1961 Ferrari 156 F1

Icon is probably an over-used word in automotive journalism, and modern commercialism has seen it applied to many automobiles which are clearly not icons – and sometimes not even interesting. However, it is difficult indeed to find a more fitting term to describe the Ferrari 156 – the “Sharknose” – a Grand Prix car which dominated its championship season in 1961 and just as quickly faded away the following year. While the car itself was hardly revolutionary, it came at a key moment in Grand Prix racing, and it was at its peak when a whole collection of great racing drivers were also at their peaks. It was a car for a time, and the time was a remarkable one in racing history.

Where did the Ferrari “Sharknose” come from? This question has several possible answers: one relates to Ferrari’s long-term traditions and design philosophies; one in relation to the changes which took place in motor sport at the time; and at least one related to the people who worked at Ferrari in 1960, most notably Carlo Chiti.