FERRARI’S ICONA LINE OF ROOF AND WINDSHIELD LESS SPORTS CARS ARE A HEART STOPPING HOMAGE TO DESIGNS OF THE 1940s AND ’50s

BY EVAN MONROE

In late September, on the occasion of Ferrari’s Capital Markets Day at its factory in Maranello, the Italian maker’s new Monza SP1 and SP2 were unveiled, then officially introduced at Paris’s Auto Show in October. These limited edition cars are the first in a new line dubbed Icona, and draw inspiration from the most evocative Ferraris of the 1940s and ’50s, including racing barchettas like the 1948 166 MM (which originally inspired the name “barchetta”) and the 750 and 860 Monzas, which delivered numerous victories in the World Sports Car Championship.

The SP1 is a one seater, while the SP2 offers two buckets. Both sport the best weight to power ratio of any barchetta, according to Ferrari (thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber), as well as the most powerful engine Maranello has ever built, a just shy of 800 horsepower V12 good enough for a standstill to 60 sprint in 2.9 seconds. Zero to 125 is had in a spine tingling 7.9 seconds.

The architecture of the two cars is based on a monolithic form with an aerodynamic wing profile. The complete absence of a roof and windscreen gave the designers, as the maker explained, “the freedom to create unique proportions that would not have been possible on a traditional spider. The result is the feeling of blistering speed normally only experienced by Formula 1 drivers.” Managing aerodynamic flow inside the cockpit was achieved in part through a “Virtual Windshield” incorporated into the faring ahead of the instrument panel and steering wheel.

Nearly as much art piece as an expression of pure performance, the SP2 is a flight of visual wonders and deft touches, including its all carbon fiber one piece hood wing assembly, hinged at the front to showcase the V12. And, especially for Monza SP1 and SP2 owners, Ferrari, in collaboration with Loro Piana and Berluti, has created apparel and accessories for men, including racing overalls, a jersey, helmet, gloves, scarf, and driving shoes. About 500 of the Icona line models will be built, with a starting price of $1 million.

Ferrari of Central New Jersey
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