Mille Miglia 2019

Completed in 1953, 0146E was the only 166 to be clothed by Pininfarina. As one of the later 166 cars built, it benefitted from a host of upgrades over the earlier cars. 6-port cylinder heads and three, quad-choke downdraught Weber 32 IF/4C carburettors. Adding to these, roller cam followers as trialled on the Lampredi-designed ‘long-block’ V12 meant for a reinvigorated ‘Colombo’ unit that would now rev to 7200rpm. Heavily involved in motorsport from its start, in its year of delivery it would compete in round five of the World Championship for Sports Cars at the ADAC Nurburgring 1000km race and later the Tour Belgique and Tulip Rally.

Fast forward 49 years to 2002 and DK became aware of the car in Florida, available for sale but in need of a total restoration. Largely original and complete, the car was acquired and exported to the UK at which point we embarked on a comprehensive restoration.

Completed in early 2005 to an exacting standard, the car passed to a Dutch collector via DK who retained the car until late 2018 when repurchased by DK. Rarely seen in public in this time, we sold the car to its current owner at the start of 2019.

The current owner had sought an early Ferrari to take part in the infamous Mille Miglia. The infamous 1,000 mile road race from Brescia to Rome and back, a test of both cars and drivers alike. This year, the 37th re-enactment of the race saw 430 cars including 0146E take to the Spring roads of Italy and battle for four days to be the first across the line. Unrivalled by other events, the Mille Miglia sees crowds in their thousands, young and old brave the weather to wave and enthuse the drivers.

Testament to the quality of its restoration and to the devotion of the current owner the car placed 132nd overall with no major hiccups despite 30 degree heat and a day of downpours. As a fitting testament to the cars qualities, it was voted Classic Driver’s ultimate choice for the event; quite the accolade!