R8 Coupe

Make
Audi
Segment
Coupe

A CarBuzz reader alerted us to something very interesting and special for this week's segment. This 1995 Ferrari 333 SP is number 11 of only 40 units made. Known for its great performance and reliability, it was designed specifically for the new IMSA prototype regulations and was meant only for customer racing use. It was named after its engine's unitary displacement of 333 cc. They were built from 1993 until 2000 and the program was nicknamed 'Il Sogno Americano,' or 'the American Dream.'

The people behind the project were Giampiero Moretti, founder of MOMO and Gian Luigi Buitoni, president of Ferrari of North America. According to the information provided, IMSA regulations specified that the engine could not displace over four liters and had to be derived from a road car. The V12 used was similar to the automaker's F1 engines, but was apparently homologated because it would soon power the upcoming F50 road car. It's powered by a naturally aspirated 3.997-liter V12 with 650hp and 332 lb-ft of torque and mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

The rear-wheel-drive, mid-engine racer also has a carbon fiber and aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis, double wishbone front and rear suspension, and all-round ventilated disc brakes. Total weight: just 1,900.4 lbs. and has a top speed of 229 mph. This particular example has a new clutch as well as a new engine that was done in 1997. Since then, it has not been raced. It's currently up for auction at eBay with a starting price of $1 million. Not surprisingly, no one has yet to place a bid. Thanks for the tip John. Photos courtesy of excell-auto