The Icona Series: Bringing the Best of the Old with the Best of the New

In 2017, Aston Martin and Jaguar made the genius decision to create modern interpretations of classic cars. The launch of Jaguar Classic and Aston Martin's Continuation Series proved quite popular for both struggling companies, relaunching legendary past models for owners who desire something more bespoke and special than the latest Insta-supercar.

In 2018, Ferrari decided to enter the world of modernised classics, though they took a very different approach. What they created was the Icona Series, a division that would take classic Ferrari designs, modernise them, and create a car that blended the best of the old with the best of the new.

These cars like their Halo Fleet or Bespoke would be sold to some of Ferrari’s more dedicated clients. You couldn’t just go in and buy an Icona Series, you had to prove you were worthy of owning an Icona Series. And in 2019, their first-ever Icona Series project was revealed, the beautiful but brutal Monza SP. A modern take on Ferrari’s classic racers from the 50s.

A Design Inspired By the Past: The Classic Ferrari Racer

The design of the Monza SP is a tribute to the legendary Ferrari racers of the 50s like the 250 Testarossa, 166 Inter and 750 Monza. This is seen through its low and long front bonnet, perfectly proportioned rear and shield less windscreen. Tribute or not, one thing is certain, this is an achingly beautiful car, especially with its unique butterfly doors.

But just as spectacular as the exterior is the interior. Unlike most modern Ferraris, a majority of the switch gear is placed on a dashboard that faces the driver. In addition, the narrow cabin, perfectly proportioned dials and lack of creature comforts give the impression that this is a no-nonsense racing car for the road.

This is further emphasised by the fact the body is made largely of aluminium and the chassis is made from carbon fibre. Despite this though, the Monza SP2 is not exactly a lightweight, weighing in at 1520kg, it actually weighs more than a 488 Pista. And this comes into light with its performance.

Ferrari’s Biggest Thriller Though Not That Fast

As this is a modern tribute to classic Ferrari racers, it was only right Ferrari fitted it with the engine that calls back to those old racers. Their 6.5l 800 horsepower, naturally aspirated V12 that bails and roars every time your toe touches the right gas pedal. Particularly in the Monza as no Windshield just means you’re surrounded by engine noise.

No windshield also means the top speed isn’t particularly fast. Even though the Monza’s V12 generates 530 lb-ft of torque and it rockets to 60mph in 2.9 seconds, it’s all out of puff at 186mph. Which as of today, makes it one of Ferrari’s slower road cars. But top speed isn’t this car’s party piece, it’s the handling.

Thanks to rear-wheel steering and the low centre of gravity, this car corners with the agility of the flea. Yet it’s not what you’d call a doddle to drive, you take liberties and it will spit you out quite literally. Couple that with the screaming V12, the snappy dual-clutch, and the fast steering and what you have here is a literal snorting, thrilling and scary stallion.

It is a truly special car that invokes excitement more than any Ferrari in a long time. The 499 owners that will either own the single-seat SP1 or two-seater SP2 can consider themselves very lucky. For $1.8 million, there is no bigger shield-less thriller, or rather that’s what we’d hope.

Monza, Elva or Speedster

Shortly after Ferrari launched the Monza SP, McLaren and Aston Martin were quick to respond with the Elva and V12 Speedster respectively. Like the Ferrari, both of these are rare and exclusive shield-less supercars with designs inspired by past racers, (the speedster takes a lot from the legendary DBR1). But which is best?

Well from a performance perspective, the Elva, like most McLarens is pretty much unbeatable. Not only at 1270kg is it significantly lighter than both its rivals, owing to the fact it has a twin-turbo V8 vs their V12s, but its notably faster as well. Both the Aston and Ferrari are out of puff at 186mph whilst the McLaren will soar to 203mph.

Thanks to its mid-engine chassis it's also the most balanced and sharpest when cornering. That being said with its naturally aspirated V12 the Monza has easily the best soundtrack and to my eye, is the most beautiful. But to truly determine a winner, we at F1rstMotors promise a full comparison between the three in the near future.

Ferrari’s Most Pure Vision In A Road Car

The Monza SP2 may not be Ferrari’s biggest step forward in the automotive world, it might not be the fastest or even most exclusive. What it is though is the soul of Enzo’s spirit embodied in a road car. A raucous, undiluted, un-refined, screaming, snorting, passion-filled masterpiece. It is the truest expression of Ferrari summed up.

F1rstMotors Facts and Figures

Manufacturer	Ferrari S.p.A
Model	Monza SP2
Year of Release	2018
Engine	6.5L V12
Horsepower	800hp
Torque	530 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	2.9 seconds
Top Speed	186mph (340 km/h)
Weight	1520kg (1.5 tonnes)
Power to Weight	527 hp per tonne
Gearbox	8–speed Dual Clutch
Driven Wheels	Rear Wheel Drive
Amount Built	250 (499 SPs in Total)
Rivals	Aston Martin V12 Speedster, McLaren Elva

Source: Ferrari