The “Little Boat” That Conquered Continents: Tracing the Enduring Legacy of Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta s/n 0078E
From the legendary race circuits of mid-century Europe to the sun-drenched coastal roads of California, one particular Ferrari, chassis number 0078E, etched its name into automotive history. Affectionately known as a “Barchetta” – Italian for “little boat,” a moniker inspired by its exquisite Touring coachwork – this 1951 Ferrari 212 Export is more than just a rare classic; it’s a living testament to an era of unbridled passion, groundbreaking engineering, and the sheer audacity of racing pioneers. As we look ahead to 2025, the Ferrari collector market continues its robust appreciation for vehicles of such profound provenance, solidifying their status as premier luxury automotive investment opportunities and cherished pieces of automotive heritage preservation.
Having spent over a decade deeply immersed in the world of vintage racing heritage and collectible sports cars, I’ve witnessed firsthand the magnetic pull of machines like s/n 0078E. This isn’t just about a fast car; it’s about the stories embedded in its aluminum skin, the triumphs and tragedies that shaped its legend, and its undeniable impact on the careers of drivers who would become motorsport icons.
A European Genesis: From Mille Miglia Dominance to Le Mans Drama
The lineage of our featured Barchetta begins with the groundbreaking Ferrari 166 S, a car that famously claimed victory at the 1948 Mille Miglia. Its successor, the 166 MM, unveiled the following year, refined the formula. Built on a shorter wheelbase and sporting an updated, more powerful engine, the 166 MM truly shone with its stunning new bodywork by Carrozzeria Touring. This streamlined, open-top design immediately captivated the Italian press, earning it the endearing “barchetta” nickname that would stick for generations.
The 2-liter Barchettas quickly became a formidable force in European sports car racing, sweeping the Mille Miglia, Le Mans, and the 24 Hours of Spa in 1949. The momentum continued into 1950, with a larger-engined 195 Barchetta again conquering the Mille Miglia. By 1951, the 195 engine evolved into the 212, and the Barchetta body style persisted, leading to the creation of the 212 Export – of which s/n 0078E is a prime example. These early Ferraris set the stage for the marque’s enduring mystique, establishing a legacy of performance that continues to fuel the Ferrari appreciation trends we observe today.
Chassis 0078E’s competitive journey began under a dark cloud at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 23-24, 1951. Painted white and bearing race number 30, it was piloted by its first owner, Jacques La Riviere, alongside co-driver Andre de Guetti. The start of any Le Mans race is an electrifying moment, but for s/n 0078E, it quickly turned tragic. On only the fifth lap, while navigating the treacherous Tertre Rouge turn that funnels onto the colossal Mulsanne Straight, La Riviere lost control. The car struck a barbed wire fence with horrific consequences, resulting in La Riviere’s immediate death. It was a stark reminder of the immense dangers faced by drivers in that golden, yet brutal, era of motorsport. This harrowing incident, though a somber chapter, is an indelible part of the Ferrari s/n 0078E history, underscoring the raw, unfiltered courage of its early competitors.
Redemption on the Open Roads: The Tour de France Auto Triumph
Despite its somber debut, s/n 0078E’s racing story was far from over. Its next challenge was the inaugural post-war running of the Tour de France Auto, a formidable 14-day race-rally held from August 30 to September 12. Transformed for this epic journey, the Barchetta now sported a striking medium French blue livery, equipped with a full windshield and a folding soft top – practicalities for the diverse conditions it would face. Bearing race number 227, the 212 was entrusted to the skilled hands of Pierre “Pagnibon” Boncompagni and Alfred Barraquet.
The Tour de France Auto was a true test of endurance, blending high-speed circuit racing with arduous road sections across the country. Unlike its ill-fated Le Mans outing, this time, the “little boat” didn’t just survive; it thrived. Pagnibon and Barraquet masterfully navigated the challenges, crossing the finish line in a resounding first place overall. This victory was a profound redemption for s/n 0078E, showcasing its resilience and versatility, and firmly establishing its prowess beyond the dedicated circuit. Such a significant win at a demanding event like the Tour Auto only adds to the allure and investment value of this rare classic car.
