Description
The Ferrari 166 F2 was introduced in 1948 as Ferrari’s dedicated Formula Two racing car, designed to compete under the new 2.0-liter regulations that governed much of postwar Grand Prix racing. It followed directly from the Ferrari 125 F1, which had been Ferrari’s very first single-seater, and it reflected the rapid development and refinement that Enzo Ferrari’s fledgling company was undertaking during its earliest years. With the 166 F2, Ferrari began to establish itself as a serious contender on the international racing stage, laying the groundwork for the dominance it would enjoy in the 1950s.
Powering the 166 F2 was a 2.0-liter Colombo-designed V12 engine, essentially an enlarged version of the unit used in the earlier 125. This engine produced around 150 to 160 horsepower at 7,000 rpm, modest by later Formula standards but competitive at the time. It retained the smoothness and balance of Ferrari’s V12 philosophy, while offering greater torque and reliability than the supercharged 1.5-liter V12 of the 125 F1. The engine was paired with a simple but effective 5-speed manual gearbox.
The chassis consisted of a tubular steel spaceframe with independent front suspension by double wishbones and transverse leaf springs, while the rear used a live axle with semi-elliptical springs. Drum brakes on all four wheels provided stopping power, and the car weighed in at approximately 560 kilograms. The bodywork followed the traditional slim, cigar-shaped style of the era, with exposed wheels and a low, functional profile. Its design emphasized simplicity and efficiency, making it easier to maintain and adapt for different circuits.
The Ferrari 166 F2 quickly made a strong impact in competition. Driven by notable names such as Alberto Ascari, Luigi Villoresi, and Raymond Sommer, the car secured victories in important Formula Two races across Europe. Ascari in particular used the 166 F2 to great effect, becoming closely associated with Ferrari during this period. These successes not only built Ferrari’s reputation but also gave the company vital experience in both engineering and team management, skills that would prove crucial when the official Formula One World Championship began in 1950.
Although the 166 F2 never competed in World Championship events, as Formula Two had not yet been incorporated into the Grand Prix calendar, it was a cornerstone of Ferrari’s racing development. Its performance against established rivals such as Maserati and Alfa Romeo demonstrated that Ferrari could compete at the highest levels, and its success helped attract both talented drivers and loyal supporters to the young Scuderia.
Today, the Ferrari 166 F2 is remembered as one of the foundational models in Ferrari’s single-seater history. It may not have had the headline-grabbing victories of later championship-winning cars, but it represented a critical step in Ferrari’s rise from a newcomer to a dominant force in open-wheel racing. As such, the 166 F2 holds a special place in the marque’s heritage, embodying the ambition and determination of Ferrari’s early years.