In 1957 Ferrari launched the 335 S Spider Scaglietti to take on its international peers. This was a legendary age for racing. An era that saw innovation at its finest and racing at its most daring. This 335 S was designed for one reason only, to be as fierce as its competition. A car to be marvelled and one to be feared.
The 335 S Spider Scaglietta:
There is a lot to be said about the Ferrari visual. When faced in person, it is a sensory explosion, the glaring blood red is mesmerising whilst the sound is exhilarating. The 335 S captures what vision and ambition can create.
“At its best, the 335 S offers the perfect contrast of elegance and power. Two words that don’t usually belong together but fit like a glove when attached to this glorious sports car.”
At its best, the 335 S offers the perfect contrast of elegance and power. Two words that don’t usually belong together but fit like a glove when attached to this glorious sports car. It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder but the 335 S demands its beauty be known. What makes Ferrari a truly remarkable creator of cars is their rare ability to combine such grace and function. That balance is what true beauty consists of since it is so hard to achieve but yet again this car is no exception to that.
The iconic Italian Ferrari has created an identity that has remained relevant time and time again. Their innate ability to combine such elements lie behind their philosophy. To them it’s more than just a product, they want the luxurious experience to be a matter of expectation. It’s what they truly believe a great car should be and that has been the value proposition behind their success.
Designed by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, this edition was his successor to the 315 S. Powered behind a v12 engine, it had a maximum speed of 300 km/h. The weight is 880 kg dry. It had had a double ignition and featured four-choke carburettors, which at the time was considered revolutionary. To the observer, the car appears to be quite long, looking almost like a toy and this creates an optical delight.
Combined with its functional brilliance, it was driven by some of the greatest drivers in history, helping it to achieve success on the international circuits. It came second in the 1957 Mille Miglia and won the 1958 Cuba Grand Prix. During the Le Mans 24 hour, the car averaged a record breaking 120 mph average for its fastest lap.
It also won the Venezuelan 1000km twice however it despite its success on the world stage, it was short lived after horror crash by driver Alfonso de Portago at the Mille Miglia where the 335 S was the centre of great tragedy at the legendary endurance race. This was a tragedy that resulted in numerous deaths as Ferrari driver Portago drove into a large crowd of spectators. The crash killed him along with 14 spectators after the 335 S front tyre exploded as it was making a swift turn.
The 335 S sported a 4 litre engine which marked the end of such large engines being allowed in World Championship tournaments as a consequence of the crash. As a result, it was prohibited in competing again in such tournaments, marking the end of an era. It was later replaced by Ferrari’s 250 TR.
To some, the catastrophe will forever leave a stain on the legacy of the 335 S, despite its success on the world stage. To others, the contrast between triumph and tragedy adds to its mystique and allure. This much was evident in a 2016 Paris auction when the car sold for a record breaking €32.1 million adding further to the true magic of this Ferrari classic. For more on Ferrari visit: https://www.ferrari.com/en-AU