The American Dream: Phil Hill and the Barchetta’s Transatlantic Journey
The Barchetta’s European triumphs soon caught the attention of Luigi Chinetti, the visionary American Ferrari importer. Chinetti recognized the car’s potential and, under his direction, s/n 0078E was returned to the factory in Maranello. Here, it underwent a crucial transformation: its single twin-choke Weber carburetor was swapped for a trio of twin-choke units. This wasn’t merely an upgrade; it was a conversion from touring specification to full-race trim, boosting its output from 150 hp to a more potent 170 hp or even higher. This modification was key to unlocking its ultimate performance.
It was in this revitalized form that Chinetti orchestrated the sale of s/n 0078E to a promising young American racer from Santa Monica, California: Phil Hill. This acquisition would mark the beginning of Hill’s illustrious association with Ferrari, a partnership that would culminate in him becoming America’s first Formula One World Champion. For enthusiasts of Phil Hill Ferrari lore, s/n 0078E represents a foundational piece of his racing narrative.
However, a gentleman’s agreement temporarily sidelined Hill from immediately campaigning his new Ferrari. He had committed to racing Jaguar importer Charles Hornburg’s lightweight XK-120 LT-3. Hill, a man of unwavering integrity, famously stated, “You were either worth your personal word or were not.” True to his character, he honored his commitment, entrusting the 212 Barchetta to his close friend, Arnold Stubbs, for its initial American outings.
West Coast Battles: Pebble Beach and Golden Gate Park
On April 20, 1952, s/n 0078E made its American debut at the third annual Pebble Beach Road Races, still adorned in its medium French blue, now wearing race number 32. Stubbs entered the car in the prestigious Del Monte Trophy sprint, a 100-mile contest on the challenging six-turn, 2.1-mile circuit. The Barchetta performed admirably, securing a commendable second place behind Bill Pollack, driving Tom Carsten’s formidable Cadillac-Allard J2. Meanwhile, Phil Hill, battling an overheating Jaguar LT-3, finished a distant fifth. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone as the Jaguar and Ferrari sat side-by-side in adjoining pit boxes – Hill so close, yet so far, from his own potent machine. This moment is a fascinating footnote in the Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta race history.
Following Pebble Beach, Hill decided it was time for his Ferrari to wear its proper colors, commissioning a repaint in classic Rosso Corsa. He then entered the car in the inaugural Golden Gate Park Races in San Francisco, held on May 30-31. The 3.1-mile, eight-turn street circuit was a demanding venue, and the feature Guardsman’s Cup promised intense competition. The grid was packed with powerful American V8-powered Allards, potent XK-120 Jags, and an array of custom specials, all piloted by some of the era’s most talented drivers. Once again, the main contender was Bill Pollack in Carsten’s Cadillac-Allard J2, a car that had dominated the West Coast’s Over 1500-cc feature races.
Starting from 16th position due to its smaller 2.6-liter displacement compared to Pollack’s 6-liter Allard on pole, Hill faced an uphill battle. At the drop of the starter’s flag, the 275-hp Allard roared ahead. Hill, ever the strategist, made a smooth, clutch-conserving start, then began a calculated ascent through the field. His finesse with the lighter, more agile Ferrari allowed him to pick off the heavier, less nimble big-bore cars one by one. By the third lap of the 28-lap race, the Barchetta had surged to second place, hot on the heels of the Allard.
Hill relentlessly pressured Pollack, forcing the leader to conserve his rapidly overheating brakes. As the final lap commenced, the Ferrari was glued to the Allard’s tail – victory seemed within reach. But then, a cruel twist of fate: the Italian V12 suddenly began to run on only six cylinders. A dual ignition coil had vibrated loose from the firewall, eventually tangling with the steering mechanism. Hill, with a raw, rough-sounding engine, limped across the finish line, securing another second place behind Pollack. It was a profound disappointment for Hill, who had undeniably driven for an outright win but had to settle for a Class D/4 victory. These moments, showcasing both the incredible skill of drivers like Hill and the inherent mechanical fragility of early race cars, are what define vintage racing heritage.
