Page 1 of 2 Next >> Ferrari's earliest production cars all shared common components that were first found on the Ferrari 125 S. Their exact specification and dimensions varied to create individual models. From 1948 two distinct model lines were available; the 166 MM and the 166 Inter. Although both names refer to famous race victories (the 1948 Mille Miglia and the Copa Intereuropa that same year), only the 166 MM was sold as a full racing car. With a milder engine and a longer wheelbase, the 'Inter' was considered a road car.
Both models sported a 2-litre version of the Gioacchino Colombo designed V12 engine. The 166 in the type name referred to the unitary displacement of the engine in 'cc'. The milder street spec used just one Weber Carburetor. This was sufficient to draw 115 bhp from the all-aluminium single overhead camshaft engine. By comparison, the triple Weber equipped 166 MM engine was good for around 140 bhp. The engine was mated to a five-speed gearbox that was also built in-house.
Ferrari's first chassis design was even more universally used in those early years as the engine. The chassis frame was constructed from two elliptical steel side-members with several cross-members for added rigidity. At the front the suspension consisted of double wishbones with a transverse leaf spring and hydraulic shock absorbers. The rear suspension was even more straightforward with a live-axle and longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs. As was inevitable in the day, braking was provided by hydraulic drums. Page 1 of 2 Next >>