1953 Ferrari 166 MM Spider

The fifth of 13 166 MMs built by Ferrari in early 1953, it has a chassis number 0272 M. The body is said to have been designed by Aurelio Lampredi and is believed to have been built by automaker Ferrari.

The 166 MM is easily recognised by its unique coachwork, the only 166 MM built in this style and made its first race at the 1953 Giro di Sicilia, followed by the Mille Miglia wearing race #514. Lovely continued to race at the 1954 Mille Miglia by Emmanuel de Graffenried and G. Parravicini, bearing #556.

Moreover, after being featured exclusively in the MGM film The Racers with Kirk Douglas as stuntmen at the wheel, the 166 frequent races for a period in Italy and on the U.S. West Coast, in addition to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1961, the numerous concours events, such as Le Belle Macchine d’Italia in Pennsylvania in 2011, winning Best of Show, as well as the Amelia Island and Greenwich Concours in 2017.

Thus, making it an ideal entrant for concours events or vintage racing.

As confirmed by marque historian Marcel Massini, the 166 MM “retains all of its original mechanical components, including the frame, engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box and all carburettors, all accounted for on copies of the factory build sheets.”

However, the car has also received modification such as “a complete engine rebuild, in terms of additional electronic ignition, upgraded alternator and auxiliary electric cooling fan, and the five-speed gearbox has been updated to be fully synchronised.”

All of these changes are said to be “reversible” and can be converted back to its original specification.

Honoured for making a fascinating history not only at the Mille Miglia, but also the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, the 166 MM has been described as reliable, smooth and with plenty of horsepower on tap channelled through its mighty V-12 and five-speed gearbox, making it truly a joy to drive as well.

RM Sotheby’s will kickstart its 2018 auction at the historic Place Vauban in the city’s centre in Paris, on Feb 7, for its fifth annual sale during the world-famous Rétromobile show week. The auction sale will present the finest sports, racing, and touring cars from both pre- and post-war periods.

Offered between €3,700,000 – €4,500,000 (S$6 million-S$7.3million), visit the official website for more details on how you can buy.