Engineered Defiance - Every now and then, the automotive world is shaken not by how fast a car goes, but by how boldly it breaks the rules. In the early 1960s, when most manufacturers clung tightly to tradition, Ferrari dared to turn its back on one of its oldest principles. This moment gave birth to something radically different — the Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi — a machine that wasn’t just a race car, but a statement on innovation.
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The 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi, chassis #0806, was featured in the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction lineup in 2019. (Picture from: Motor1) |
Built between 1961 and 1963, the Ferrari 196 SP was part of a very exclusive family, with fewer than ten units ever created. What set it apart wasn't just its rarity, but its revolutionary engineering. At a time when Enzo Ferrari firmly believed that the engine belonged at the front — famously insisting that the “horse should come before the cart” — the 196 SP went against the grain with a mid-mounted engine. This wasn’t a compromise. It was a calculated move towards better balance, sharper handling, and superior weight distribution.
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Left-side view of the 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi, chassis #0806. (Picture from: ConceptCarz) |
Under the sleek body sculpted by Fantuzzi, a renowned coachbuilder with a flair for simplicity and function, sat a Vittorio Jano-designed V6 engine. Jano’s approach was a departure from Ferrari’s signature 12-cylinder Colombo engines. His V6 was smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient — and yet still capable of breathtaking performance. Mounted longitudinally, the engine worked in harmony with a five-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels with precision.
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The 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi with chassis #0806 features a cabin equipped with two racing bucket seats, a three-spoke sporty steering wheel, and a simple, driver-focused dashboard. (Picture from: TopSpeed) |
Supporting all this was a tubular steel chassis and double wishbone suspension, which gave the 196 SP not only agility but also confidence through tight corners and demanding courses. Its exterior design, while understated by racing car standards, was elegant and purposeful — a perfect blend of form and function.
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The 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi is powered by a Vittorio Jano-designed V6 engine that is smaller, lighter, and more fuel-efficient. (Picture from: TopSpeed) |
The Ferrari 196 SP wasn’t just different in theory. It proved its worth on the track. It first roared to life as chassis #0790 and immediately made an impression at the 1961 Targa Florio. Just a year later, it secured victory at the Nürburgring 1000 km — a track known for punishing lesser machines. Over time, Ferrari adapted the platform, converting the early 246 SP into a 196 SP, demonstrating just how flexible and forward-thinking the engineering truly was.
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Rear left-side view of the 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi, chassis #0806. (Picture from: Conceptarz) |
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Rear view of the 1962 Ferrari 196 SP by Fantuzzi, chassis #0806. (Picture from: ConceptCarz) |
Though only a handful of these cars were ever made, their impact is far greater than their numbers suggest. The Ferrari 196 SP laid down the blueprint for the brand’s future successes, including its mid-engined domination at Le Mans with the 250 P. Even decades later, examples like the original #0790 still make appearances at prestigious events like the Cavallino Classic, reminding us that this wasn’t just a car — it was a turning point.

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