1994 Ferrari 333 SP
Conceived in response to the new IMSA World Sports Car regulations introduced for 1994, the 333 SP was Ferrari’s first factory sanctioned Sports Racing car since the 312 PB of 1971. Loyal customer Giampiero Moretti was instrumental in persuading Ferrari to pursue the project, whilst a key ally was Ferrari North America CEO Gian Luigi Longinotti-Buitoni, who identified the positive impact that potential racing success could have on sales in the company’s biggest market.
Employing a flat-bottomed carbon fibre monocoque chassis, as stipulated by the regulations, and utilised conventional double wishbone suspension with pushrod operated coil spring/damper units all round. WSC regulations also required engines to be production based and of no more than 4.0-litres displacement, and it was here that Ferrari pulled a masterstroke. By using its magnificent 4.0-litre V-12 F310E engine – effectively a long stroke version of the Type 036 Formula One engine of 1990 – a similar version of this engine would also be used in the F50, albeit slightly enlarged in that application.
Success on track was immediate, with five victories from seven IMSA rounds contested in 1994, including a hat-trick for Moretti and his Momo team mid-season. Nineteen ninety-five saw the 333 SP take victory in the Sebring 12 Hours and win both IMSA Drivers and Manufacturers titles, although the car’s finest hour was undoubtedly the 1998 Daytona 24 Hours, when the Momo team delivered Ferrari’s first win in the event since 1967. By the time of its final official race in 2002, the 333 SP had participated in 144 races, winning 49 and taking 12 major championships in the process.
RM Sotheby's will be offering this example at their upcoming Ferrari – Leggenda e Passione auction on the 9th September. The estimated value is between €2,800,000 – €3,300,000. For more information on this and other vehicles at the sale, click on the link below. Photos: Charn Kamal ©2017 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's