By launching its limited-edition series of Icona celebratory models, Ferrari could blend its cutting-edge technology and revered driving dynamics with exquisite styling that took cues from the marque’s illustrious racing heritage. Launched in tandem with the two-seater SP2, the single-seat Monza SP1 speedster was inspired by barchettasportscar greats of the late 1940s and 1950s. The smooth, sculptural carbon fibre bodywork and open-cockpit design were evidently reminiscent of such creations as the Mille Miglia- and 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning 166 MM, 250 Testarossa, and its namesake, the 750 Monza.

Testament to the astonishing aesthetics, in 2019 the SP1 was recognised with the Gold Award at the prestigious iF Design Awards. The following year, it claimed the Compasso D’Oro, becoming only the 11th car in history to win this most coveted of industrial design accolades.

Under the skin, however, sat the latest powertrain. The howling 6.5-litre naturally aspirated V-12 was derived from the engine found in the 812 Superfast. Embellished with revised inlet ducts and a remapped ECU, it delivered some 799 horsepower and 530 pound-feet of torque. This was sent to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The immense output enabled a sprint time to 100 km/h of just 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 305 km/h. To help isolate the driver at these speeds, in place of a windscreen Ferrari engineers developed a “Virtual Wind Shield” to channel the air in a proactive bubble around the cockpit.

Across both SP1 and SP2 variants, only 499 cars were produced for Ferrari’s most treasured clients. The example offered here—chassis number 270155—is, incredibly, even more exclusive. Built in July 2021, it was delivered new to The Tailored For Speed Collection in November via Garage Niki Hasler of Basel. Commissioned by one of Ferrari’s very closest customers, the Monza SP1 carries a bespoke configuration devised in conjunction with the Tailor Made programme.

Accordingly, it is predominantly finished in a custom shade of Rosso Deborah. The front portion of the car and the rear fin are then presented in Glossy Grigio and accented by the bordering Glossy Bianco stripe. The five-spoke 21-inch wheels by Speedline, held in place by titanium stud bolts, house the Glossy Black callipers for the Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes. Further exterior flourishes include the Scuderia shields beautifully airbrushed onto the tops of the front wings and the extensive selection of carbon fibre. The prominent rear diffuser, front air vents, front splitter, and door sills are all finished in composite. So too is the luggage compartment plus engine covers and airbox hiding under the front clamshell.

The interior is dominated by the sole, large-size GT2 monocoque seat upholstered in Jeans Aunde Blu and is capped off by the Cavallino stitched into the headrest in Blu thread. Similarly, the inner door handles and armrest are also finished in Jeans Aunde Blu, while the rest of the cabin has been configured with gloss carbon fibre trim plus Black Alcantara complemented by Nero stitching. The yellow tachometer adds a central flash of colour and is flanked by the display screens that incorporate Apple CarPlay.

Certified with a Ferrari “Serie Speciali Yellow Book” in October 2021, the Monza SP1 is accompanied by a car cover, battery charger, and helmets. Offered in virtually-as-new condition from single ownership and seldom used, the Ferrari displayed a mere 78 kilometres on its odometer at the time of cataloguing.

A modern take on the arguably timeless silhouette of post-war period, open-cockpit sports racing cars, this first instalment of the Ferrari Icona series will be celebrated and admired for decades to come. A sure-fire contestant in concours competitions of the future, the Monza SP1 is one of the most exclusive Maranello offerings of recent years.

This custom-configured example, consigned to auction by its original commissioning owner and barely driven, would make for an exquisite addition to any marque-, motorsport-, or supercar-themed collection. It could also be a wonderful stablemate to the matching-colour Daytona SP3 also offered as part of this special sale.