The Prestigious and Astonishing Ferrari Uovo Headlines Concours

Gear up for a glimpse of automotive history at this summer’s Salon Privé Concours. Taking place at Blenheim Palace on 28th to the 31st August, it will showcase a true one-of-a-kind marvel: the 1950 Ferrari 166MM/212 Export “Uovo.”

Living up to its Italian name, which translates to “egg”, the Uovo’s design is a head-turning departure from the norm. This futuristic creation wasn’t just for show, though. It was born from a desire for peak performance, particularly in high-speed road races like the Mille Miglia.

The Visionary Behind the Ferrari “Egg”

The driving force behind the Uovo was none other than Giannino Marzotto, a two-time Mille Miglia champion. A firm believer in the potential of Ferrari’s V12 engines, Marzotto saw improved aerodynamics as the key to unlocking even greater performance.

With this vision in mind, he and his brother Vittorio commissioned Ferrari for two 212 Export chassis, minus bodywork. They envisioned a sleek, low-slung coupe with a super-rigid frame for an unshakeable suspension, even on rough roads.

From Dream Car to Reality: A Collaboration of Minds

To bring their vision to life, the Marzotto brothers enlisted the expertise of coachbuilder Paolo Fontana and the young, talented engineer and designer Franco Reggiani. Reggiani, with his aeronautical background, was particularly passionate about crafting a lightweight car with a captivating design.

He envisioned a steeply reclined windscreen flowing into a rounded, tapered profile. Despite the challenges, Reggiani sculpted the bodywork using “Peraluman,” a lightweight magnesium-infused aluminum alloy.

The Uovo’s design is a masterpiece of function meeting form. A low nose, narrow body for air penetration, and pronounced front and rear wings framed a slim cockpit. Uniquely, braided steel cables replaced traditional A-pillars, while a shallow Perspex windscreen further enhanced the aerodynamic silhouette.

Interestingly, the driver’s seat was positioned towards the rear, following guidance from Enzo Ferrari himself. This, he believed, would enhance the driver’s control during oversteer maneuvers.

A Racing Pedigree and a Rare Appearance

Though initially intended for a 212 Export chassis, delays led to the use of an existing 166 MM Touring Barchetta chassis. The engine, however, came from a 212 Export, upgraded to a 2.6-litre capacity and delivering 190 bhp.

The Uovo’s extra-large fuel tank, designed for long-distance races, proved to be a key advantage. It played a crucial role in the car’s success at the 1951 Mille Miglia and its breakthrough victory at the 1951 Coppa della Toscana.

The Uovo continued its racing legacy with a memorable win at the 1952 Trento-Bondone, driven by Giulio Cabianca. After a few years competing in North America, the car found a home in a private collection.

While the Uovo made a prestigious appearance at Ferrari’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, it remains a rare sight on the concours scene. The 2024 Salon Privé Concours offers a rare chance to witness this automotive marvel up close.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

“This exceptional car has been somewhat of an undiscovered gem for decades,” says Salon Privé Concours Chairman Andrew Bagley. “We are thrilled to have secured the Uovo as a star attraction at Blenheim Palace. This will be a truly memorable experience for our guests, a chance to see this wonderfully unique and iconic Ferrari in person.”

Entries for the 19th edition of the Salon Privé Concours presented by Aviva Private Clients are nearly closed, with only the following classes accepting applications:

• Porsche “RS” Pre-2004
• Legendary Liveries

For inquiries about entering a car, contact Concours Coordinator Nick Wilkes. Get your tickets here.

What classic racing cars would you love to see at a concours event? Share your thoughts in the comments below.