Ferrari 290 MM – Car Profiles
Introduction
Designed for the 1956 Mille Miglia and as a replacement for the 860 Monza, the 290MM was mounted with a V12 engine with dual ignition and dry sump derived from the 4.5-litre Grand Prix. Even though this engine could be described as belonging to Lampredi school, its bore and stroke measurements were really more reminiscent of Colombo’s V12 than anything else. The car was an immediate success. In fact, Castellotti not only drove it home first in the Mille Miglia followed by two 860 Monzas piloted by Collins and Musso, but it also took fourth in the same race with Fangio at the wheel.
The Story
In 1956 the 290 MM made its debut in the Mille Miglia at the end of April, when the factory entered a pair of them in the event, backed up by a pair of 860 Monzas. The 290 MM sports racing car, with a 3.5 liter V-12 engine was a throwback to Ferrari’s roots compared to Ferrari’s current sports racing car output which was concentrated on four cylinder models, such as the 860 Monzas and the 500 Testa Rossa.
