Ferrari 166 S Berlinetta Allemano

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 166 S Berlinetta Allemano chassis 003S is an iconic model in Ferrari’s early racing history, known for its remarkable performance in the Mille Miglia and other prestigious races during the late 1940s and early 1950s. The 166 S Berlinetta chassis 003S, bodied by Allemano and painted in red with a 2-carburetor Weber 32 DCF setup, was initially delivered in 1948. This car quickly proved itself in competition, achieving a notable victory in the 1948 Mille Miglia. Driven by Clemente Biondetti and Giuseppe Navone, 003S clinched first place overall and first in the S+2.0 class, recording an average speed of 121.227 km/h over the course of the grueling race. This success firmly established the car’s reputation and Ferrari’s dominance in endurance racing. Following this triumph, the car continued to make a name for itself in various races that year, including a victory in the GP Stockholm at Sharpnäck in May 1948, and a second-place finish in the Bolzano-Mendola hill climb in July of that same year. Unfortunately, the car was not without incident. In July 1948, it was involved in a crash at the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti, and it suffered a further crash in the Coppa Gallenga hill climb in November, both events forcing it to retire from the race. In 1949, the car was repainted grey, but it continued to have mixed results, with several retirements due to accidents and mechanical issues. Despite this, the car had a strong showing in races such as the Mille Miglia, where it finished in a less favorable position, and the Coppa InterEuropa at Monza, where it earned a second-place finish. After further accidents and mechanical troubles, the car underwent significant repairs. It was completely rebuilt by Carrozzeria Colli in Milan and repainted in a dark red color. This extensive restoration allowed the car to return to the track under the ownership of Luigi Musso, another prominent Ferrari driver. Despite this, the car’s racing days were numbered. It was involved in another crash, after which it was eventually scrapped. However, its engine and gearbox were salvaged and later integrated into other Ferrari chassis, including chassis 0205EL. The history of chassis 003S is one of both triumph and misfortune, marking an important chapter in Ferrari’s early racing years. In the 1990s, the car’s engine was again offered for sale, with a connection to both chassis 0205EL and the later 0048M. Its restoration and the ongoing fascination with Ferrari’s early competition cars ensure that the legacy of the 166 S Berlinetta Allemano chassis 003S continues to live on as an important part of Ferrari’s storied history.