and culturally.
Your Invitation to Heritage
The story of Ferrari 212 Export s/n 0078E is a powerful reminder of a golden era in motorsport, a testament to courage, innovation, and enduring passion. If you’re considering entering the discerning world of Ferrari collector investment or seeking to deepen your appreciation for vintage sports car market analysis 2025, understanding the journeys of legends like the “Little Boat” is indispensable.
We invite you to explore the unparalleled history and investment potential of exceptional classic Ferraris. Connect with us to delve deeper into the stories that define automotive excellence and discover how these masterpieces can enrich your collection.
