Ferrari is best known for their beautiful high revving V12s but for a period during the 1950s also produced some fantastic four cylinders engines. These were first used to great effect in single seaters with Alberto Ascari absolutely dominating the 1952 and 1953 World Championships but later also powered a wide range of sports cars. Today, we take at two of the rarest of these formidable machines.
The earliest of the pair is the 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Berlinetta. Named for Ascari's championship winning efforts, the Mondial was the first four cylinder Ferrari racer that was made available to customers. Over 30 examples were built and only two received a fixed head body from Pinin Farina. They were created specifically for the 1954 Tour de France but unfortunately neither made it to the finish. Our 24-shot gallery features both examples. The first car was only used at the Tour de France and has survived in spectacularly original condition, which was awarded with 'best in class' at the recent Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.
With an engine almost twice the size of the two-litre found in the 500 Mondial, the 860 Monza is the ultimate evolution of the theme. It was built for the 1956 sports car world championship and was raced alongside the V12-powered 290 MM, with which it shared its sophisticated chassis. With a victory at the 1956 Sebring 12 Hours in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio and Eugenio Castelotti, the big Monza gave Ferrari a perfect start to the season. Just three examples were built and only two have survived. We have captured both in recent years, most recently at the Goodwood Revival where Indy 500 winner Danny Sullivan piloted the Sebring winner with great verve. The two 860 Monzas are shown from every angle in this 24-shot gallery.

Enjoy the links:

1956 Ferrari 860 Monza - Images, Specifications and Information

1954 Ferrari 500 Mondial Pinin Farina Berlinetta - Images, Specifications and Information