750 Monza

Ferrari 750 Monza

Production	1954
Predecessor	Ferrari 735 S
Successor	Ferrari 857 S
Class	WSC racer
Engine	3.0 L (3000 cc) Lampredi I4

1954 saw the introduction of a new four cylinder sports racer, the 750 Monza. Sporting a three litre version of the 500 Mondial's engine, the Monza was much more powerful, with 250 hp (186 kW) available, but barely heavier at 760 kg (1675 lb). The new-style body was penned by Pinin Farina and presaged the droop-nose look of the famed 250 GTO, but it was Scaglietti's 750 Monza, with its faired-in headrest suggesting the flowing Testa Rossa that drew attention.
Mike Hawthorn and Umberto Maglioli piloted their 750 Monza to victory at Monza on its very first race, giving the car its name. Although they were strong on the track, the Monza was unable to hold off the Mercedes-Benz 300 SlR in 1955, allowing the Germans to seize the sports car championship that Ferrari claimed in 1954.
By 1954, Ferrari had already used four-cylinder engines for three years and decided to enlarge the design to 3-liters for the 750 Monza sports car. It raced alongside the smaller 2-liter 500 Mondial and V12-powered 375-Plus.

It's hard to believe Ferrari would ever replace the V12, but after the 1950 season in F1, a four cylinder was on the drawing board. Motivation came from HWMs driven by Stirling Moss that were powered by four-cylinder ALTA engines. The performance of this car and the upcoming 2-liter limit on engine capacity was influenced both Enzo Ferrari and designer Aurelio Lampredi to make their own four-banger.

For the 1951 season, Lampredi was given a the task to design a 2.0 and 2.5 four cylinder engines that used the same interchangeable parts. He was convinced that the low rpm torque curve would offer an advantage on twisty circuits. After 100 days, the first prototype engine was complete and ready. It had a DOHC, chain-driven valvetrain, 2 Weber 45 DOE carburettors, a light alloy casting and a displacement of 1985cc that could produce 170 bhp. This combination fit so well within the new Formula 2 rules that Ferrari and Alberto Ascari became world champions.

The first 750 Monzas arrived in 1954 with with Ferrari's conventional steel tube chassis, using fully independent double wishbones up front and a De Dion axle with radius rods and transverse leaf springs at the rear. Braking was provided by oversize drums. They debuted at the 'Gran Premio Supercortemaggiore' at Monza where Gonzales/Trintignant took an overall victory. Afterwards the 3.0-liter became known as the Monza.

By 1956, Ferrari had reached the potential of the 4-cylinder by enlarging it even more for the 860 Monza. This helped the car achieve a 1-2 victory at the Sebring 12-Hours.