The 24 Hours returned in 1949 following a 10-year hiatus due to World War II after the circuit was rebuilt to repair damage incurred during the conflict. The Ferrari 166 MM (in reference to the famous Mille Miglia race) was the first of the marque's models to enter the race. Though Enzo Ferrari did not choose to field a car, he could not prevent customers from doing so in his place.

Luigi Chinetti, a regular at Le Mans and close friend of Enzo's, chose to compete. The Italian-American former Alfa Romeo driver had already won the race twice before, in 1932 and 1934. He was joined by British driver Peter Mitchell-Thomson, better known as Lord Selsdon. Equipped with a V12 engine, the Ferrari was considered an underdog to the powerful pre-war Delahayes and Talbot-Lagos.

And yet, the duo claimed the top step on the podium for Ferrari in its rookie 24 Hours under the nose of a Delahaye. Chinetti held off his opponents for more than 23 hours and crossed the finish line a hero. The Ferrari 166 MM made history from the word go and went on to earn an impressive track record, including a one-two at the 1949 Mille Miglia.

A special aura

Chinetti and Ferrari's involvement in the 24 Hours are forever linked. First an importer for the Italian manufacturer across the Atlantic, he founded the North American Racing Team (NART) in 1958 which became a top contender focused on recruiting talented drivers who, like him, would win the 24 Hours in the years to follow. The victory in 1949 proved symbolic of the strong bond between two icons. Even today, the Ferrari 166 MM is considered particularly special to enthusiasts of the marque.

Since 26 November, the 24 Hours Museum has hosted a temporary exhibition called La Storia Di Le Mans that retraces the history of Ferrari prototypes at the race and boasts several iconic cars.

To learn more, go to the 24 Hours Museum website.