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1960 Ferrari 246 SP

In 1960, the Ferrari’s first mid-engine, sports prototype was released. The defining feature of the car was it’s Dino V6 engine which was mounted in the rear of the car. Motivation to move to a rear-engine platform was made after Cooper’s rear-engine Formula cars proved their superiority. The move to mid-engine cars had to made and Carlo Chiti was the designer responsible for taking Ferrari in this new direction. He started the sports cars transition with the 246 SP.

The 246 SP featured a punched out version of the Dino, 1.5-liter V6, originally developed for Formula racing. Due to the short length of the Dino engine, it was a suitable size to fit in the rear of the prototype cars.

Alongside the front-engine Testa Rossa, two 246 SPs raced throughout 1960. The first finish was achieved at the Targa Florio when Phil Hill and Wolfgang von Trips placed second behind another 246 SP which finished 4th. This was a remarkable result, as none of the Testa Rossas finished the race. This was really the first time a rear-engine Ferrari had beaten the Testa Rossa’s and was a strong indication of future design.

1960 Ferrari 246 SP 1960 Ferrari 246 SP 1960 Ferrari 246 SP 1960 Ferrari 246 SP

Ferrari 246 SP Specs & Performance

submitted by Richard Owen
type Racing Car
built at Maranello, Italy
engine V6
valvetrain DOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement 2417 cc / 147.5 in³
compression 9.8:1
power 201.3 kw / 269.9 bhp @ 8000 rpm
specific output 111.67 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 457.46 bhp per tonne
driven wheels Rear Engine / RWD
front brakes Discs
rear brakes Discs
curb weight 590 kg / 1301 lbs