1968 Ferrari Dino 166 F2

Ferrari has a victorious and colorful history in Grand Prix Competition throughout the 1950s and into the mid-1960s. They also, however, dabbled consistently with the Formula 2 class. This arena provided a platform for young, aspiring drivers to fine-tune their skill and prowess. From 1964 through 1966 Formula 2 regulations stated production-based engines of no more than 1-liter capacity. An upgrade was announced for the 1967 seasons, increasing Formula 2 engine size to 1.6-liters. Ferrari had not participated in the 1-litre category, but with the announcement of 1.6-liter engine size, felt they had a suitable contender. The marque's new Formula 2 Dino 166 made its public debut at the Turin Salone dell'Automobile exhibition in February 1967, wearing a design similar to that of their Formula 1 monoposti, most particularly of the 'Aero' monocoque 1½-litre designs of 1964-65, with its latest 65-degree V6 engine slung in a tubular sub-frame at the rear. The engine had a bore size of 86mm and a stroke of 45.8mm, and displaced 1596.3cc. One-piece cam covers with cast-on 'Dino' lettering, derived from the hand-written signature of Mr. Ferrari's late only legitimate son, Alfredo (Alfredino – 'Dino'), housed twin chain-driven overhead camshafts to each cylinder bank. They actuated three valves per cylinder (two inlets and one exhaust) set in Heron-type cylinder heads. With the help of a Lucas fuel injection and Marelli Magnetti transistorized twin-plug ignition, the engine produced 200 horsepower at 10,000RPM.

After a delay, the Ferrari Formula 2 Dino 166 made its racing debut on July 9th of 1967 at the French circuit of Rouen-les-Essarts, where it was driven by British driver Jonathan Williams. The Ferrari F2 immediately proved it had both strengths and weaknesses. It had great handling and braked well, but proved under-powered against the 4-cylinder British opposition. The F2 car did not race again until a 4-valve per cylinder V6 engine had been developed for it.

Ferrari saw another opportunity to race their car, when the forthcoming 1968 Tasman Championship was announced. Rules stated an engine capacity ceiling of 2500cc. The Ferrari 2 Dino 166 chassis entered the series with an 18-valve dual-ignition 2.4-liter V6 engine. It has an 11.5:1 compression ratio, 90mm bore, 63mm stroke, and 285 horsepower at 8900RPM. Ing. Gianni Marelli was charge of the team, and Chris Amon was given driving duties of Dino 166/246T chassis '0004.' With the right circumstances, the 11-year-old Jano V6 engine proved it still was capable of winning races. Chris Amon won the New Zealand Grand Prix at Pukekohe, then the next round at Levin, and finished second at Christchurch and in the Australian GP at Melbourne. He finished fourth at Teretonga, New Zealand, and Warwick Farm, Australia. At the close of the season, Amon was runner-up in the Tasman Championship, beaten only by Jim Clark's Lotus-Cosworth 49T.

This example, chassis number '0008', is fitted with a 1600cc V6 F2 engine. It was built to be driven by Chris Amon in the Barcelona round of the European Formula 2 Championship at Montjuich Park, in which he finished third. It was then given to Brian Redman to compete in the Formula 2 EifelRennen at the Nurburgring Sudschleife in West Germany, on April 21. Despite a delay after his goggles were smashed, cutting one eye, Redman finished in fourth. The performance impressed chief engineer and team director Mauro Forghieri, and after a telephone call to Mr. Ferrari, offered Redman a Ferrari contract - which he turned down.

Chassis 0008 was then deployed again in the Rhein Cup race at Hockenheim, Germany, on June 16 where it was piloted by Chris Amon. It was delayed to finish eighth. It was then one of the three works team cars damaged in a multiple accident at the Curva Parabolica in the Monza Lottery Grand Prix on June 23, while being driven for the first time by Ernesto 'Tino' Brambilla.

On July 14, Chris Amon retired the car at Tulln-Langenlebarn aerodrome circuit. On Jul 28, 'Tino' Brambilla drove 008 to a third place in Heat One at Zandvoort, Holland, and also set the fastest race lap. Brambilla then finished third overall and on the podium in the Mediterranean GP at Enna in Sicily on August 28.

Ferrari then prepared the car to full 2.4-liter Tasman Formula V6 guise and sent once more to New Zealand for the start of the 1969 Tasman Championship. During this year, Chris Amon and Derek Bell drove the two Dino Ferraris (chassis 008 and 0010). Chris Amon's Tasman Championship with 0008 included four first place finishes during the year (the New Zealand Grand Prix, Levin International, Australian Grand Prix at Lakeside, Brisbane, and at the Sandown Park, Melbourne). He also scored two 3rd place finishes during the season with 0008. He finished the 1969 season as the Tasman Champion.

At the close of the 1969 season, New Zealand national driver Graeme Lawrence purchased the winning 0008 Ferrari. He made his racing debut in this car on December 28, 1969, in the Bay Park International at Mount Maunganui, New Zealand, finishing second. During the 1970 season, he would score in 1st place on three occasions. He also enjoyed four 3rd place finishes, a 2nd place, and two 4th place finishes. His results in the Shell-backed Ferrari 246T clinched the 1970 Tasman Championship title for Graeme Lawrence.

The double-Championship-winning Ferrari 246T was later purchased, via Edwin K. Niles of Los Angeles, by Pierre Bardinon. It was preserved in his private collection at Mas du Clos, before being acquired around 1980 by Fabrizio Violati.

It has been preserved in highly original condition.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014