Ferrari Monza SP1 & SP2

As part of the ‘Capital Market Day’, Ferrari presented in their main plant in Maranello a new special series concept for selected collectors and friends of the house. It is named ‘Icona’ and is intended to transfer the design of legendary Ferrari racing cars from the 1950s into modernity. But they didn’t just announce this program. Instead, Ferrari introduced two new sports cars, which are called Monza SP1 and Monza SP2. The short term at the end is a bit of a surprise for brand connoisseurs, as there has been a ‘Special Projects’ department in Maranello for about ten years now, creating special one-offs with independent body styles based on the current model range and named with the SP abbreviation and the running serial number of the respective project.

Monza SP1 and Monza SP2 are technically based on the 812 Superfast but have no body part in common with it. Visually, they are inspired by famous Barchetta models such as the 166 MM, but also by the racecars 750 Monza and 860 Monza. Accordingly, the Monza SP1 is a pure single-seater with a fixed cover over the passenger side, under which the passenger seat consistently omitted. Also, there is only one rollbar behind the driver’s seat. The Monza SP2 looks a bit different. According to its numbering it is a two-seater, in which instead of the fixed cover, a second sports seat, a second small glazed draft shield and behind the seat a second rollbar are installed.

Under the long bonnet in front sits the hitherto most powerful V12, which was ever developed by Ferrari so far. From 6.5 liters of displacement, the Italians draw 603 kW/810 hp and a maximum torque of 719 newtonmeters, thus outperforming the 812 Superfast by ten horsepower and one newtonmeter. Thanks to plenty of carbonfibre content in the body parts, the curb weight according to Ferrari is 1,500 kilograms for the SP1 and 1,520 kilograms for the SP2. In conjunction with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it goes from standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in 2.9 seconds and to 200 kph (124 mph) in 7.9 seconds. Maximum speed is stated at more than 300 kph (186 mph).

When styling the car, the design department had rare freedom, as neither a roof nor a windshield had to be scheduled. It was therefore a very purist roadster that resulted, which looks like being made out of one piece. Instead of spoilers and wings, as they are typically found on modern racing and sports cars, Monza SP1 and Monza SP2 are unusually restrained and discreet. The way into the interior is allowed by small, upwards opening doors. Once there, one finds the material that makes up the complete bodywork, but here without a colored varnish layer: carbon. In the middle is a redesigned, wide console with the main control units, complemented by the well-known multifunction steering wheel from Ferrari. The patented ‘Virtual Wind Shield’ sits in front of the driver and on the SP2 also in front of the passenger, which deliberately deflects part of the air flow and thus ensures greater driving comfort.

For prices and the planned production number Ferrari makes no information in the press release. However, some VIP customers who attended the world premiere reported a total of 200 planned copies. The base price should settle in the seven-digit euro range. Together with the two luxury brands Loro Piana and Berluti, Ferrari also created a program of clothing and accessoires exclusively for owners of the Monza SP1 and Monza SP2. That program includes next to racing shoes, racing suits and helmets also gloves, scarves and sweaters.

Images: Ferrari