This book details the origin and racing history of the Ferrari 333 SP. Uniquely, none of the 333 SP models were entered into races by Ferrari itself. The cars were built specifically for customer use; a purchase price of $900,000 included two spare engines and race technical support supplied by Ferrari engineers. A total of 40 cars were built; the first four by Ferrari, the remainder manufactured by Dallara & Michellotto using Ferrari engines. All of the cars were sold to, and race entries made by, privateer teams. From 1994, the cars contested the IMSA World Sports Car Championship, the United States Road Racing Championship, and the American Le Mans Series, at circuits throughout North America. In 1997, the cars also featured in the Europe-based International Sports Racing Series, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Two years later, the Doran-Lista team installed a Judd V10 engine into its 333 SP, with the aim of increasing power and improving fuel efficiency. In all, from the 126 races entered, 47 victories were claimed by the 333 SP.

In this richly illustrated book, Terry O'Neil details the origins of a remarkable racecar, the Ferrari 333 SP. This vehicle heralded the famed automaker's return to professional sports car competitions after an absence of more than twenty years. Introduced on the American racing circuit in 1994, it found instant success and continued to be a major player in numerous races in the US and Europe. Of the 126 races the 333 SP entered, it emerged victorious in nearly fifty, making it one of the most successful sport prototype cars in Ferrari's history. Containing over eight hundred images--many of them never published before--O'Neil's book is a vivid look at this inimitable automobile.

This beautifully designed and illustrated essential guide to Ferrari from Motorbooks' Speed Read series celebrates the world's premier performance-car manufacturer, from the first complete car Enzo Ferrari constructed in 1940—the Auto Avio Costruzioni—to masterpieces produced by Ferrari today. Author Preston Lerner covers 50-plus aspects key to understanding Ferrari's amazing history, including both racing and production cars, design and technology, and the personal histories of key figures. In sections divided by topic, you'll explore the story of Ferrari's founding; descriptions and critiques of over 25 different Ferrari models, including the milestone racers, lust-inspiring road cars, and dominating F1, sports, and prototype racecars; profiles of the most famous Ferrari drivers; recaps of Ferrari's most memorable racing wins; and a survey of all the stylists, coachbuilders, engineers, salesmen, and executives who have contributed to Ferrari's success. Each section ends with a glossary of related terms, and informational sidebars provide fun facts, historical tidbits, and mini-bios of key people in Ferrari history. Sleek illustrations of the cars bring the evolution of the company to life. With Motorbooks’ Speed Read series, become an instant expert in a range of fast-moving subjects, from Formula 1 racing to the Tour de France. Accessible language, compartmentalized sections, fact-filled sidebars, glossaries of key terms, and event timelines deliver quick access to insider knowledge. Their brightly colored covers, modern design, pop art–inspired illustrations, and handy size make them perfect on-the-go reads.

This landmark book is the result of interviews with many of the greatest names in Ferrari history, and is loaded with never-before-seen stories and photos.

Road & motor vehicles: general interest.