Ferrari 166 MM Spider Zagato

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 166 MM Spider Zagato, chassis 018M, is a legendary model that not only carries the distinctive craftsmanship of Zagato but also has a remarkable racing history and an evolving story that spans decades. This car was born as one of the most notable variants of the Ferrari 166 MM, featuring the iconic “Panoramica” body designed by Zagato. The body transformation under the direction of Antonio Stagnoli took the Ferrari 166 MM in a fresh direction, blending sleek design with high performance. The decision to create a “barchetta” style was inspired by the performance-focused lines of contemporary Formula One cars. Its sleek, torpedo-like shape, combined with four individual mudguards, set it apart visually, giving it a racy and aerodynamic edge that aligned with its performance capabilities. In 1949, the car was first used in competition, driven by Antonio Stagnoli, who helped guide the car to several impressive results. It quickly established its reputation with a strong showing in the 1949 Circuito di Senigallia, where Stagnoli placed 3rd overall. As the year progressed, the 166 MM Zagato was seen in more competitive races, such as the Coppa InterEuropa at Monza in 1950, where it claimed 2nd overall and 1st in the 2.0-litre class, cementing the car’s racing pedigree. The car went on to claim more victories in subsequent hill climbs and races. In May 1950, it dominated the Parma-Poggio di Berceto hillclimb, and in June of that year, it finished 2nd overall in the Notturne della Caracalla in Rome. These wins were a testament to the car’s exceptional performance and were key in developing Ferrari’s racing image. The design’s effectiveness was clear as it excelled in events like the Aosta-Gran San Bernardo hillclimb and the Coppa Adriatica in 1950. Perhaps one of the car’s most significant achievements was in the 1951 season, when it claimed the prestigious Coppa d’Oro di Sicilia in Siracusa, and won multiple other hillclimbs, including the Varese-Campo dei Fiori and Bolzano-Mendola. The 166 MM Zagato demonstrated its true racing potential, and it became a respected contender on both the hillclimb and circuit racing scenes, thanks to its lightweight design, powerful engine, and aerodynamic refinement. However, as time passed, the 166 MM Spider Zagato continued to evolve. After racing, the car was rebodied as a Zagato Spyder in 1950, further reinforcing its connection to the renowned Italian coachbuilder. In the early 1950s, the car’s ownership transferred to Yvonne Simon, who continued to race the Ferrari, bringing it into the French racing scene. Her participation in races like the Grand Prix of Reims and the Gran Criterium Vettura Sport in Bari only added to the car’s rich competitive history. Despite its racing prowess, the car’s life after the racing circuits became less documented. It eventually fell into disrepair, with reports suggesting it had been in a very rough condition by the late 1960s, retaining only the original frame, engine, and suspension, while its bodywork was in poor shape. By the 1990s, it was located in France, where it remained until its story faded into obscurity.