Meet the Ferrari Uovo: The Unique Egg-Shaped Classic Car

ONE-OFF - Maybe all this time you know Ferraris as sports cars with a sensational and sexy appearance, so you might not recognize the figure of this classic Ferrari car. Indeed, this one-of-a-kind in the world is called Ferrari Uovo, or Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo’ for its full name.

1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo' has shown off at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2019. (Picture from: Sun)

Ferrari Uovo boasts unique looks and styling, or can be said to be eccentric. This car is a one-off project from an Italian coachbuilder named Carrozzeria Fontana, based on a Ferrari 166MM classic car platform. After it crashed in its first attempt, its original buyers, the Marzotto brothers, decided to rebuild it in this form. The result is a unique car shaped like an egg, or 'Uovo' in Italian.

Sculptor Franco Reggiani was the mastermind behind its special bodywork, creating a shape he likened to that of a plane without wings. This good-looker raced for the first time in 1951 and was powered by a 1.56-liter gasoline engine that produced up to 186 horsepower (138 kilowatts) and had a mileage of more than 341 miles (550 kilometers).

Front three quarter of 1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo.' (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Armed with aerodynamic bodywork and drivetrain, the Uovo was very competitive and took part in the Mille Miglia and Giro di Sicilia in 1951. The car had the chance to lead the race before it was damaged and ultimately unable to continue.

If at that time Uovo had not experienced severe damage, it is very likely this car would have been the winner in those two prestigious racing events. The results could have been different, potentially leading Ferrari to build more of these cars in the future. Even so, this classic Ferrari remains a historic and iconic car, making it a special model for Ferrari collectors.

Dashboard view of 1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo.' (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

In August 2017, this car was auctioned by RM Sotheby's at an event in Monterey, California. Initially, this car was expected to sell at a price of US $7 million, but it ultimately sold for $4.5 million, making it one of the world's most expensive cars. WOW!😲

The Ferrari Uovo is more than just a unique vehicle; it’s a testament to the innovative spirit of Ferrari and the craftsmanship of Carrozzeria Fontana and Franco Reggiani. Its distinctive design and racing pedigree make it a standout in the history of automotive engineering. Even after several decades, the Uovo continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Rear right side view of 1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export ‘Uovo.' (Picture from: OtoBlitz)

Owning a piece of history like the Ferrari Uovo is a dream for many, and its story continues to inspire those passionate about classic cars and racing heritage. The legacy of the Uovo lives on, reminding us of the timeless allure of Ferrari and the incredible feats of engineering that have defined the brand over the years.

As we look back on the remarkable journey of the Ferrari Uovo, it’s clear that this car represents more than just a mode of transportation. It embodies the passion, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence that have come to define Ferrari. This unique vehicle will always be celebrated as a remarkable chapter in the storied history of one of the world’s most iconic automotive manufacturers. *** [EKA [16072019] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | SUN | INDEPENDENT ]

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