A trend of reimagining timeless classics and construing them into a worthy modern representation is on the rise lately. In fact, multiple automotive marques have already come up with sub-brands just for their modern retro homages. And they all have their own way to go about it. Jaguar and Aston Martin, for instance, has set out to recreate classics with modern standards in the form of the XKSS and DB4 GT Lightweight. While brands like Alpine and Fiat interprets their classics into the contemporary world with the new A110 and 124 Spider.
One other example would be Ferrari, with them recently introducing Icona, a lineup of ultra-exclusive modern interpretation of Ferraris from the bygone era. And we reckon that Ferrari is in a great position to start introducing these special nouveau-retro models taking advantage of their rich and varied history. So far, from what we've shown is within the realms of possibility in the form of the Monza SP1 and SP2, we can only eagerly anticipate their next Icona reveal. But before then, here's a bit on what we know as of now.
The Ferrari Monza SP1 and SP2
One look and it's eminent that the Monza SPs aren't anything ordinary even by Maranello's standards. First making their debut back in the 2018 Paris Motor Show, the SPs are the modern commercially available Ferrari speedsters in an era where we didn't imagine manufacturers would be so adventurous anymore. Based on the highly regarded 812 Superfast, the Monza SPs are actually inspired by various classic Ferrari models, namely the 166 MM, 750 Monza and the 250 Testarossa. It’s truly a culmination of the finest retro Ferrari design.
However, unlike the original 750 Monza, the Monza SPs borrows its drivetrain from the 812 Superfast. That means a 6.5-litre naturally-aspirated F140 GA V120 that has been further tweaked to put out slightly more power. An incredible 800 horsepower and 719 Nm of torque is reserved for those that thrash it all the way to 9,000 rpm. Along with that power comes the reward of a sonorous crescendo that only another naturally-aspirated V12 Ferrari can top.
The engine is then married to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission also from the 812 Superfast, enabling the Monza SP to manage a 0-62 mph time of 3 seconds, onto a top speed of 186 mph, should you be daring enough to attempt a Vmax. With a carbon fibre composite body, the Monza SPs tips the scales at 1.5 tonnes, more than 200 kg saving over the 812 Superfast.
Of course, what’s attractive about the SP1 and SP2 isn’t just the powertrain, but also the whole concept-esque design that Ferrari has crafted. Both of them are extremely low-slung, sleek speedsters that have omitted the windshield in place of what Ferrari dubs ‘Virtual Windshield’. It’s essentially a deftly moulded cockpit with the intent of redirecting wind around the driver. If that isn’t dramatic enough for your liking, the Monza SP1 also drops the passenger seat, making it the only V12-powered single-seater speedster that is commercially available now.
To add to the theatre, the Monza SPs tout small, featherweight scissor doors in lieu of conventional doors. Look anywhere and there’s plenty of attention given to details that are all noteworthy, such as the one-piece carbon-fibre bonnet-wing assembly that opens like a clamshell to display the beating heart - Maranello’s most powerful production engine so far. It’s truly a staggering art piece. To put it into perspective, the Monza SPs are 10mm lower than the Huracan and 300mm lower than a modern Toyota Camry. One can only imagine the drag coefficient this sleek on-road racer boasts.
The Next Icona: Ferrari 250 GTO?
People have already begun talking about the next classic Ferrari to receive the Icona treatment. Wild guesses are thrown around a lot, and most people reckon that the F40 or one of its variant is on the table afterwards. However, we think that Ferrari is looking further back, in fact, all the way back to the 60s, when they introduced the now venerated Ferrari 250 GTO.
Now, the 250 GTO might be most well-known for the exorbitant auction prices it fetches in every auction that it appears. For good reason too, the original 250 was Ferrari’s most successful lineup, and the 250 GTO is a homologation model that was conceptualised and designed from the ground up to compete in FIA Group 3 GT racing. And the field it fought in is nothing short of awe-inspiring with the Shelby Cobra, Jaguar E-Type and Aston Martin DP214 being the forerunners.
Why makes the 250 GTO so special? Powered by an incredible all-alloy 3.0-litre naturally-aspirated V12 outputting 300 horsepower and 300 Nm of torque that drives a 5-speed dog-leg manual, the 250 GTO offers one of the rawest, most unadulterated Ferrari experience you can have. In fact, it’s not a stretch to say that the 250 GTO is the Ferrari that has perfectly encapsulated all the Ferrari spirit. Moreover, the 250 GTO is likely the last Ferrari to be drafted and designed by Giotto Bizzarrini, a man with quite the portfolio.
And it shows, with its beautifully sculpted shape in the pursuit for optimum aerodynamics. It still looks gorgeous today. With only 36 built, it’s also startlingly exclusive, being the holy grail for many ardent Ferrari enthusiasts. Now it seems like it makes sense to recreate the new 250 GTO that Ferrari will only be able to accurately represent in the form of the unrestrained Icona range.
Thus, if Ferrari were to make a 250 GTO Icona, it would only make sense that they produce a track-ready, yet road legal interpretation of their modern front-engine V12 Berlinetta, which is the 812 Superfast and GTC4Lusso now. Take a few steps back and this has been in the talks before in the form of the Ferrari 612 GTO, based off the 612 Scaglietti. If we had to imagine a modern 250 GTO, it would be something akin to the 612 GTO, with brazen looks in the name of performance.
Of course, this is just a figment of our imagination. The folks over at Maranello still has the last word, and an Icona representation of the F40 isn’t exactly a bad idea either. It is refreshing to see that Ferrari is willing to push out of the envelope of modern car design and make the Monza SPs. What do you think will be next in line to receive Ferrari’s Icona treatment?
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