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Ferrari 166 (1947-53)

Production Total: The total production of the Ferrari 166 from 1947 to 1953 was approximately **33 units**. This includes various models such as the 166 Spyder Corsa, 166 MM, and 166 Inter.
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Price New: In 1947, the new price for a Ferrari 166 in the UK was approximately **£2,500**.
£2,500 in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **£75,000** today.
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Rivals: In 1947, the main rivals of the Ferrari 166 and their approximate new prices in the UK were:

- **Jaguar XK120**: Approximately £1,200
- **Mercedes-Benz 300SL**: Approximately £2,000
- **Alfa Romeo 6C 2500**: Approximately £1,500

These cars were all competing in the luxury and high-performance segments.
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Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, the DVLA records approximately **15 Ferrari 166 (1947-53)** vehicles registered in the UK.
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PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.

Road Tax: In 1947, the cost of road tax in the UK for a Ferrari 166, which had an engine capacity of over 1,500cc, was approximately **£1 per horsepower**. Given the Ferrari 166's engine capacity, this would have amounted to around **£20 per year**.
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Petrol: In 1947, the price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **24.25 pence per litre**.
24.25 pence per litre in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **£1.90** today.
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Insurance: I couldn't find specific information about the average cost of insurance for a Ferrari 166 in the UK in 1947. However, car insurance was generally much more affordable back then compared to today.
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1947/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1947, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£200**.
£200 in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **£6,000** today.
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In 1947, the average price of a house in the UK was approximately **£1,600**.
£1,600 in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **£48,000** today.
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In 1947, the average price of a new car in the UK was approximately **£1,000**.
£1,000 in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **£30,000** today.
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In 1947, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was approximately **9 pence**.
9 pence in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **£1.10** today.
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I couldn't find specific information about the average price of a bus journey per mile in the UK in 1947. However, bus fares were generally quite low compared to today's prices.
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I couldn't find specific information about the average price per mile for a taxi journey in the UK in 1947. However, taxi fares were generally much lower back then compared to today.
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In 1947, the average cost per mile for a railway journey in the UK was approximately **1 penny per mile**.
1 penny per mile in 1947 is equivalent to approximately **16 pence per mile** today.
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In 1947, there were approximately **3 million vehicles** on UK roads.
As of 2025, there are approximately **41.4 million vehicles** on UK roads.
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In 1947, the population of the UK was approximately **49.5 million** people.
The estimated population of the UK in 2025 is approximately **69.5 million** people.
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Ferrari 166 (1947-53)

Common Faults
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.

The Ferrari 166, produced between 1947 and 1953, is a classic and iconic car. However, like any vintage vehicle, it has its share of common faults and issues. Here are a few:

1. **Engine Issues**: The V12 engine, while powerful and impressive, can be prone to overheating and oil leaks. Regular maintenance is crucial to keep it running smoothly.
2. **Electrical Problems**: As with many older cars, the electrical system can be unreliable. Issues with wiring and connections are common.
3. **Bodywork and Rust**: The bodywork, often made by coachbuilders like Touring and Vignale, can suffer from rust and corrosion, especially if the car has not been properly stored.
4. **Suspension and Handling**: The suspension system can wear out over time, leading to handling issues. Regular checks and replacements of suspension components are necessary.

Despite these faults, the Ferrari 166 remains a beloved classic for car enthusiasts. If you own one or are considering purchasing one, regular maintenance and care are essential to keep it in top condition.
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Generations/Trim levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.

The **Ferrari 166** had **one main generation** produced from **1947 to 1953**. It was available in several body styles and trim levels, including:

1. **166 S**: A racing barchetta and coupé.
2. **166 MM**: A Mille Miglia racing barchetta and coupé.
3. **166 Inter**: A coachbuilt street coupé and cabriolet.
4. **166 FL**: A Formula Libre racer.
5. **166 MM Berlinetta Le Mans**: A racing berlinetta.
6. **166 MM/53**: An updated version for the 1953 season.
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Engine & Performance
The Ferrari 166, produced between 1947 and 1953, had impressive performance specifications for its time. Here are some key details:

1. **Engine**: The Ferrari 166 was powered by a 2.0 L (1995 cc) V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo. This engine featured a 60-degree V12 configuration with triple Weber 32 DCF carburetors.

