Description
The Ferrari 166 Inter Coupé by Touring is one of the earliest and most historically significant Ferrari road cars, representing the brand’s first steps from pure motorsport into the world of grand touring automobiles. Introduced in 1948 and built through the early 1950s, the 166 Inter was based on the successful 166 Sport models that had already proven dominant in racing, including victories at events like the Mille Miglia and the Targa Florio. The Inter was conceived as a more civilized, road-oriented variant, combining Ferrari’s competition pedigree with elegant coachbuilt styling and everyday usability.
The 166 Inter was powered by the 2.0-liter (1995 cc) Colombo V12 engine, designed by Gioachino Colombo. In road-going form, this engine produced approximately 90 to 110 horsepower, depending on the tuning and carburetion setup. Though modest by modern standards, the engine’s smoothness, flexibility, and character gave the car a refined and eager personality. It was typically paired with a five-speed manual gearbox, allowing for spirited driving and competitive performance in its time.
The chassis was a tubular steel frame with independent front suspension using transverse leaf springs and a live rear axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs. With a relatively short wheelbase and lightweight construction, the car was nimble and responsive, qualities inherited from its racing predecessors.
The coachwork of the 166 Inter Coupé by Touring of Milan was a showcase of mid-century Italian design elegance. Using their patented Superleggera technique—a lightweight tubular frame covered in thin aluminum panels—Touring crafted bodies that were sleek, refined, and aerodynamically advanced for the era. The design featured a long hood, flowing fenders, a gently curved roofline, and a neatly tapered rear. The overall impression was of understated sophistication, setting the tone for the future of Ferrari’s road cars.
Inside, the car was tastefully trimmed, with leather seats, simple but stylish instrumentation, and fine detailing. Unlike the stripped-down race cars that Ferrari had built to this point, the 166 Inter offered comfort and finish suitable for long-distance touring, albeit in a minimalist form compared to later GTs.
Production of the Ferrari 166 Inter was extremely limited. Fewer than 40 chassis were built, and Touring bodied a small number of them as coupés. Each example was unique, often tailored to the preferences of the original customer, making these cars highly individual and collectible today.
The Ferrari 166 Inter Coupé Touring holds an important place in the history of the marque. It was the first Ferrari to wear the “Inter” name, denoting international use and appeal, and it marked the beginning of Ferrari’s tradition of combining performance with elegance in road-going form. As one of the earliest examples of a true Ferrari grand tourer, it remains a rare and revered symbol of the company’s earliest ambitions and enduring legacy.