Ferrari 268 SP Fantuzzi

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 268 SP by Fantuzzi represents a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s racing history. In 1960, as rear-engine cars from Cooper and Lotus began to dominate the Formula 1 World Championship, Ferrari responded by developing rear-engine vehicles for both Formula 1 and Sport Prototypes. Central to these new designs was the V6 engine, a twin-cam unit designed by Vittorio Jano. This engine, expanded to approximately 2.4 liters, was installed in two new competition cars with chassis numbers 0790 and 0796, which utilized the 156 F1 single-seater chassis. These new vehicles debuted at Ferrari’s annual press conference in early 1961, marking the introduction of the Dino SP series. These cars were not only competitive but also set the stage for future uses of the Dino engine, including in road cars, and introduced a new stylistic language for Ferrari. With the introduction of the Dino series, Ferrari abandoned its previous unit displacement naming system, used for 12-cylinder cars, in favor of a three-digit code: the first two digits indicated the total displacement in hundreds of cubic centimeters, and the third the number of cylinders. Hence, the 246 SP, unveiled in February 1961, featured a 2.4-liter V6 engine. The transition to rear-engine designs radically altered the style of Ferrari’s racing cars. One standout feature of the SP family was the Fantuzzi-designed spider-barchetta body, which moved away from previous designs, adopting sleek lines interrupted only by a small wraparound windshield, rounded rear fenders, and an innovative integrated rear spoiler, suggested by test driver Richie Ginther. This style became iconic, influencing subsequent Ferrari models like the 250 P, 330 P, and 250 LM. The 246 SP’s promising start in 1961 was marred by some initial mechanical issues, but it managed to win the Targa Florio and finish third in the 1000 km of Nürburgring. These successes convinced Enzo Ferrari to present a full range of rear-engine Sport Prototypes in February 1962, including the 196 SP with a 1.9-liter engine, the 286 SP with a 2.8-liter engine, and the 248 SP with a 2.4-liter V8. The 248 SP’s V8 was essentially a reduced version of the 400 Superamerica‘s V12. Chassis 0798, one of the 248 SPs, was auctioned by RM Sotheby’s in Monterey. It was the third of six SPs made and featured minor body updates for the 1962 season. The V8 engine, however, was not competitive, and the best result for the 248 SP was eighth overall at the 1962 Bahamas Speed Weeks. The displacement was later increased to 2.6 liters, with only four engines produced, transforming chassis 0798 into a 268 SP. The 268 SP competed in various events, including Le Mans and the 12 Hours of Sebring, and had a notable career with the North American Racing Team (NART). It passed through several owners, including Tom O’Brien and Luigi Chinetti, before being restored by Fantuzzi to its original condition. The 268 SP has since been displayed at numerous prestigious events, confirming its historical and commercial value.