A total of three 335 S were built in 1957 #0674, #0676 and #0700. Chassis number #0676 was completely destroyed. Luigi Chinetti persuaded Ferrari in 1958 to build one more the 1958 Ferrari 335 Sport, this car #0764, which was completed towards the end of 1958 and presented at the New York Motor Show. Scaglietti had been commissioned to build a unique one-off body for #0764 resulting in its then nick-name “Super Testa Rossa.” Alan Connell bought the car from Chinetti and raced it successfully in 1959 and 1960 in a number of races at Road America, Watkins Glen, Daytona and Nassau taking several wins overall.
After 1962, #0764 passed through several owners until bought by the last owner in 1998 who raced it several times at historic races at Laguna Seca. Phil Hill drove #0764 in 1990 at the Historic Mille Miglia and said it was his favorite of all Ferraris race cars he had driven.
This one-off design combines beauty with brute power. The power comes from a 12-cylinder engine, displacing 4-liters, with 4 cams, two 12-cylinder distributors, 4-ignition coils and 24 spark plugs. It is in complete original condition
Overview
- Model: Ferrari 335 Sport
- Year: 1958
- Engine: 4.1 L V12 (Tipo 141)
- Body Design: Scaglietti
- Production: Very limited, with only four units produced
Historical Significance
- Racing Heritage: The Ferrari 335 Sport was designed specifically for endurance racing, competing in events such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia. It represented the peak of Ferrari’s racing technology at the time.
- Success: The car had notable successes in various races, contributing to Ferrari’s dominance in sports car racing during the late 1950s.
Design and Specifications
- Engine: The 335 Sport featured a 4.1 L (4023 cc) V12 engine capable of producing around 390 horsepower. This powerful engine allowed the car to reach top speeds of over 186 mph (300 km/h), making it one of the fastest cars of its time.
- Transmission: 4-speed manual gearbox.
- Chassis: The car utilized a tubular steel frame, providing a strong yet lightweight structure necessary for competitive racing.
- Body: Designed and built by Scaglietti, the bodywork was aerodynamic and lightweight, using aluminum panels to keep weight to a minimum.
- Suspension: Independent front suspension with a live rear axle, contributing to its excellent handling characteristics.
- Brakes: Drum brakes on all four wheels, standard for the period but highly effective given the car's performance.
Design Features
- Exterior: The 335 Sport’s design was both functional and beautiful, with sleek, aerodynamic lines that helped it cut through the air at high speeds. The body featured a low, wide stance, contributing to its aggressive look and stability.
- Interior: The interior was Spartan, focused purely on racing with minimal comforts. It included essential gauges, a lightweight steering wheel, and bucket seats designed to hold the driver securely during high-speed maneuvers.
Achievements and Legacy
- Notable Wins: The 335 Sport achieved significant victories, including winning the 1958 Cuban Grand Prix with Stirling Moss behind the wheel. It also competed in the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
- Racing Pedigree: The car’s performance in these races helped Ferrari secure the World Sportscar Championship in 1958.
- Influence: The engineering and design innovations of the 335 Sport influenced the development of subsequent Ferrari race cars, pushing the boundaries of speed and reliability.
Legacy
- Collector’s Item: Due to its rarity, historical significance, and racing success, the 1958 Ferrari 335 Sport is one of the most sought-after Ferraris among collectors. It has fetched multi-million dollar prices at auctions.
- Historical Impact: The 335 Sport remains a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to excellence in motorsport, showcasing the blend of advanced engineering and design that has come to define the brand.
Cultural Significance
- Symbol of Ferrari's Heritage: The 335 Sport exemplifies Ferrari's golden era of racing, reflecting the spirit and innovation that Enzo Ferrari championed. It stands as a symbol of Ferrari's relentless pursuit of speed and performance, traits that continue to resonate in the brand’s modern cars.
Taken at the Amelia Concourse.
You may purchase a print of the 1958 Ferrari 335 Sport in our dElegance 2014 online gallery.
