The Ferrari 166 F2 is an open-wheel formula racing single-seater car, designed, developed and built by Italian manufacturer and team Scuderia Ferrari, for Formula 2 racing, in 1948. This is the car in which Argentinian driver, and eventual five-time Formula One world champion, Juan Manuel Fangio, became known in Europe.[1]
History
Inspired by the Ferrari 125 F1, the 166 F2 uses its improved and lowered chassis with a longer wheelbase which improves stability in turns. The front wheels are independent and the rear is fitted with a rigid axle, replaced in 1950 by a de Dion axle.[2]
The Ferrari 166 F2 was the first of a long series of cars comprising the 166 families. After the 166 F2, Ferrari introduced the 166 S, 166 Inter, and 166 MM.
The Ferrari 166 F2 made its racing debut at the Florence Grand Prix on September 26, 1948, won by French driver Raymond Sommer, nicknamed the Boar of the Ardennes.