Redemption at Torrey Pines: A Masterclass in Dominance
Hill’s next opportunity for outright victory came swiftly, with the second running of the races at Torrey Pines on July 20. Located on a former Army base just north of San Diego, the 2.7-mile circuit, nestled between the Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean in a hilly expanse now home to a championship golf course, was a challenging track. Unlike the SCCA-sponsored Pebble Beach and Golden Gate Park races, Torrey Pines was hosted by the California Sports Car Club (Cal Club), a rival Los Angeles-based organization known for its serious drivers and competitive machinery.
The feature Over 1500-cc race drew a star-studded field: Bill Pollack in Tony Parravano’s monstrous 4.1-liter 340 Vignale Coupe, Hill’s brother-in-law Don Parkinson in his lightweight Jaguar special, Chuck Manning in his Mercury special, and Hastings Harcourt driving an Oldsmobile-Allard. The grid was a symphony of American V8 powerhouses and rare European gems.
After my close friend Bob Doidge’s triumph in the Under 1500-cc race, guiding his Porsche 356 coupe to victory ahead of Hill in a borrowed MG TD, it was time for the main event: the 30-lap San Diego Cup. Back at the wheel of s/n 0078E, now proudly displaying race number 2, Hill started from the third row. With characteristic precision and speed, he quickly asserted his dominance, seizing the lead. What followed was a masterclass in consistent, relentless driving. Hill not only took the checkered flag but did so after having lapped the entire field – a spectacular redemption and a defining moment in the Phil Hill Ferrari legacy. This unequivocal victory underscored the potent combination of Hill’s talent and the Barchetta’s capabilities.
A New Chapter: The Barchetta’s Journey Continues
Always with an eye for exceptional talent, Luigi Chinetti wasted no time after Hill’s Torrey Pines triumph. He approached Hill with an offer to acquire a brand-new 3-liter 250 MM Vignale Spyder (s/n 0260MM), a car that would later grace the 1954 New York Auto Show. Hill accepted, deciding to part with s/n 0078E. He advertised the Barchetta for $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 issue.
In January 1953, the Barchetta found a new home with Howard Wheeler, who would continue its competitive career with enthusiasm. Over 1953 and 1954, Wheeler raced s/n 0078E fourteen times across California and Arizona, securing numerous class wins and podium finishes. This continuous active participation, even after leaving Hill’s stewardship, further burnished the car’s Ferrari racing history.
The Ferrari then embarked on a journey through several custodians over the next three decades, each adding to its rich tapestry of ownership. In 1986, it was acquired by Sherman Wolf, a name synonymous with serious Ferrari collecting. Wolf’s impressive collection already boasted the ex-Sterling Edwards 340 MM (winner of the 1954 Del Monte Trophy), a long-wheelbase alloy-bodied California Spyder, and a 500 TRC – a testament to his discerning taste and passion for the marque.
The Wolf Era: A Living Legend Preserved and Driven
Sherman Wolf was no mere collector; he was a true enthusiast who believed these magnificent machines were meant to be driven. He regularly entered his Ferraris, including s/n 0078E, in prestigious national and international rallies and tours. The Barchetta competed in the demanding Colorado Grand six times throughout the 1990s, graced the Tour de France Auto (the very event it won) three times, and participated in the legendary Mille Miglia retrospective four times. This commitment to active participation ensured that the Barchetta remained a living, breathing piece of history, far from being a “trailer queen.” This dedication to driving and demonstrating these prestigious vintage automobiles resonates deeply with the spirit of automotive heritage preservation.
Wolf’s passion extended to sharing the experience. He often encouraged co-drivers to take the wheel of s/n 0078E, patiently instructing them on the nuances of its five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox, ensuring its intricacies were mastered. A particularly poignant moment in its later life came at the 1994 Monterey Historic Races, where Phil Hill himself was reunited with his old Ferrari. Hill, ever the master, drove his former mount to victory, a truly special moment linking the car’s past glory with its continued relevance in the historic motorsport events circuit. Sherman Wolf passed away in 2012 at the age of 86, leaving an indelible mark on the world of collector Ferraris. His stewardship ensured s/n 0078E’s legacy remained vibrant and active.
