VIN: the works Ferrari 246 SP chassis 0796
History of chassis 0796
The 246 SP was Ferrari’s first mid-engined sports prototype and used a 2.4-litre version of the Vittorio Jano-designed V6.
Reserved strictly for works use, two of these SP/61-type cars were built to contest the 1961 World Sportscar Championship. They were joined by a pair of 250 TRI 61s which used traditional front-mounted V12 engines.
Together, the two models combined to win four of the five races that season. Victories were achieved at Sebring, Le Mans, the Targa Florio and Pescara.
Of the two SP/61s built, chassis 0796 was treated as back up for its sister car (chassis 0790) which contested all five 1961 World Championship events.
By contrast, chassis 0796 raced just twice; it crashed out on the first lap of the Targa Florio and then befell a similar fate half way through the Nurburgring 1000km where it also caught fire.
For 1962, chassis 0796 was rebuilt with the latest SP/62 bodywork that most obviously featured a flattened rear deck. Whereas the four brand new SP/62s that Ferrari also built for 1962 frequently had their engines switched between the myriad new 248, 286, 268 and 196 configurations, chassis 0796 only ever used its trusty 246 motor.
In 1962, chassis 0796 finished second at Daytona and then won the Targa Florio as its sister car had done the previous year.
For Le Mans, it was fitted with a rather ugly full height windscreen and a new basket-handle rear cockpit aerofoil but retired with gearbox problems.
After Le Mans, the factory shoehorned a three-litre V12 into 0796 and used the car as a test mule for 1963’s incoming 250 P. It was further modified when the signature ‘sharknose’ was switched to a conventional single front opening.
In early 1963, chassis 0796 was taken to Sicily for unofficial Targa Florio training.
Unfortunately, Targa specialist, Nino Vaccarella, was involved in a fiery accident and the car was completely destroyed. Only the engine was salvaged.
When the authorities found out about the incident, Vaccarella had his racing licence temporarily suspended.
Notable History
Scuderia Ferrari
30/04/1961 WSC Targa Florio (P. Hill / R. Ginther) DNF (#164)
28/05/1961 WSC Nurburgring 1000km (P. Hill / W. von Trips) DNF (#3)
Uprated to 1962 specification
11/02/1962 WSC Daytona 3 Hours (P. Hill / R. Rodriguez) 2nd oa, 2nd S2.5 class (#1)
06/05/1962 WSC Targa Florio (W. Mairesse / R. Rodriguez / O. Gendebien) 1st oa, 1st S3.0 class (#152)
Modified for Le Mans with special screen inserts and aerofoil bar behind cockpit
24/06/1962 WSC Le Mans 24 Hours (R. Rodriguez / P. Rodriguez) DNF (#28)
Rebuilt as 3-litre V12 Muletto with single intake front body.
Crashed and destroyed in 1963 during Targa Florio training
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: unattributed
