The Ferrari 246 SP, introduced in February 1961, was the Scuderia's first mid-engine sports car. Unlike the front-engine 250 Testa Rossa, it followed the trend toward rear-mounted engines, which Enzo Ferrari had still publicly contested in 1959. Carlo Chiti utilized Jano's compact 2.4-liter Dino V6 producing 270 PS. Only two chassis were built, featuring spider coachwork by Fantuzzi. Wolfgang von Trips and Olivier Gendebien won the 1961 Targa Florio; in 1962, the 246 SP won two of three races in the up-to-3000 cm³ class.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreAerodynamics and craftsmanship · Instability and rear spoiler · Fate and engineering
Aerodynamics and craftsmanship
The bodywork was created in collaboration between Carlo Chiti and Medardo Fantuzzi. Drag-reducing solutions were tested in the wind tunnel: a very low hood, a high tail flush with the top edge of the windshield, and a vertical rear fin. Fantuzzi had suggested that twin front air intakes would improve airflow, which Chiti's wind tunnel confirmed. The sheet metal was hand-beaten over wire forms; a single worker was responsible for each body, which is why the coachwork differs slightly from car to car.
Instability and rear spoiler
During early tests with Wolfgang von Trips and Ritchie Ginther, the body proved unstable at high speeds. This was suspected to be the cause of the rollover crash in Modena. The problem was resolved by removing the vertical rear fin seen at the presentation and fitting a 5-inch-high rear spoiler suggested by Ginther.
Fate and engineering
Both chassis were later converted: 0790 became a 196 SP in early 1963, while 0796 served as a test mule for the 250 P and was subsequently destroyed in an accident. Technically, the 246 SP featured independent suspension all around and disc brakes mounted inboard directly on the differential housing at the rear, just like on the Formula 1 car. The engine was derived from the 246 F1 powerplant.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 246 SP
When was the Ferrari 246 SP raced?
The Ferrari 246 SP was raced in 1961.
How much power does the Ferrari 246 SP have?
Power of the Ferrari 246 SP: 270 PS.
What engine does the Ferrari 246 SP have?
Engine of the Ferrari 246 SP: 2.4 l (2417 cm³) Tipo 171S Dino 65° V6. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
How many Ferrari 246 SP were built?
2 units of the Ferrari 246 SP were built.
Who engineered the Ferrari 246 SP?
Engineering of the Ferrari 246 SP: Carrozzeria Fantuzzi.
1962