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Why the Monza SP1 and SP2 Are the Most Insane Ferraris of the Modern Era

Throughout its history, Ferrari has built some of the most iconic sports cars the world has ever seen. To honor them, the carmaker has introduced a new model line fittingly named ‘Icona’. The first members of this lineage are the Monza SP models, which pay homage to the speedsters of the 1950s.
Ferrari Monza SP2 11 photos
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
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One of the most beautiful sports cars of the modern era, the Monza SP was introduced to the public in 2018 at the Paris Motor Show. It aims to bring back the Barchetta concept pioneered by its predecessors, the 166 MM, 750 Monza, and the legendary 250 Testa Rossa.

It comes in two editions called SP1 and SP2 that feature one or two seats, and it is built on an improved version of the 812 Superfast chassis.

The bodywork was completely redesigned by Ferrari’s Centro Stile, giving the Barchetta style a modern-day makeover. It features a clean, minimalist, yet elegant design that perfectly combines the iconic silhouettes of the 1950s racecars with the futuristic style of modern Ferrari models.

Ferrari Monza SP1
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
To reduce weight, the Monza SP uses much more carbon fiber composite than its super GT sibling, weighing 1,500 kg (3,307 lbs) in its single-seater form; the SP2 adds 20 kg (45 lbs) to that, making both cars considerably lighter than the 1,744 kg (3,845 lbs) of the 812 Superfast.

Opening the small scissor doors reveals the minimalist interior, which features a carbon-fiber single-piece seat upholstered in leather, a multifunction steering wheel, and a plastic instrument panel loaded with ugly physical buttons looking like something you would see in a Golf MkV.

In the SP2, the additional passenger seat is separated from the drivers’ side by a central carbon-fiber section, and the occupant is treated to a small leather glove compartment.

Ferrari Monza SP2
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
In Italian, ‘Barchetta’ means small boat, and the term was first used to describe the Ferrari 166 MM by former Fiat boss Gianni Agnelli when he saw it in 1948. It became widely used to describe cars that have no roof and only a small single or wrap-around windshield.

However, Ferrari’s modern interpretation of the Barchetta uses a revolutionary virtual windshield, which is essentially an aerodynamic section underneath the driver’s side of the cockpit.

The air flowing over the hood is enhanced and deflected vertically through it, which is supposed to create an upwash that deflects the air over the driver’s head at low speeds.

On the SP2, the passenger side does not feature the same technology; instead, a small polycarbonate windscreen is installed to protect the occupant.

Virtual windshield or not, the car was built to recreate the raw driving experience of the iconic Barchetta race cars and should be enjoyed on the track (preferably Monza) at full speed while wearing a helmet.

Ferrari Monza SP1
Photo: Ferrari S.p.A.
This is especially important if you want to feel the full force of the 6.5-liter (396.4 cu in) naturally aspirated V12 that lies under its hood. It is the same unit that powers the 812 Superfast, but it was enhanced to produce 799 hp (596 kW; 810 PS), making it one of the most powerful V12 ever produced by Ferrari.

Using this mechanical muscle, the Monza SP can accelerate from 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) in less than three seconds, according to Ferrari. The company also claims the SP1 and SP2 can come to a complete stop from that speed in just 32 meters (104 feet) thanks to the high-performance braking system developed by Brembo.

The Monza SP1 and SP2 are, without a doubt, some of the most beautiful sports cars ever created. Although they are insanely powerful and built to be raced, they will certainly become collector’s items, sitting comfortably in a state-of-the-art garage.

Ferrari is building 500 of them with prices starting around €1.6 million ($1.9 million), but if you just won the lottery and want to see if the virtual windshield can deflect rocks at 240 kph (150 mph), having the money won’t be enough to own this future classic. The carmaker will only sell an SP1 or SP2 to owners of other iconic Prancing Horse models.
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About the author: Vlad Radu
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Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
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