STORY OF THE DAY: An Early Ferrari Completes the Thousand Miles

Emilio Romano and Ottavio Guarducci finished the 1951 Mille Miglia in 28th place with the number 353 Ferrari identified in the title as a 166 Semiaerodinamica. Period competition records also describe the chassis as a short-wheelbase 166 S Spyder Corsa. Whatever the precise body designation, the important result is that this early Ferrari completed the demanding Brescia–Rome–Brescia course.

The entry’s story was one of endurance rather than pursuit of the overall leaders. Ferrari’s much newer 340 America won at the front, but Romano and Guarducci preserved a smaller, older design through the same mountain passes and public-road hazards. Finishing among the classified runners showed how competitive Ferraris from the marque’s first years remained useful in private hands.

The 166 family used a tubular chassis and a two-litre version of Gioacchino Colombo’s 60-degree V12. Compact dimensions and low weight produced agility that was valuable on narrow roads, while independent front suspension, a live rear axle and drum brakes formed the basic running gear. Semiaerodynamic body treatments sought lower drag without abandoning the accessibility required for road racing.

Romano and Guarducci were Italian private entrants rather than internationally prominent factory stars. Their role in this story lies in representing the large body of national competitors who sustained Ferrari’s early racing presence beyond the works team. Completing the Mille Miglia demanded route knowledge, mechanical awareness and close cooperation, even when outright victory was beyond reach.