 |
 |
 |
 |
The Ferrari 166 series cars of the late 1940s and very early 1950s got their name designation 166 from the cubic centimeters capacity from one of the 12 60 degree pistons in its Gioachino Colombo-designed engine. With 12 cylinders producing just 166cc displacement the Colombo V12 came out to be 1,995cc. This combination of body and engine produced top speeds of 130mph from 140bhp. This particular 166MM Barchetta (serial number 0050M) the MM signifies the Ferrari win of 1949 in the legendary, but grueling, Mille Miglia. Also of importance to the Ferrari name from 1949 was the win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A handful of 166s are called 166 Inter. Inter represents the Ferrari win in the 1947 International Grand Prix of Turin. The 166MM Barchetta shown here was present at the 1998 Ault Park Concours d'Elegance where Ferrari was the featured marque. This 166MM competed in the 1950 running of the French sportscar endurance race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Although this car retired from the event in 1950 Ferrari had amassed an impressive record in 1949 when it won both the Mille Miglia, 24 Hours of Le Mans and 30 other races out of 51 events entered. Rather impressive for such an upstart automobile maker but not surprising when one considers that for Enzo Ferrari racing was king and street cars secondary. |