The Tipo 166 introduced Ferrari's first V12 engine of 1,995cc, each cylinder being 166cc, hence the name of the model. This engine was developed out of the the Tipo 125 (1,497cc) and Tipo 159 (1,902cc). Ferrari announced both Sport and Formula Two versions of the Tipo 166 in 1948. The Tipo 166 won the 1948 Giro di Sicilia and the 1948 Mille Miglia and the 1949 24 Heures du Man. The V12 engine was engineered in part by Gioachino Colombo and then completed by Aurelio Lampredi. Giuseppe Busso was in charge of developing the Tipo 166, and his mission was to build a car that had two characters, the race car typical of Ferrari and also a road-going version for customers. Gilco built the chassis and bodies were supplied by Allemano, Ghia, Touring, Vignale and Zagato. The road going Ferrari 166 Inter were replaced after 38 had been produced by the 2.3-litre 195, and in 1951 the Ferrari 212 was announced.
Ferrari Tipo 166 Mille Miglia 1953 - badge on bonnet
Ferrari Tipo 166 Mille Miglia 1953. At 1,997cc the Ferrari 166 had a cylinder displacement of 166cc, giving it the name. Both Colombo and Lampredi had contributed to the design of the V12 engine. A single or a triple Weber was used, giving up to 110bhp depending on tune.
Ferrari Tipo 166 Mille Miglia 1953 Mille Miglia 1953. At 1,997cc the Ferrari 166 had a cylinder displacement of 166cc, giving it the name. Both Colombo and Lampredi had contributed to the design of the V12 engine.
Ferrari Tipo 166 Mille Miglia 1953 Mille Miglia 1953. Ferrari produced the Tipo 166 in two models, this shorter Mille Miglia or a longer 166 Inter for road use. Whilst many bodies were by Touring, those by Alfredo Vignale were popular and he did good business with Ferrari for the next few years.
Ferrari Tipo 166 Mille Miglia 1953 - interior
Ferrari Type 166 1953. 1992cc V12. Alloy Barchetta body by Carrozzeria Vignale
Ferrari Type 166 Mille Miglia 1953 - portholes on front wing
