Ferrari 166 MM Spider Vignale

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 166 MM Spider Vignale represents a significant milestone in Ferrari’s illustrious racing history. Known for its versatility and performance, the 166 MM, with its various iterations such as the S, Corsa, and Mille Miglia, became a beloved model both in Europe and the United States. Typically, Ferrari reserved odd serial numbers for road cars and even serial numbers for competition cars, highlighting the distinct purpose each vehicle was designed for. In 1953, Ferrari produced the final run of 13 166 MM chassis, designated with a /53 suffix. These cars featured updated specifications, including a 9.5:1 compression ratio and a trio of massive Weber 36 IF/40 carburetors, which increased the output to approximately 160 horsepower. Additionally, they were equipped with a 120-liter fuel tank for endurance racing, all while maintaining a weight below 1,800 pounds. These enhancements made the /53 variants the most potent versions of the 166 MM, making them highly sought after by collectors. The 166 MM earned its “Mille Miglia” moniker due to its success in the famous Italian endurance race, the Mille Miglia. On its home soil, the car captured the hearts of countless Italians and became a symbol of Ferrari’s racing prowess. In the USA, where the sports car racing scene was rapidly growing, wealthy gentleman drivers eagerly sought out “previously enjoyed” Ferrari 166s from Luigi Chinetti’s newly formed North American Ferrari distributorship. Despite its relatively low production numbers, the Ferrari 166 MM amassed an impressive tally of 88 victories between 1948 and 1955, cementing its status among the winningest competition cars of all time. This legacy of success, combined with the exclusivity and performance of the 166 MM Spider Vignale, ensures its enduring appeal and value in the world of classic car collecting. The body of the Ferrari 166 MM Spider Vignale was built by Vignale with a Giovanni Michelotti design.