The first two Ferraris to touch American soil at the 35th Palm Beach Cavallino Classic!
This landmark Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, celebrating 35 Years of Love for Ferrari, adds extra sparkle with the presentation of two extraordinary automobiles that trace the Prancing Horse’s earliest steps on American soil and its racing dominance. For the first time ever, the first two Ferraris imported into the United States will be exhibited side by side.
Leading the story is America’s first Ferrari, the 166 MM Touring Barchetta s/n 0002M, which arrived on January 31, 1949, after crossing the Atlantic aboard the Vulcania, before being flown from New York to Burbank. Built in late 1948 as a prototype, it uniquely featured a full lusso interior and windscreen wipers, details later removed from subsequent Barchettas. Shown at the Turin and Paris Salons, it was later sold by Luigi Chinetti to Tommy Lee of Hillcrest Motors.
Chinetti had already ignited Ferrari fever with the marque’s first endurance-race victory at the 12 Hours of Montlhéry in 1948, driving solo in the 166 Spyder Corsa s/n 0016 I, the second Ferrari to reach the United States. Imported in 1949 by Briggs Cunningham, it was also the first Ferrari ever raced in the U.S., at Bridgehampton, in June 1949. One year later, the same car secured Ferrari’s first American victory at the Suffolk County Airport Race in May 1950. In 2014, the 166 Spyder Corsa was awarded Best of Show Competition at the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic.
Palm Beach Cavallino Classic 2026 is pleased to announce a partnership with Art Palm Beach, the premier mid-winter contemporary art fair in South Florida, running from January 28 to February 1, 2026, at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. This prestigious show features international galleries, modern masters, emerging talent, and special installations. A key event during Palm Beach's peak season, Art Palm Beach showcases painting, sculpture, photography, and multimedia art with curated talks and artist activations.
The pairing of Art Palm Beach and the Palm Beach Cavallino Classic brings together two unique and exciting worlds that share a similar audience. An audience that is dedicated to the pursuit of beauty in design and technical excellence along with the personal, emotional resonance collecting provides.
Palm Beach Cavallino Classic will be on-site with a dedicated car display at the front of the Art Palm Beach Show Convention Center entrance. Tickets to Art Palm Beach can be purchased on the show website.
Join the show on Opening Night for VIP access all weekend. Stop by to say hello, and snap a selfie in front of one of the most beautiful vintage Ferraris ever built!