IMSA GT classes are former classifications of sports prototypes in sports car racing competing in the IMSA GT Championship . The classes were used at different, overlapping times during the period from 1971 to 1998, over which the championship ran.
132-649: Grand Touring Over (GTO) is the name of a former classification designated to grand touring cars competing in the IMSA GT Championship, and later by Grand-Am in the Rolex Sports Car Series . IMSA used the class between 1971 and 1991, and Grand-Am used the class for a single season in 2000. The class had its origins in the original "TO" class used by the SCCA in the Trans-Am series, and
264-694: A pilota da corsa at the 1949 Mille Miglia . The A6 1500 was the first road going production car to be offered by the Maserati factory, featuring a tubular chassis with independent front suspension and coil springs , the 1500 cc six-cylinder being derived from the Maserati brothers pre-war voiturette racing engines. The body of the A6 1500 was an elegant two-door fast-back coupé body, also by Pinin Farina. Enzo Ferrari , whose Scuderia Ferrari had been
396-618: A steel tube frame (similar to the type used in SCCA Trans-Am Series cars). Grand Touring Experimental (GTX) is a former classification maintained by IMSA between 1977 and 1982. Some cars were based on FIA Group 5 rules; such as the Porsche 935 , and some cars were based on FIA Group 6 regulations, such as the Lola T600 . Like the original GTO class , the class rules specified turbocharging and supercharging
528-695: A "much abused and confused term") are typically more "crude" compared to "sophisticated Grand Touring machinery". However, the popularity of using GT for marketing purposes has meant that it has become a "much misused term, eventually signifying no more than a slightly tuned version of a family car with trendy wheels and a go-faster stripe on the side". Historically, most GTs have been front-engined with rear-wheel drive , offering more cabin space than mid-mounted engine layouts. Softer suspensions, greater storage, and more luxurious appointments add to their appeal. The GT abbreviation—and variations thereof—are often used as model names. However, some cars with GT in
660-617: A 100 mph car. Lancia chose the Gran Turismo name for its new model and the suggestion could only have come from Vittorio Jano himself, for had he not been responsible for the original 1750 Alfa Romeo of the same name back in 1929? Four semi-ufficiali works B20 GTs, together with a number of privateer entrants, were sent to the Mille Miglia in April 1951, where the factory Bracco / Maglioli car finished second overall, behind only
792-572: A 6C Alfa Romeo and Maserati in 1948, along with the Fiat 1100 S coupé with its rear accommodation for children. The original Aurelia had been under-powered and, in 1951, the V6 was enlarged to 1991 cc, which was also extended to the coupé, though in 75 rather than 70 bhp form as the B20 was developed as a sporting model in its own right. In addition the B20 had a shorter wheelbase and a higher rear axle ratio, making it
924-449: A Chevrolet engine. March also fielded prototypes, with Al Holbert winning the 1983 championship with a Chevrolet powered car, changing to Porsche power later in the season; and Randy Lanier a year later with Chevrolet power. 1984 also saw the introduction of the Porsche 962 , which dominated the series from '85 to '87. Nissan then took control of the series in 1988, but faced challenges from Jaguar , Porsche , and Toyota throughout
1056-463: A Ferrari sports racer of twice the engine capacity. Lancia Aurelias swept the GT 2.0 Liter division. In June 1951, Bracco was partnered with the "father of GT racing" himself, Johnny Lurani , to race a B20 GT at Le Mans, where they were victorious in the 2.0 liter sportscar division, placing a very creditable 12th overall. A 1–2 finish at the famous Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti, among other victories including
1188-548: A GT car", was winner of the Vetture Chiuse category at the 1931 Mille Miglia. An improved and supercharged version, the 6C 1750 GTC Gran Turismo Compressore , won the Vetture a Guida Interna category of the 1932 Mille Miglia. The Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 was designed by Vittorio Jano, who would later be instrumental in the design of the 1951 Lancia Aurelia B20 GT. From the basic Fiat 508 Balilla touring chassis came
1320-566: A Nations Cup organised in the first year. In 1978, Jean-Marie Balestre begun his presidency of the CSI, and it was renamed to Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA), with the intention of creating a governing body for automobile motor sport with some autonomy from the rest of the FIA, which retained control of the karting commission, CIK. Balestre believed motor sport was not being managed well and wanted to professionalise and commercialise
