The 1948 Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato Investment Guide
Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato .The friendship between Ugo Zagato and Enzo Ferrari dates back to the era of collaboration between Alfa Romeo and Scuderia Ferrari, twenty years before the founding of the Maranello company. However, the 1949 Ferrari 166 MM Panoramica is considered the first Ferrari bodied by Zagato. Commissioned by gentleman driver Antonio Stagnoli, this car represents a cornerstone in the evolution of the GT coupé concept. It was not only Zagato’s first Ferrari but also Ferrari’s first coupé.
The chassis of this car is unique as it is based on the Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, which won the famous Mille Miglia in 1948 and the even more renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. The “166” in the name of these cars denotes the displacement of one cylinder in milliliters, meaning that with its V12 construction, the engine has a total capacity of just two liters (1995 cc).
In 1950, the showcased example of the Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato disappeared when Zagato transformed the same chassis into a barchetta. Through photometric processing and with the support of Ferrari Classiche, the lost coupé was revived in 2007 to commemorate Ferrari’s 60th anniversary. Today, this historically significant car can be purchased from the Italian dealership Ruote da Sogno.
Ferrari 166 MM Panoramica Zagato
- Year: 1949
- Displacement: 1,995 cc
- Fuel Type: Petrol
- Transmission: Manual
**“While the friendship between Ugo Zagato and Enzo Ferrari dates back to the era of Alfa Romeo at Scuderia Ferrari, twenty years before the founding of the Maranello company, the 1949 166 Panoramica should be considered Zagato’s first Ferrari-bodied car.
Not only was it Zagato’s first Ferrari, but it was also Ferrari’s first coupé. Gioacchino Colombo, one of Ferrari’s consultants, collaborated with Zagato to achieve the final design. Named Panoramica, the coupé featured an extremely futuristic design with curved plexiglass windows integrated into the roof and body of the car.
The Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato, commissioned by gentleman driver Antonio Stagnoli, represents a milestone in the evolution of the coupé concept. The car competed in various competitions such as the “Coppa Intereuropa” and the Mille Miglia. However, in 1950, the car was lost when Zagato, at the owner’s request, transformed the same chassis into a barchetta.
Decades later, at the request of a customer, the ZAGATO workshop decided to recreate the iconic lost “166 Panoramica,” starting from the base of a Ferrari 166 Vignale. Thus, thanks to photometric processing and Ferrari Classiche support, the lost coupé was brought back to life in 2007, marking the 60th anniversary of the Prancing Horse”**.
Historical Context and Significance
The 1948 Ferrari 166 MM Zagato Panoramica is an invaluable masterpiece in automotive history. It symbolizes the first collaboration between Ferrari, then an ambitious young automaker founded by Enzo Ferrari, and Zagato, the legendary Italian coachbuilder renowned for its lightweight bodies and stylistic innovations. This model, bearing chassis number 0018M, is unique and represents a rare fusion of cutting-edge engineering and avant-garde design of the era.
Brand: FerrariModel: 166 MM Zagato PanoramicaYear: 1948Chassis: 0018M
Design and Technical Specifications
Design and Aesthetics
The Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato is notable for its innovative design. It is the first coupe ever built by Ferrari, adorned by Zagato with an aluminum body. The Panoramica is distinguished by its Plexiglas windows curved to follow the roofline, providing panoramic visibility, hence the name “Panoramica.” This avant-garde design was the result of a collaboration between Zagato and the renowned Ferrari consultant engineer Gioacchino Colombo.
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: 60-degree aluminum alloy V12
- Position: Front longitudinal
- Aspiration: Naturally aspirated
- Valvetrain: SOHC (Single Overhead Camshaft), 2 valves per cylinder
- Displacement: 1995 cc / 121.7 in³
- Bore: 60 mm / 2.36 in
- Stroke: 58.8 mm / 2.31 in
- Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
- Power: 140 bhp (104.4 kW) @ 6600 rpm
- Torque: 158.63 Nm (117 ft lbs) @ 5000 rpm
- Specific Output: 70.18 bhp per liter
- Power-to-Weight Ratio: 215.38 bhp per tonne
These specifications demonstrate an engine design optimized for peak performance, positioning the Panoramica as a true race car of its era.
Transmission
- Gearbox: 5-speed manual
This transmission allows for optimal power utilization, providing a responsive and dynamic driving experience.
Chassis and Structure
- Chassis Type: Steel ladder-type chassis with aluminum body
- Curb Weight: 650 kg / 1433 lbs
The combination of a lightweight chassis and aluminum body contributes to exceptional agility and enhanced performance.
Dimensions and Suspension
- Wheelbase: 2200 mm / 86.6 in
- Front Track: 1250 mm / 49.2 in
- Rear Track: 1200 mm / 47.2 in
- Length: 3607 mm / 142.0 in
- Width: 1524 mm / 60.0 in
- Height: 1067 mm / 42.0 in
Front Suspension: Independent with transverse leaf springs and hydraulic dampersRear Suspension: Live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, hydraulic dampers, and anti-roll bar
The compact dimensions and suspension system ensure impeccable handling and high-speed stability, crucial for competition.
Brakes and Steering
- Front and Rear Brakes: Hydraulic drums
- Steering: Worm and sector
The robust and reliable braking and steering systems offer essential safety and precision for racing.
Competition Performance
The Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato made its competitive debut at the Circuito di Senigallia in 1949, driven by Antonio Stagnoli. It quickly proved its value by winning the Coppa Intereuropa in 1950. However, it had to retire during the legendary Mille Miglia in the same year, marking a turning point in its competitive history.
Evolution and Modifications
Ferrari 166 MM The Cavallino Rampante Panoramica by Zagato, After the Mille Miglia, chassis 0018M underwent significant transformations. Antonio Stagnoli requested that Zagato replace the unique Panoramica body with a lighter, competition-focused body derived from the Spider Corsa. This new, lighter configuration allowed Stagnoli to continue racing successfully until the car became obsolete.