Italy vs Italy — 1953 vs 1948
| Aurelia B24 Spider | 166 Inter Touring Barchetta | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 118 hp | 110 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 108 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,451 cc | 1,995 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | — |
| Weight | 2,381 lbs | 1,874 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,420 mm |
| Length | 4,370 mm | 3,900 mm |
| Units Produced | 761 | 37 |
| Original MSRP | $5,500 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $600,000 | $8,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
The 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Barchetta emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering higher top speed, lighter weight, greater rarity. The 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Among Grand Tourer enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider and 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Barchetta is one for the ages. These Post-war machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider producing 118 hp and the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Barchetta delivering 110 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Aurelia uses a V6 OHV displacing 2,451 cc, while the Ferrari 166 Inter relies on a V12 SOHC with 1,995 cc. The 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Barchetta claims a higher top speed at 118 mph compared to 115 mph. The Ferrari 166 Inter carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 507 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 37 units built, the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Barchetta is considerably scarcer than the Lancia Aurelia's 761 examples. On the collector market, the 1948 Ferrari 166 Inter Touring Barchetta commands a significant premium over the 1953 Lancia Aurelia B24 Spider, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.