1452-624: A Secretary General to head the administrative staff who function as intermediaries for the councils, commissions and committees. A Chief Administration Officer also heads areas supporting the Senate such as commercial, legal, marketing, events and financial. A number of commissions exist to further activities or aims within specific areas. Each may have their own presidency and could be broken down into further specific working groups. Individual members may be from member organisations joined by delegates and representatives from various professions or through
SECTION 10
#17327808324391584-444: A company controlled by Ecclestone. This meant organisers were forced into having their championships promoted by the same company that managed the affairs of other motorsport events, a potential conflict of interest . The combination of these requirements meant Ecclestone's Formula One Administration , which now controlled Formula One's commercial rights, was protected from competition from any rival championships. The investigation
1716-651: A competition. ; Teams/entrants = The person or corporate entity that registers a car and driver for a competition, and is then responsible for preparing and maintaining that car for the duration of the competition. In 1913, the AIACR created the Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD), allowing motorists to cross international borders into signatory territories for temporary periods without customs tariffs, duties or taxes payable on their personal vehicles. The CPD works like an insurance product, customs are guaranteed to be paid by
1848-468: A dispute with FOCA (named the " FISA–FOCA war "). The conflict saw several races being cancelled or boycotted, and large-scale disagreement over the technical regulations and their enforcement. The dispute and the Concorde Agreement that was written to end it, would have significant ramifications for the FIA. The agreement led to FOCA acquiring commercial rights over Formula One, while FISA and
1980-588: A number of changes at motor racing circuits around the world, and the improvement of crash barriers and trackside medical procedures. The FIA Institute for Motor Sport Safety was established in 2004 with the focus of improving safety in motor sport, bringing together the various safety research groups into one organisation. It ceased prior to the 2017 motor sport season, with the Global Institute for Motor Sport Safety taking on its aims. The FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy begun in 2011 with
2112-678: A position similar to the Bugatti 57SC of 1939. In 1962 the GTO Ferrari coupés had a remarkable season of successes in G.T. racing and have become the standard by which any competition coupé is measured, and by steady development [the Ferrari 250GT] has become one of the world's greatest cars. 1953 saw the first serious attempt to series produce the Ferrari motor car, two models of the Type 250 Europa being produced. The cars were an evolution of
2244-573: A related connection such as being a motorsport competitor for example. Alongside the various Sporting and Mobility Commissions, the International Historical Commission exists for the preservation of historic vehicles. Ten sports committees have been established by the World Motorsport Council to help manage and administer certain aspects of motorsport. An Ethics committee was also set up in 2012 by
2376-621: A result of this ruling, the FIA sold the commercial rights to Formula One to the Formula One Group for 100 years for $ 360 million. In 2008, accusations surfaced in the British media that FIA president Max Mosley was involved in scandalous sexual behaviour. In response, Mosley faced a leadership challenge in a vote of confidence at the June 2008 General Assembly. Mosley won the vote by 103 votes in support to 55 against, resulting in
2508-661: A separate category. It was the successor to the Grand Touring Experimental (GTX) class, which were based on FIA Group 5 and Group 6 cars. The IMSA GTP moniker was revived in 2023 to replace DPi as the top class of the IMSA SportsCar Championship for the merger of DPi and the World Endurance Championship Hypercar class. In 1981, purpose-built GTP cars (Grand Touring Prototypes) appeared in
