Vignale: The Magical Image of Ferrari’s 166/195 Inter Convertible

Vignale Astonishes with Enchanting Image

In a remarkable turn of events, a rare Ferrari 166/195S Inter Convertible was discovered in a Florida warehouse during the early 1970s. This coveted vehicle, partially dismantled and burdened with storage fees, found its savior in the form of Otto Boden, a former FBI agent and esteemed attorney.

Boden, renowned for his passion for Ferraris, invested in restoring the vehicle to its former glory. A proud owner for an impressive period of 37 years, he relished in the exhilarating experience of driving this automotive gem.

In 2007, Boden relocated to Europe, embarking on a new venture within the skilled workshop of Mr. Antonio Constantini, a Ferrari specialist. Captivated by the opportunity to breathe new life into this masterpiece, the engine and electrical system received the expert touch of Jean Guicas, a French dealer. The exquisite 166/195S has since resided in Switzerland since 2014.

During the original production of the 166 Inter, esteemed coachbuilder Vignale of Turin, Italy contributed approximately 40 Ferrari bodies between 1950 and 1954. Vignale effortlessly crafted both lightweight racing cars and grand tourers, ensuring the public roads were graced with their impeccable designs.

Notably, Vignale’s racing car designs boasted optimal lightness, triumphing in the revered Mille Miglia race for three consecutive years. During the early days of Ferrari, it was common for vehicles to be solely comprised of a chassis, allowing the Moron region to display their creative prowess with customized bodies.

Founded in 1946, Vignale perfectly captured Ferrari’s wild and aggressive essence, resulting in an extensive and loyal customer base. Countless notable individuals, including esteemed actors Robert Taylor and William Holden, proudly owned Vignale-crafted gems.

Unparalleled Attention to Detail, Forging a Path with Originality

Despite being a relatively small establishment with around 40 employees, Vignale showcased an admirable ability to produce bodies with remarkable efficiency. Thanks to low labor costs and remarkable craftsmanship, what typically took months in other regions could be accomplished within weeks at Vignale.

Under the guidance of gifted designer Mr. Giovanni Michelotti, Vignale’s artisans shaped the body panels using mallets and sandbags. However, the precision of their work sometimes fell short, resulting in asymmetrical bodies. In certain instances, the length of doors varied by an astonishing 50mm between the right and left sides.

Nevertheless, the craftsmen skillfully rectified any imperfections in the hammered body panels, expertly smoothing and polishing them before attaching them to the tubular chassis using rivets and bolts.

This particular dark blue 166/195S showcases an aluminum body embraced by minimal adornments. Instead, it is the striking bright brown interior that immediately captivates. Regrettably, the front bumper and fog lights have been lost over time.

Nonetheless, the vehicle still retains notable original features such as the small taillights and retractable door handles, reflecting Vignale’s unwavering commitment to detail. The soft top neatly folds behind the seat, whilst the beauty of the vehicle remains intact even when closed. By horizontally tilting the left and right handles, one can effortlessly access the hidden 60L fuel tank nestled within the trunk lid.

It is worth noting that, at one point, white racing stripes adorned the bonnet and trunk lid; however, they have since been removed during a recent restoration. Ultimately, this alteration has significantly enhanced the vehicle’s overall aesthetic.

For a stunning visual representation, please refer to the below images showcasing the Michelotti Convertible Ferrari 166/195S Intercontemporary Model and the awe-inspiring 250 GTE.

Vignale gave a magical image

In the early 1970s, an Inter Convertible Ferrari 166/195S was found in a warehouse in Florida. When it was put up for auction, partially dismantled, including storage fees, it was won by former FBI agent and attorney Otto Boden.

Boden is a well-known Ferrari collector who restored it to running condition. He owned it for 37 years and seems to have enjoyed running it well.

Ferrari 166/195 Inter Convertible (1951/European spec)

In 2007, he moved to Europe to work in the workshop of Mr Antonio Constantini, a craftsman who specializes in Ferraris. The engine and electrical system have been refurbished and bought by Mr. Jean Guicas, who has a dealer in France. Since 2014 the 166/195S has spent time in Switzerland.

Back in the days when the original 166 Inter was made, Vignale of Turin, Italy produced around 40 Ferrari bodies between 1950 and 1954. It produced a lightweight racing car and a grand tourer for public roads in equal measure.

In particular, the Vignale bodied racing car is lightweight, and has won the Mille Miglia race for three consecutive years. It was not uncommon for early Ferraris to be chassis only, and it was common to have a body exclusive to the Moron area.

Vignale, founded in 1946, is good at giving Ferrari a wild and aggressive image, and has won the support of many customers. Stars such as actors Robert Taylor and William Holden have also been named as owners.

Attention to detail without using existing parts

Although Vignale was small with around 40 employees, it was able to produce bodies quickly. Labor costs were not high, and it was said that the work that took several months in other Morotai areas was completed in a few weeks.

Based on design sketches drawn up by Mr. Giovanni Michelotti, craftsmen hammered the body panels with mallets and sandbags. However, the accuracy of the work was not high, and the body was not symmetrical. In some cases, the length of the door varies by 50mm between the right and left side.

Ferrari 166/195 Inter Convertible (1951/European spec)

The undulations of the hammered body panels were leveled with putty, polished and smoothed. It was mounted on the tubular chassis with rivets and bolts.

The aluminum body of this dark blue 166/195S has very few frills. Instead, the bright brown interior really stands out. The front bumper and fog lights have now been lost.

Still, things like the small taillights and retractable door handles are still original. Vignale was obsessed with detail. As far as possible, we tried to avoid using existing parts.

The soft top folds behind the seat. The space above is small, but the beauty does not change even when it is closed. The trunk lid can be opened by tilting the left and right handles horizontally. A 60L fuel tank is hidden inside.

It appears that there was a time when white racing stripes were applied to the bonnet and trunk lid, but these have been removed in a recent restoration. Much better without it.

An early Ferrari unit designed by Colombo

Michelotti Convertible Ferrari 166/195S Intercontemporary Model and 250 GTE image all 139 photos

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