1956 Ferrari 290 MM
- Engine
- 3.5L SOHC 60-degree V12, dry-sump, triple twin-choke Weber carburetors, dual-plug ignition, 320 bhp
The Ferrari 290 MM chassis 0626 is a Works Scuderia Ferrari racing prototype built in 1956 to contest the World Sportscar Championship. Driven by Juan Manuel Fangio to 4th place overall at the 1956 Mille Miglia in torrential conditions, it subsequently carried an exceptional roster of period drivers including Phil Hill, Alfonso de Portago, Wolfgang von Trips, Peter Collins, and Masten Gregory across multiple championship rounds. It contributed directly to Ferrari's 1956 and 1957 WSC titles before passing into private hands via Luigi Chinetti.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$28,050,000
- 1956 → 1957Factory deliveryScuderia Ferrari (Works team)full documentation
Chassis built specifically for Works competition use in the World Sportscar Championship across the 1956 and early 1957 seasons, driven by top-tier factory pilots.
- 1957 →Private saleTemple Buellpartial documentation
Purchased through dealer Luigi Chinetti in New York; had the car repainted in blue and white livery and continued entering it in international events. A personal acquaintance of Enzo Ferrari.
Competition
- 1956World Sportscar Championship1956 ADAC 1000 km NürburgringDriver: Phil Hill3rd overall
Shared among Hill, Ken Wharton, Olivier Gendebien, and Alfonso de Portago; a multi-driver effort yielding a podium finish.
- 1956World Sportscar Championship1956 Swedish Grand Prix at KristianstadDriver: Wolfgang von Trips2nd overall
Shared with Peter Collins; this result contributed to Ferrari clinching the 1956 World Sportscar Championship title.
- 1956-04-29World Sportscar Championship1956 Mille MigliaDriver: Juan Manuel Fangio4th overall
Fangio drove unaccompanied as race number 600, starting last at 6 a.m. in severe rain; Ferrari cars claimed the top five positions overall.
- 1956-07-011956 Grand Prix of Rouen-Les EssartsDriver: Alfonso de Portago9th overall
Designated as the 5th International Grand Prix at Rouen-Les Essarts; de Portago drove solo.
- 1957World Sportscar Championship1957 Buenos Aires 1000 kmDriver: Masten Gregory1st overall
Co-driven by Eugenio Castellotti and Luigi Musso; victory in the opening round of the 1957 championship season under Works entry.
- 19571957 Portuguese Grand Prix2nd overall
Run under Temple Buell's ownership; drivers from this period included Gregory, Joakim Bonnier, Paul O'Shea, and Manfredo L. (surname incomplete in source).
- 19571957 RACB Grand Prix of Spa-Francorchamps2nd overall
Contested during Buell's ownership period alongside other international events that season.
- 1957Nassau Tourist Trophy
Among the events entered during Buell's ownership; a respectable finish was recorded though specifics are not stated.
- 1957Cuban Grand Prix
Entered during the Buell ownership period; notable for Fangio being abducted before the start by supporters of Fidel Castro's movement.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1957Bodywork
Car was repainted in blue and white following acquisition by Temple Buell, replacing the original Works racing livery.
Change of colour carried out under new private ownership after the car left the Scuderia Ferrari Works team.
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