1954 Ferrari 750 Monza

The Ferrari 750 Monza was campaigned up to the 1960's and was driven by many famous drivers including Collins, Gregory, McAfee, Bates, and Washburn.

The 750 Monza sits atop an 88-inch wheelbase and welded tubular steel chassis. Its body is constructed of aluminum and the interior is just large enough to accommodate an average size adult. Under the hood is a Lampredi-designed, 3-liter four-cylinder engine with two Weber 58 DCO/A3 twin-choke side-draft carbs is capable of producing 260 horsepower. The suspension is independent with unequal-length A-arm and transverse leaf-spring in the front. The rear is a de Dion axle-beam, transverse leaf, and parallel trailing arms. The ride is stiff but able to attack corners at very high speeds. The brakes are aluminum drums that provide ample stopping power. The steering is responsive with four turns lock to lock.

Ferrari's V-12 engines had dominated the Formula 2 class in 1949. Enzo also realized the benefits of using a smaller engine, such as less fuel consumption and a decrease in weight. He instructed Lampredi to design a four-cylinder engine that could potentially replace the Colombo-designed V12. This project was given a low priority until the regulations for the World Championship changes switched to those of Formula 2.

In 1952 a Lampredi developed 2-liter, alloy engine was introduced and fitted in a 500 F2. The vehicle driven by Ascari captured the World Championship and again the following year. A 2.5-liter version was created for the 625 TF and a 3-liter version for the 735 S in 1953. The three-liter model was debuted at the Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore at Monza where it emerged victoriously. To commemorate this historic accomplishment, the vehicle was dubbed the 750 Monza.

Production lasted from 1954 through 1955 during which just over 30 examples were created. The design was courteous of Dino Ferrari, Enzo Ferrari's son. This was one of the few Ferrari's to be outfitted with a 4-cylinder engine and one of the last.

The lightweight chassis of the 500 Mondial and the 750 Monza offered the perfect compliment to the Lampredi-designed four-cylinder engine. This same engine design would earn Ferrari its first two Formula One World Championships. When combined with the 500 and 750, Ferrari also had very competitive sportscars for endurance and hill-climbing events.

The benefit of the Lampredi four-cylinder engine would be its ability to be produced in a wide range of sizes to suit particular forms of racing. The 500 Mondial would make use of a 2.0-liter version. The 750 Monza would use a 3.0-liter example.

Between the two, the 750 Monza was considered the better chassis as it offered better weight distribution and handling. In addition, the Monza would make use of a five-speed transaxle. When it was all put together, the 750 Monza handled many different types of surfaces much better than some of the previous models produced by the Maranello factory.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2005