The Classic Ferrari Icons Behind the Monza SP1 and SP2

Legacy Driven - There's something uniquely magnetic about classic car design—how timeless curves, raw mechanics, and open-air freedom evoke an era where driving felt pure and unfiltered. This emotional connection is something brands like Ferrari have mastered, tapping into nostalgia to craft modern marvels that feel both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in heritage.

The first Ferrari to race at Pebble Beach was Jim Kimberly’s Ferrari 166 Touring Barchetta. (Picture from: VeloceToday)

And in recent years, Ferrari took this approach to a whole new level with the unveiling of the ‘Icona’ series—vehicles that celebrate the past, yet roar forward with the speed and precision only modern technology can provide. Among these special creations are the stunning Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2, two masterpieces that pay homage to Ferrari's golden era of barchetta-style cars.

All-new Ferrari Monza SP1 (right) and SP2 (left) in the barchetta car body concept. (Picture from: Ferrari)

Launched originally at the Capital Market’s Day event in Maranello on September 18, 2018, the Monza SP1 and SP2 instantly stood out. These limited-edition models weren’t just another run of sleek Ferraris—they were crafted specifically for devoted collectors and enthusiasts, a true nod to those who live and breathe the brand. Built on the unique barchetta concept, the SP1 and SP2 strip driving down to its essence: front-engine layout, no windshield, no roof, and seating for one or two. It’s the kind of design that feels more like a wearable piece of sculpture than a machine, and its roots run deep in Ferrari history.

1. 1948 Ferrari 166 MM
The inspiration behind these models traces back to some of the most iconic cars Ferrari ever built. First on that legendary list is the 1948 Ferrari 166 MM. It was Ferrari’s original barchetta, created for endurance racing and named after the famous Mille Miglia road race. 

1948 Ferrari 166 MM. (Picture from: CarSwp)

Its lightweight frame—courtesy of Touring’s “Superlight” method—and a V12 engine capable of 140 horsepower helped it achieve a top speed of 220 km/h. More than just its performance, though, the 166 MM set a stylistic and emotional tone that would resonate through the decades. 

2. 1954 Ferrari 750 Monza
Next in line came the 1954 Ferrari 750 Monza, an evolution that saw even more power and design refinement. With a 2,953 cc engine producing 240 horsepower, this car didn’t just look fast—it was fast, topping out at 250 km/h. 

1954 Ferrari 750 Monza. (Picture from: DriveAway2Day)

Built primarily by Scaglietti and designed under the eye of Dino Ferrari himself, the 750 Monza was a force on the track, securing wins including a memorable sweep at its namesake Monza circuit. The prototype made its debut at Monza in 1954 with a 2,953 cc V12 engine based on a development of the four-cylinder Type 555 and took both first and second positions.

3. 1956 Ferrari 860 Monza 

Then, in 1956, the Ferrari 860 Monza pushed things further. Sporting a larger 3,431 cc engine and 280 horsepower, it marked the final days of Ferrari’s four-cylinder race cars before the company shifted focus back to V12s. Those engine capable of producing power up to 206 kW (280 hp) at 6,000 rpm and allow it has a top speed of 260 km/h.

1956 Ferrari 860 Monza. (Picture from: Ferrari)

Driven by legends like Phil Hill and Peter Collins, the 860 Monza didn’t just compete—it dominated. But beyond its victories, it marked a pivotal engineering transition that would shape Ferrari’s future.

4. 2000 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina 

Fast-forward to the year 2000, and Ferrari once again revived the barchetta spirit for the road with the Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. Debuted in Paris and limited to just 448 units, it captured the elegance of earlier barchetta models but offered it in a more usable, refined package for everyday driving. While it wasn’t a race car, it still carried the DNA of Ferrari’s open-top heritage—balanced, beautiful, and brutally quick.

2000 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina. (Picture from: Ferrari)

All of these models—from the track legends of the '40s and '50s to the rare grand tourers of the 2000s—laid the foundation for the Ferrari Icona Monza SP1 and SP2. These cars are not retro recreations—they're reinterpretations. They embody the spirit, speed, and simplicity of Ferrari’s golden age while offering the craftsmanship, materials, and performance of the modern era. With their minimalist designs and maximum performance, they’ve carved a niche of their own, blending memory and innovation in one seamless stroke.

Driving a Monza SP1 or SP2 isn’t just about the speed. It’s about reliving a time when the road was your racetrack, and every corner felt like history in motion. Ferrari didn’t just build cars here—they told a story. And with the Monza twins, they’ve written a thrilling new chapter that honors the past while racing into the future. *** [EKA [29082018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | FERRARI | VELOCETODAY | CARSWP | DRIVEAWAY2DAY ]

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