Ferrari 166 S

1946 Ferrari 166 SC
Manufacturer:	Ferrari
Class	front-engined sports car
Production	1948 – 1950 39 produced
Predecessor	Ferrari 159 S
Successor	Ferrari 195 S
Body style	Berlinetta, Spyder
Engine	2.0 L Colombo V12
Dino Ferrari's 166MM Prototype

See also the 166 Inter GT car and 166 F2 Formula 2 racing car

The Ferrari 166 S was an evolution of the 125 S sports race car that became a sports car for the street in the form of the 166 Inter. It shared its Aurelio Lampredi-designed tube frame and double wishbone/live axle suspension with the 125. Like the 125, the wheelbase was 2420 mm long. 39 examples were produced from its introduction at the Turin Motor Show in 1948 to its retirement in 1950. It was replaced by the 2.3 L 195 S in 1950. 166 S competition models were generally coachbuilt by Carrozzeria Allemano.

The 1.5 L Gioacchino Colombo-designed V12 engine of the 125 was changed, however, with single overhead camshafts specified and a larger 2.0 L (1995 cc/121 in³) displacement. This was achieved with both a bore and stroke increase, to 60 by 58.8 mm respectively. Output was 110 to 140 hp (82 to 104 kW) at 6,000 rpm with one to three carburettors.

Motor Trend Classic named the 166MM Barchetta as number six in their list of the ten "Greatest Ferraris of all time".

1946 Ferrari 166 SC race Colombo engine

1946 Ferrari 166 SC side

1946 Ferrari 166 SC cockpit

Examples

Nine 166 Spyder Corsas and three 166 Sports were built. The oldest Ferrari car with an undisputed pedigree still in existence is VIN#002C, a Model 166 Spyder Corsa which was originally a 159 and is currently owned and driven by James Glickenhaus. #0052M, a 1950 166 MM Touring Barchetta was recently uncovered in a barn and was shown in public for the first time since 1959 in the August 2006 issue of Cavallino magazine.

Racing

166 racing cars won Mille Miglia in both 1948 and 1949, driven by Clemente Biondetti and Giuseppe Navone the first year and Biondetti and Ettore Salani the next. A 166 chassis with the bigger 195 engine won that race again in 1950 with drivers Giannino Marzotto and Marco Crosara.

The car went on to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans (in the hands of Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon) and the Targa Florio (with Clemente Biondetti and Igor Troubetzkoy) that first year, the only car in history to win all three races. A 166 also won the Spa 24 hours in 1949.