Chassis Number: 0308M
It was the Tipo 166, introduced in 1948 as a replacement for the 125 S, that first established Enzo Ferrari’s Modenese workshop as a leading manufacturer of racing cars. Powered by a 2-liter, Colombo-designed V12 engine, the 166 set forward a course of development that would define the look, sound and inimitable character of Ferrari automobiles for years to come. While the earliest 166 Sports and Spider Corsas were raced with success, the 166 Mille Miglia — or MM — completely dominated sports-car racing during the late 1940s and early 1950s. In fact, the Ferrari 166 MM is the only car to win all three of the great European sports-car races in the post-war era — the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Targa Florio and the Mille Miglia. Between 1949 and 1951, Ferrari built approximately 33 examples of the 166 MM, the majority bodied by Carrozzeria Touring with Barchetta or Le Mans Berlinetta coachwork. In 1953, Ferrari built a limited series of 13 chassis called the 166 MM/53. Intended for private customers to enter in the popular under-2-liter class, these cars featured various improvements to the original 166 MM chassis and running gear. The 2-liter, 12-cylinder engine, which benefited from upgraded roller-cam followers and three four-choke Weber carburetors, now produced as much as 160 horsepower, a gain of 10–20 over the original 166 MM. Presented here is a fascinating example of this rare Ferrari competition model, which raced throughout Europe during its earliest years and has been treasured by its current enthusiast owner since 1960.
