Retro Chic: Ferrari Dusts Off the Monza Name for Limited-edition SP1 and SP2

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Ferrari plans to launch two limited-edition supercars using the Monza formula and name. The open-topped pair are said to have “the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built.” That’s a 810-horsepower, 6.5-liter V12, according to the automaker’s September press announcement. We imagine it’s the same unit currently residing in the 812 Superfast.

As you might imagine, the single seat Monza SP1 and double-chaired SP2 aren’t meant for aimless weekend cruising. Inspired heavily by the 1948 166 MM Barchetta, 1954 750 Monza, and 1956 860 Monza, they’re pretty hardcore for a modern-day automobile. Alleged (by the manufacturer) to be capable of a 0-to-62 mph sprint in 2.9 seconds, with 0-to-124 mph passing in 7.9 seconds, the duo are said to be capable of at least 186 mph. We wouldn’t recommend trying that without a full-faced helmet, as neither model comes with a windshield.

However, Ferrari says it incorporated a “Virtual Wind Shield” into the fairing ahead of the instrument panel that deviates a part of the air flow to “maintain driving comfort.” How effective this system actually is is unknown. Hopefully, the automaker chucks in a pair of goggles just in case some of that pesky air manages to sneak by at over 100 mph. It wouldn’t be much to ask for, considering they’re supposed to cost around $1.75 million each, according to Car and Driver.

Made entirely from carbon fiber, both models weigh in at around 3,300 pounds — within spitting distance of the 812 Superfast. They also boast similar overall dimensions and weight as the 812, though the Monza’s are almost an inch wider. The absence of a roof makes these speedsters significantly shorter.

If you’re exceedingly rich and intent on buying a modern Monza, you’d best hope you’re a preferred customer at Ferrari. These two limited production models will instantly become highly coveted artifacts, meaning individuals with an extremely strong relationship with the brand will get the first stab at owning one. Anyone else will be left paying a not-so-small fortune when one of these babies finally goes under the gavel at a high-end auto auction.

Ferrari plans to release official pricing at the Paris Motor Show later this week, where both cars will be on hand — likely creating a puddle of human drool and God knows what else.

[Images: Ferrari]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • Sportyaccordy Sportyaccordy on Oct 03, 2018

    It looks a little too big. Are those wheels 22s?

  • NeilM NeilM on Oct 04, 2018

    They do seem to be conceived specifically as bubble-stored collectibles, rather than to be driven. Seems a shame. On the other hand that whole no windshield thing seems to mitigate against actual driving.

  • 3-On-The-Tree Same as the Land Cruiser, emissions. I have a 1985 FJ60 Land Cruiser and it’s a beast off-roading.
  • CanadaCraig I would like for this anniversary special to be a bare-bones Plain-Jane model offered in Dynasty Green and Vintage Burgundy.
  • ToolGuy Ford is good at drifting all right... 😉
  • Dave Holzman A design award for the Prius?!!! Yes, the Prius is a great looking car, but the visibility is terrible from what I've read, notably Consumer Reports. Bad visibility is a dangerous, and very annoying design flaw.
  • Wjtinfwb I've owned multiple Mustang's, none perfect, all an absolute riot. My '85 GT with a big Holley 4 barrel and factory tube header manifolds was a screaming deal in its day and loved to rev. I replaced it with an '88 5.0 Convertible and added a Supercharger. Speed for days, handling... present. Brakes, ummm. But I couldn't kill it and it embarrassed a lot of much more expensive machinery. A '13 Boss 302 in Gotta Have It Green was a subtle as a sledgehammer, open up the exhaust cut outs and every day was Days of Thunder. I miss them all. They've gotten too expensive and too plush, I think, wish they'd go back to a LX version, ditch all the digital crap, cloth interior and just the Handling package as an add on. Keep it under 40k and give todays kids an alternative to a Civic or WRX.
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