Sir Stirling Moss is an iconic figure in the world of motorsport. The English racer had an illustrious career that spanned multiple decades and included many successes, including winning the 1955 Mille Miglia in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. He also drove a Ferrari in his career, a 250 Testa Rossa driven by him in the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans. This article aims to take a closer look at the life and times of Stirling Moss’ Ferrari.
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The 250 Testa Rossa
The Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa was produced from 1957 to 1961 and was the first of Ferrari’s mid-engined sports cars. It was a two-seater sports car with a 3.0-litre V12 engine and was designed by Carlo Chiti and Giotto Bizzarrini. The car was an immediate success, and it was raced in multiple sports car championships, including the World Sportscar Championship, the Italian Sportscar Championship, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The car was known for its distinctive red-painted engine covers and its unique body style, which featured a long, low nose and a short tail. It was a powerful car, capable of reaching speeds of up to 180mph. It was also light, weighing only 1,500kg, and had excellent handling, making it a formidable competitor in motorsport.
Stirling Moss’ 250 Testa Rossa
Stirling Moss drove a 250 Testa Rossa in the 1958 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was partnered with his co-driver, British driver Peter Collins, and the pair finished second overall. It was a remarkable achievement for the team, and it marked the first time that a Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa had finished the race. Moss and Collins were also the first British drivers to finish on the podium in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The car that Moss and Collins drove was chassis number 0738TR, and it was the only 250 Testa Rossa to be powered by a 3.0-litre V12 engine. The car was painted in the iconic red-and-white livery of the Scuderia Ferrari team and had been specially prepared for the race. It was an impressive machine, and it had a top speed of over 180mph.
The Legacy of Stirling Moss’ Ferrari
Stirling Moss’ Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa has become an iconic car in motorsport history. It was the first Ferrari to finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans and it was driven by one of the greatest drivers in the world. The car is now on display at the Donington Grand Prix Collection in England, where it can be admired by motorsport fans from all over the world.
Stirling Moss’ 250 Testa Rossa is a reminder of the golden age of motorsport and a testament to the skill and courage of the drivers that raced in it. It is a car that will forever be remembered for its success and for the legacy of Stirling Moss.
