Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta

The Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta is a flagship model in Ferrari's early history, known for its racing success and role in establishing the brand as a global racing icon. It's a two-seater sports car that debuted in 1948 and is characterized by its open-top, "barchetta" (small boat) body style. It was typically built by Touring of Milan using their Superleggera method. 32 166 MM examples were built. Touring bodied 25 examples of the 166 in the open style that came to be known as the barchetta. The "MM" in its name refers to the Mille Miglia, a famous Italian road race where the 166 MM achieved notable victories. Two of the early 166 MM barchettas were entered by Ferrari at the 1949 Mille Miglia, and they finished a commanding 1-2.

The Ferrari sports-racer became the early blueprint for Maranello’s successful formula. The iconic 166 MM is the godfather of all the short-block–based competition cars that followed. Very rarely offered for sale, the 27th 166 MM example built appeared at RM Sotheby. As demonstrated by original factory build sheets, the chassis was equipped with Rudge wheel hubs and Houdaille shock absorbers, while the Colombo V-12 was originally fitted with a single Weber 36 DCF/1 carburetor. The icon failed to change hands on an $8m to $10m estimate.