2. **Power Output**: The engine produced approximately 110-140 horsepower at around 6,000-7,000 rpm.

3. **Torque**: The maximum torque was around 117 lb-ft (159 Nm) at 5,000 rpm.

4. **Top Speed**: The Ferrari 166 could reach a top speed of approximately 220 km/h (137 mph).

5. **Transmission**: It was equipped with a 5-speed manual transmission.

6. **Weight**: The car had a dry weight of around 650 kg (1,433 lbs).

These specifications made the Ferrari 166 a formidable competitor in both racing and road use during its era.
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Rivals
In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the **Ferrari 166** faced competition from several notable rivals, including:

- **Maserati A6 GCS**: This car was equipped with a 2.0-litre inline-six engine producing around **160 horsepower**. It was known for its agility and performance in both road and track races.
- **Alfa Romeo 6C 2500**: Featuring a 2.5-litre inline-six engine, it produced around **145 horsepower**. It was a popular choice for both road and racing purposes.
- **Bugatti Type 101**: Although less common, the Type 101 was equipped with a 3.0-litre inline-eight engine producing around **140 horsepower**. It was known for its luxurious design and performance.
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Designer/Dimensions
The **Ferrari 166** was designed by **Gioacchino Colombo** and **Enzo Ferrari**. The car featured a **2.0-liter V12 engine** designed by Colombo - Ferrari.com](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/166-mm).

As for its dimensions, the Ferrari 166 MM (one of the popular models) had a **wheelbase of 2200 mm**, a **length of 3962 mm**, a **width of 1524 mm**, and a **height of 1270 mm**. It weighed around **650 kg** (dry weight) - Ferrari.com](https://www.ferrari.com/en-EN/auto/166-mm).
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Spares/Specialists NI
You can locate **Ferrari 166 spares** in the UK and Ireland through several sources:

1. **Classic Ferrari Parts**: They offer a range of genuine parts for classic Ferraris, including the 166.
2. **GTO Parts Shop**: Specializes in classic Ferrari parts and can help you find specific components for your 166.

For **garage services** in Northern Ireland, you can consider:

1. **Commons Brae Garage**: Located in Belfast, they offer general repairs and servicing.
2. **McCormick's Garage**: Based in Newtownards, they provide high-quality garage services, including general repairs and servicing.
3. **Burnside Garage Ltd.**: Located in Coleraine, they specialize in car and commercial recovery as well as auto transmission repairs.
4. **Autopro Services & Tuning**: Situated in Derrytrasna, they offer a wide range of automotive services, including vehicle and gearbox tuning.
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Racing
The Ferrari 166 had a remarkable racing history, participating in and winning several prestigious races. Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. **Mille Miglia (1948 and 1949)**: The Ferrari 166 MM (Mille Miglia) won the Mille Miglia race in both 1948 and 1949. In 1949, it achieved a 1-2 finish, with Clemente Biondetti and Ettore Salani driving the winning car.

2. **24 Hours of Le Mans (1949)**: The Ferrari 166 MM secured Ferrari's first victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1949. Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon (Peter Mitchell-Thomson) drove the car to victory.

3. **24 Hours of Spa (1949)**: The same year, the Ferrari 166 MM also won the 24 Hours of Spa, further establishing Ferrari's reputation in endurance racing.

4. **Targa Florio (1948 and 1949)**: The Ferrari 166 S, a variant of the 166, won the Targa Florio in 1948 with Clemente Biondetti and Igor Troubetzkoy. In 1949, Biondetti won again, this time in the 166 SC with Benedetti as co-driver.

These victories were instrumental in establishing Ferrari as a dominant force in international racing and helped solidify the brand's reputation for performance and reliability.
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Valuation
In 2025, the value of a **Ferrari 166** (1947-53) in the UK can vary depending on its condition, provenance, and specific model. Generally, prices range from **£2,500,000 to £4,000,000**.
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Clubs
There is a **Ferrari Owners Club** in Northern Ireland! The club organizes various events, meetings, and drive-outs for Ferrari enthusiasts. You can contact the Area Organiser, Robert Aiken, for more information about upcoming events and how to join.
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