Ferrari SP
The Ferrari SP (also known as the Ferrari Dino SP) was a series of Italian sports prototype racing cars produced by Ferrari during the early 1960s. All featured a rear mid-engine layout, a first for a Ferrari sports car. Major racing accolades include the 1962 European Hill Climb Championship, two overall Targa Florio victories, in 1961 and 1962, and "1962 Coupe des Sports" title.
| Ferrari SP | |
|---|---|
1961 Ferrari 246 SP | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Also called | Ferrari Dino SP |
| Production | 1961–1962 |
| Designer | Carrozzeria Fantuzzi |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Spyder |
| Layout | Rear mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,320 mm (91.3 in) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Dino 246 S |
| Successor | |
At first the SP-series used Vittorio Jano-designed, V6 Dino engines in both SOHC 60° and DOHC 65° forms. Later, Ferrari introduced a new SOHC 90° V8 engine designed by Carlo Chiti. All used dry sump lubrication and were mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
In total only six chassis were produced with various engine configurations. Many times they were modified and converted into a different specification. The tubular steel chassis, tipo 561, featured all-round independent suspension and disc brakes. All shared the same wheelbase and open body style with some variations.
The rear mid-engine layout experience was soon carried over to the V12-powered Ferrari P-series of sports prototypes. They arrived in 1963. Later, by 1965, Ferrari introduced their first mid-engined Dino sports prototype, the 166 P, powered by a V6 engine. The Chiti V8 engine did not carry over to any successor.