HISTORIC MOTOR RACING Art Print Series by Alex Book
 
The 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans: Ferrari’s Historic Debut
 
On June 25–26, 1949, the 17ème Grand Prix d’Endurance marked the return of racing to Le Mans after a ten-year hiatus due to World War II. It was a milestone event that saw the first-ever victory for Enzo Ferrari’s young company. Luigi Chinetti, an Italian-born American driver, and Lord Selsdon (Peter Mitchell-Thomson) secured the win in a Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta, chassis #0008M. In an extraordinary display of stamina, the 47-year-old Chinetti drove for 22 hours and 48 minutes, leaving Lord Selsdon to cover only a brief stint of approximately 72 minutes during the 24-hour marathon.
 
The Ferrari 166 MM (named "MM" after the Mille Miglia) featured the legendary 2.0-litre (1,995 cc) 60-degree V12 engine designed by Gioacchino Colombo. This high-revving powerplant, equipped with three Weber 32DCF carburetors, produced 140 hp at 6,600 rpm. The car’s lightweight "Barchetta" bodywork, crafted by Carrozzeria Touring using the Superleggera (super-light) method of thin aluminum panels over a tubular steel framework, gave the 166 MM a significant power-to-weight advantage. This technical agility was crucial on the 13.492 km Circuit de la Sarthe, which had been revised with a new pit complex and a reshaped Tertre Rouge corner for the 1949 race.
 
A remarkable technical feat of this victory was that the #0008M chassis was a true production-based sports car, having already won the Mille Miglia earlier that year. Chinetti’s tactical driving ensured the 2.0L V12 remained within its reliable operating range while maintaining an average speed of 132.420 km/h. This triumph not only established Ferrari as a dominant force in endurance racing but also initiated the brand’s global reputation, as Chinetti soon became the first Ferrari distributor in the United States.
 
Note to Collectors: This artwork is an original creative tribute inspired by the rich history of motorsport. While this print accurately depicts iconic moments, cars, and legendary figures, it is an independent artistic production. It is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any official racing organizations, racing series, drivers, teams, or automotive manufacturers. All trademarks and brand names mentioned are used for descriptive purposes only and remain the property of their respective owners.