It was at the 1956 Millle Miglia were purpose-built Ferraris would prove their domanice. At this event, both Eugenio Castellotti and Juan-Manuel Fangio were equipped with one of the latest prototypes to come from Ferrari. This car was the 290 MM which came from a long line of purpose-built Ferraris.
The 290 MM can trace its roots back to the 166 MM, 225 S and 121 LM which raced in earlier Millia Miglias. Like the 290MM these cars were purpose-built for events such as the Mille Miglia.
Powering the 290 MM is a Vittorio Jano-developed V12 engine. Jano's engine combines elements of earlier Lampredi and Columbo designs. For the 1957 season, the intake was upgraded with 6 Weber 42 DCN carburettors and a DOHC valvetrain. This new intake tract resulted in 330bhp.
The chassis of the 290MM is remarkably similar to the type used in the Ferrari 250. During production of 290, many 250 Berlinettas were successfully competing in events such as the Tour de France.
In 1956, a talented driver, Eugenio Castellotti would achieve his best year with Ferrari. The highlight of his career came at the 1956 Mille Miglia. In appalling weather, 290s driven by Castellotti and Fangio were matched with two 860 Monzas. Through the conditions Castellotti prevailed on won in the event with 290MM, chassis #0616.
Tragically, motor racing was stripped of one of the best drivers in 1957. Ferrari, anxious to beat the Maserati 250F record around Aeroautodromo Modena, wanted to try its 801 prototype. Sadly, the car crashed on only its third lap of the time trail with Eugenio Castellotti behind the wheel. The result was fatal.
Castellotti's career was tragically cut short during the begining of a promising career. Forever, he will be remembered with the victory achieved at the Milla Miglia with a car that bears the name Milla Migila
Position Front Longitudinal Drive Wheels RWD w/ZF Limited Slip
Configuration Light Alloy, 60 Degree, Twin Ignition, V12 Curb Weight 880 kg / 1940 lbs
Valvetrain SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl Length Not Available
Displacement 3490 cc / 213.0 cu in Width Not Available
Power 238.6 kw / 320 bhp @ 7000 rpm Height Not Available
Torque Not Available Wheelbase 2350 mm / 92.5 in
Bore 73 mm / 2.87 in Front Track 1310 mm / 51.6 in
Stroke 69.5 mm / 2.74 in Rear Track 1286 mm / 50.6 in
Redline Not Available Steering Not Available
HP / Liter 91.69 bhp per litre Body / Frame Alloy over Tubular Steel Frame
HP / Curb Weight 363.64 bhp per weight Front Brakes Hydraulic Drums
Gear Type 4-Speed Manual Front Brake Size Not Available
1st Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Brakes Hydraulic Drums
2nd Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Brake Size Not Available
3rd Gear Ratio Not Available Front Wheels Not Available
4th Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Wheels Not Available
5th Gear Ratio Not Available Front Tires 7.00x16
6th Gear Ratio Not Available Rear Tires 7.00x16
7th Gear Ratio Not Available Front Suspension Double Wishbones w/Coil Srpings
Final Drive Ratio Not Available Rear Suspension De Dion Axle w/Transverse Leaf Springs
Performance
Top Speed 257.5 kph / 160 mph 0 - 60 mph Not Available
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