When Enzo Ferrari began his luxury sports car company in 1939, perhaps even he didn’t realize how iconic some of his motorcars would become. Recently, the Italian automaker has embarked on a program that pays homage to its legendary nameplates of years past through its Limited Series “Icona” cars. Introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year, Ferrari green flagged its limited series of super cars with a tribute to its 1950s era Monza cars with the Ferrari Monza SP1.
Sculpted by the Wind
Ferrari describes the SP1 as a design “sculpted by the wind”. In true Ferrari tradition, this one-seater is as much a work of art as it is a high-performance super car. This attention-grabbing sleek and sexy Ferrari has a front engine placement with rear-wheel drive. It takes inspiration from the Monza 750, the 250 Testa Rossa and the 166 MM. This is a car created for its “wow factor” and, well, because Ferrari could do it. Less than 500 were produced with an original asking price of just shy of $2 million.
Riveting Power
The Ferrari Monza SP1 power plant is modified from the naturally aspirated, 6.5 liter V-12 engine that was found in the 812 Super-fast. The engine has been massaged to turn out an additional 10 hp than the 812, reaching 799 horsepower. This gives the Ferrari Monza SP1 the distinction of being one of the fastest road cars ever produced by the automaker. The SP1 will propel its driver from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds, zero to 124 mph in 7.9 seconds and a top speed of 186 mph. The lightweight chassis is also based somewhat on the 812, constructed of carbon fiber composite.
A Driver Focused Interior
As a one-seat sports car, the SP1 is in the unique position to take full advantage of a pure driver-focused interior. The instruments, instrument cluster and seat structure are all created to enhance driver comfort and the driving experience. The driver’s seat is engineered with a single piece of carbon fiber upholstered in rich leather. The seat provides the driver with a horizon to horizon view. The interior is straightforward, uncluttered and allows the driver to fully enjoy piloting this exceptional automobile.
Throwback Design and Modern Innovation
The Ferrari Monza SP1 features a small scissor door design with a low slung body reminiscent of Monza’s past. It also has an innovative design that deflects airflow away from the driver, making a windshield unnecessary. This “virtual windshield” won Ferrari the Compasso d’Oro Industrial Design award in 2020.
Italian Sports Car Defined
The definition of Italian sports car just may be “Ferrari”. For over 80 years, the automaker has blended performance and design in creating automotive works of art.
Ferrari introduced the Icona Series stating ”The intention is to use a modern aesthetic to reinterpret a timeless style.” They have accomplished their task with the introduction of the Monza SP1.
Exotic. Luxury. Super car. The 2019 Ferrari Monza SP1 has it all.