Ferrari Monza
| Ferrari Monza | |
|---|---|
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Also called | Ferrari TF Ferrari Mondial |
| Production | 1953–1957 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports racer |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ferrari 250 MM |
| Successor | Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa |
In the early 1950s, Ferrari shifted from the compact Gioacchino Colombo-designed V12 engined sports racers to a line of four cylinder racers designed by Aurelio Lampredi. Inspired by the success of the light and reliable 2.5 L 553 F1 car, the four cylinder sports racers competed successfully through the late 1950s, culminating with the famed 500 Mondial and 750 Monza.
625 TF
The first four-cylinder closed-wheel sports racer from Ferrari was the 625 TF of 1953. Resembling the Vignale-designed 250 MM barchetta in most respects, the 625 TF used a 2.5 L (2498 cc/152 in³) straight-4 lifted from the 625 F1 car instead of the 250's 3.0 L V12. It was a small car, with the same 2250 mm (89 in) wheelbase as the 250 but even lighter at 730 kg (1610 lb). The engine produced 220 hp (164 kW) at 7000 rpm and could push the little roadster to over 240 km/h (150 mph).
The lightweight car debuted at the hands of Mike Hawthorn at Monza on June 29, 1953. Although it could not keep up on the long straights at that track, Hawthorn still brought the car to fourth place at its debut.
A single closed 625 TF coupe, one of the last Ferraris designed and built by Vignale, was created in the Spring of 1953.