GLÓRIAS presents
The First Ferrari
An Iconic Piece of Ferrari Memorabilia
Can Be Yours
Enzo Ferrari, marketing the first Ferraris.
Enzo Ferrari attends to an early customer in two historic letters.
If you would like to acquire this set, write to us
In 1948, Ferrari was still in its infancy as an independent car manufacturer. The company had been founded only a year earlier, in 1947, by Enzo Ferrari, following his departure from Alfa Romeo.
At this time, Ferrari was operating out of a modest workshop in Modena, producing its earliest racing and road-going models almost entirely by hand. The 125 S, Ferrari’s very first car, had already competed in races, laying the foundation for the brand’s future in motorsport.
In 1948, Ferrari introduced the 166 Inter, the company’s first grand tourer designed for private clients — marking the beginning of Ferrari’s transition from a pure racing team to a manufacturer of exclusive, high-performance sports cars. Though still unknown to the wider public, Ferrari was already building a reputation among elite drivers and passionate enthusiasts.
A must-have piece for any Ferrari signed collection.
Two letters from Enzo Ferrari to one of his first clients, in 1948.
Reproduction is prohibited without prior authorization.
I am replying with some delay to your letter from last month,
as I have been busy preparing for the XV Mille Miglia.
Enzo Ferrari
Modena, March 11, 1948
Ferrari’s First Letterhead with the Prancing Horse
The Prancing Horse emblem, known as the Cavallino Rampante, was originally the personal symbol of Italian World War I fighter pilot Francesco Baracca, who painted it on the fuselage of his plane.
In 1923, following a race victory at the Savio circuit, Enzo met Countess Paolina Baracca, who encouraged him to use the emblem on his cars as a symbol of good luck.
Ferrari added the yellow background — the color of his hometown, Modena — and the iconic logo was officially born. It would go on to become one of the most recognizable symbols in automotive history.
This piece is a truly unique Ferrari collectible item.
Your proposal is of interest to me. However, in order to specify the necessary conditions,
I would need to know in what form you intend to export the car from Italy:
temporarily for participation in sporting events, or permanently for personal use.
Enzo Ferrari
Modena, March 11, 1948
The subject of the letters: the first Ferrari ever sold to the public
The Ferrari 166 Inter was the first road car ever sold by Ferrari, marking the brand’s debut in grand touring. Rare and handcrafted, it is legendary among collectors for its elegance, V12 performance, and historical importance as the car that began Ferrari’s journey beyond the racetrack.
To our knowledge, no other Ferrari letter ever presented on the market has mentioned the Ferrari 166 Inter — making this correspondence a fantastic Ferrari memorabilia.
In the meantime,
could you also let me know the type of bodywork you are interested in,
or whether you would prefer to receive just the chassis of the car?
Enzo Ferrari
Modena, March 11, 1948
Enzo busy preparing for the legendary XV Mille Miglia race
The Mille Miglia was a legendary open-road endurance race held in Italy from 1927 to 1957, covering roughly 1,000 miles (hence the name, “Mille Miglia”). It was known for its thrilling route through cities, countryside, and mountain roads, attracting the world’s top drivers and carmakers.
The XV Mille Miglia, held in 1948, was particularly special: it was one of the first major races after World War II and marked Ferrari’s first official victory in the event, with Clemente Biondetti and Giuseppe Navone driving a Ferrari 166 S to triumph.
This win solidified Ferrari’s reputation in the racing world and made the 1948 edition a historic milestone for the brand.
This is one of the many reasons these Enzo Ferrari signatures are so special.
We can offer you a Ferrari 166 Inter Lando, which is a racing car in the international sports category.
This vehicle is equipped with a 2.5-liter V12 engine, developing 165 horsepower.
It is capable of reaching a top speed of 250 km/h.
Enzo Ferrari
Modena, March 20, 1948
Two of the earliest known letters signed by Enzo Ferrari as head of Ferrari
The year 1948 was a turning point for Ferrari as it marked the brand’s emergence as a serious contender in both racing and road car production.
At that time, Ferrari’s main competitors included established giants like Alfa Romeo, Maserati, and Lancia — brands with strong racing pedigrees and far more resources. Beating them at the XV Mille Miglia marked the beginning of the Ferrari legend.
The car is ready for delivery, and the price is 6,250,000 Italian lire.
Enzo Ferrari
Modena, March 20, 1948
Enzo Ferrari’s signature, twice
Enzo Ferrari’s signature is a powerful symbol of automotive history, instantly recognizable to collectors and enthusiasts alike. Characterized by a fluid, elegant script with strong, confident strokes, it reflects the personality of the man himself — bold, visionary, and refined. His distinctive way of writing the “F” in Ferrari, with a sweeping curve and assertive finish, is particularly notable.
Another hallmark is the use of distinctive blue ink, often seen in his early correspondence, which adds an additional layer of authenticity and charm.
Genuine Enzo Ferrari signatures are highly sought after, especially on official Ferrari letterhead. Having it appear not once, but twice on original correspondence from 1948 — at the very beginning of the Ferrari legend — adds immense historical and collectible value.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity
Rarity
Letters from Ferrari’s earliest days are virtually impossible to find.
Content
Enzo Ferrari personally selling the 166 Inter, Ferrari’s first road car, is incredible.
Provenance
Perfect, directly from the Polledry family.
These two letters are available for purchase
USD 25.000
This is a unique opportunity to acquire the most significant piece of Ferrari memorabilia of its time. There will be only one winner, one owner.
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