My Personal Connection: A “Little Boat” of My Own
My own journey into the captivating world of classic Ferraris began much like many enthusiasts of my generation: through exposure to the magic of early West Coast racing. Thanks to my parents establishing a second home in Pebble Beach in 1951, I was incredibly fortunate to witness six of the seven original Pebble Beach Road Races, spanning from 1951 through 1956. The accompanying Concours d’Elegance, initially held on a practice tee, found its iconic home in ’52 at the 18th green fronting the Del Monte Lodge – a location it commands to this very day.
Beyond the spectacle, these events provided invaluable connections. I met numerous sporting enthusiasts in the area, one of whom profoundly influenced my nascent passion: I. W. “Steve” Stephenson. Steve, a generous spirit who became like an older brother to my then 14-year-old self, encouraged my interests in automobiles, sailing, flying, and photography. Over the years, Steve amassed an incredible collection of competition automobiles, including a Bugatti Type 35, HRGs, an OSCA, an MG TF, and 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 campaigned in the brutal 1952 Carrera Panamericana, finishing a remarkable sixth in that grueling five-day Mexican road race. I still vividly recall, as if it were yesterday, the exhilarating, bone-jarring drives Steve and I shared over those rough, crushed stone roads around Pebble Beach in the early and mid-1950s, experiencing firsthand the stiff suspension and raw power of these machines. It was an education far richer than any textbook.
By the early 1960s, I was ready to own a Ferrari myself. In 1963, I placed a $1,000 deposit for a new 250 GT Lusso with Charles Rezzaghi, who was importing Ferraris into San Francisco through Chinetti. Rezzaghi’s practice of inviting local enthusiasts to inspect newly arrived cars on the docks was a cherished tradition.
One memorable day, I joined Rezzaghi on a ship that had sailed through the Panama Canal. In the hull lay a half-dozen Lussos, mostly red, and he encouraged me to pick one. However, after we returned to Rezzaghi’s shop on Hyde Street, a stone’s throw from the iconic Buena Vista Cafe, my attention was captured by something extraordinary in a lower storage area: a pristine 212 Export Barchetta, for sale at $4,500.
It was, quite simply, love at first sight. Without hesitation, I switched my deposit to that Barchetta, chassis number 0158ED. It turned out to be the last of only eight such cars ever constructed, making it an incredibly significant find. The Ferrari had been meticulously restored by its owner, Chris Cord, grandson of the founder of Cord Automobile. The Barchetta had been “detailed” with multiple coats of hand-rubbed lacquer, representing what was likely one of the first truly “over-restored” Ferraris – a fact that earned it my personal nickname, “L.A. to the Max.” This personal story highlights the deep emotional connection many owners develop with these exotic classic cars.
I eventually sold s/n 0158ED a few years later, but not before twice having the immense pleasure of showing it at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, in 1965 and ’66. In its first showing, my Barchetta earned a red second-place ribbon, narrowly missing first to a magnificently restored 166 Barchetta. The values for these vehicles then were a fraction of what they are in the rare classic cars market 2025, yet the passion was just as intense.
The Enduring Allure in 2025: Investment, Art, and Legacy
Today, in 2025, the Ferrari 212 Export Barchetta, particularly one with the impeccable provenance of s/n 0078E, represents the pinnacle of collectible Ferrari ownership. Its journey from tragic Le Mans debut to Tour Auto triumph, its pivotal role in the career of a World Champion, and its enduring presence in major historic motorsport events worldwide elevate it far beyond mere transportation.
These vehicles are now regarded as mobile works of art, meticulously preserved artifacts of a bygone era, and tangible links to the very genesis of Ferrari’s racing legend. For discerning collectors and ultra-high net worth individuals, such a car is not merely a purchase; it’s an acquisition of history, an emotional connection to the golden age of motoring, and a shrewd automotive asset management decision. The Ferrari appreciation trends for these early, rare models show no signs of abating, making them exceptional long-term investment potential holdings.
The story of s/n 0078E reminds us that behind every chrome gleam and every roaring exhaust note lies a narrative woven with human endeavor, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of victory. It’s a narrative that continues to inspire, captivating new generations of enthusiasts and cementing the Barchetta’s status as an undisputed legend.
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