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The Ferrari 166 MM Uovo by Marzotto.
The Ferrari 166 MM Uovo represents the ingenuity and passion of the Marzotto brothers, particularly Umberto and Giannino Marzotto, who left an indelible mark on automotive history through their remarkable creation. Commissioned by Umberto Marzotto and completed by the Ferrari factory in 1950, the 166 MM Uovo quickly became a symbol of innovation and performance in the racing world. Following its initial outing at the Targa Florio, where it encountered mechanical issues, the 166 MM Uovo underwent extensive reconstruction at Ferrari, setting the stage for its remarkable journey in the years to come. Giannino Marzotto, driven by a desire for enhanced performance, envisioned a radical redesign of the car’s bodywork to optimize aerodynamics and reduce weight. Collaborating with Carrozzeria Fontana of Padova and sculptor Franco Reggiani, Giannino oversaw the creation of a streamlined body, aptly nicknamed “Uovo” for its distinctive egg-like shape. Inspired by Reggiani’s background in aeronautical design, the Uovo featured a unique construction, with a tubular structure bonded with Peraluman plates, resulting in a lightweight yet rigid frame. The Uovo’s aerodynamic design, coupled with its innovative features such as twin shock absorbers and Formula 2 brakes, positioned it as a formidable contender on the racing circuit. Equipped with a powerful engine and a sizable gas tank, the Uovo boasted impressive speed and endurance, making it a force to be reckoned with. Despite encountering setbacks in races like the Giro di Sicilia and the Mille Miglia, where tire problems forced its retirement, the Uovo showcased remarkable potential, consistently challenging works cars and securing victories in events like the Giro della Toscana. Giannino’s vision and determination propelled the Uovo to success, solidifying its status as an icon of automotive innovation and performance. While its European racing career eventually came to an end in 1952, the legacy of the Ferrari 166 MM Uovo endures as a testament to the Marzotto brothers’ unwavering commitment to excellence and their enduring impact on motorsport history.
At the end of 1937, at the Milan Motor Show, Carrozzeria Castagna had exhibited a Vistotal cabriolet which featured a windshield which was erected from the dashboard without any side posts. This revolutionary system born beyond the Alps was called “Vutotal”.
There are in the history of companies, just as in the history of nations, certain fateful episodes, which have an influence on the course of events well in excess of their actual importance. Chrysler’s request to Ghia to build for them, to their design, a special body on a Plymouth chassis, is one of these episodes.
Giannino Marzotto was one of the Marzotto family’s heirs, a well know family of entrepreneurs in the textile industry; Enzo Ferrari’s friend and great…
