Ferrari was keen to win the CSI’s World Sportcar Championships with special factory versions of his Ferrari Testa Rossa and, to stay competitive, the formula one rear suspension was adapted in 1961.

Before Le Mans and in the middle of the season, Carlo Chiti adapted the Formula One rear suspension to the Testa Rossa, but kept the outboard rear discs and front-mounted barrel-type gearbox. With double wishbones, the suspension was fully independent compared to the De Dion type used before. Also included was an upgraded 5-speed transmission, vented disc brakes and a slight weight reduction. The new car was called the TRI60 and looked outwardly identical to the TR59/60 it was built from and usually raced beside.

Like the 1959 season, the last race decided the 1960 Championship, and since Goodwood had dropped out of the schedule, this meant Le Mans would be the final showdown. For Ferrari, Le Mans had to be the saving grace. At the event were several customer Testa Rossas, TR58s, TR59s and the new TRI60s. Power in numbers was the strategy and the two works car that didn’t retire, won the race in a 1-2 fashion. The 1960 Championship was Ferrari’s.

Despite getting replaced by mid-engine alternatives like the 246SP in the tighter courses, the factory works Testa Rossas secured the 1960 Manufacturer’s Championship and motivated Ferrari to continue on one more year with the program.