2640-426: A series not controlled by the FIA. This provision, which also applied to racing circuits and promoters, prevented rival championships competing against the FIA championships by restricting their access to facilities, drivers, and vehicle manufacturers. In addition, the FIA also claimed the television rights to all international motorsport events, which were then transferred to International Sportsworld Communicators ,
2772-423: A team of prototype cars of extremely advanced and interesting design. By 1954 these had undergone sufficient development to be placed on the market as the "300SL" , one of the costliest and most desirable cars of our time. The conventional chassis has been abandoned in favor of a complex structure of welded tubes , although the coil spring suspension is retained, and exceptionally large brakes are fitted, inboard at
SECTION 20
#17327808324392904-508: Is Mohammed bin Sulayem . The FIA is generally known by its French name or initials, even in non-French-speaking countries, but is occasionally rendered as International Automobile Federation. Its most prominent role is in the licensing and sanctioning of Formula One , World Rally Championship , World Endurance Championship , TCR World Tour , World Rallycross Championship , Formula E , and various other forms of racing. The FIA along with
3036-581: Is a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive two-door coupé with either a two-seat or a 2+2 arrangement. Grand tourers are often the coupé derivative of luxury saloons or sedans. Some models, such as the Ferrari 250 GT , Jaguar E-Type , and Aston Martin DB5 , are considered classic examples of gran turismo cars. The term is a near- calque from the Italian language phrase gran turismo , which became popular in
3168-515: Is a former classification originally by IMSA and later by Grand-Am in the Rolex Sports Car Series . IMSA used the class between 1992 and 1997, and Grand-Am used the class between 2001 and 2003. It was an evolution and re-branding of the former Grand Touring Over (GTO) class. Like the original GTO class, the class rules specified an engine displacement of more than 2.5 L (150 cu in), with engine design and number of cylinders being free and unrestricted. turbocharging and supercharging
3300-451: Is recognized as the first Ferrari gran turismo . After that race, the national governing body of Italian motorsport, CSAI ( Commissione Sportiva Automobilistica Italiana), officially introduced a new class, called Gran Turismo Internazionale , for cars with production over thirty units per year, thereby ruling out Ferrari's hand-built berlinettas . Ferrari's response for the new Italian Gran Turismo Internazionale championship in 1951
3432-516: Is the President, a position currently held by Mohammed bin Sulayem . The President coordinates the activities of the Federation and proposes resolutions to the various commissions and committees and also acts as the representative of the FIA to external organisations. They are supported by two Deputy Presidents and several vice-presidents, each for Sport or Mobility, as well as the President of
3564-595: The Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) also certify land speed record attempts. The International Olympic Committee provisionally recognised the federation in 2011, and granted full recognition in 2013. The Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus (AIACR, English: 'International Association of Recognized Automobile Clubs') was founded in Paris on 20 June 1904, as an association of national motor clubs . The association
3696-477: The GT3 class for 1998. All American Grand Touring (AAGT) was maintained by IMSA between 1975 and 1989. These cars were All-American, V8-powered , used a maximum of 5 forward gears, and used a steel tube frame (similar to the type used in the SCCA Trans-Am Series ), and were designed to compete against heavyweight European manufacturers and machinery of the time, such as Porsche and BMW , who were dominating
3828-584: The World Rally-Raid Championship . With the Amaury Sport Organization (ASO) acting as promotor and organiser; the separate cross-country rallying series sanctioned by the FIA and FIM were dissolved and merged into the new World Championship. Key: Constructors/manufacturers = The person or corporate entity that owns the intellectual rights to the chassis and the engine of the car that a team/entrant enters into
3960-399: The 159 and 166 models, including the 1949 Ferrari 166 Inter , a road-going berlinetta coupé with coachwork by Carrozzeria Touring and other coachbuilders. The Ferrari 166 'Inter' S coupé model won the 1949 Coppa Inter-Europa motor race. Regulations stipulated body form and dimensions but did not at this time specify a minimum production quantity. The car was driven by Bruno Sterzi, and
4092-652: The 1992 season the World Sportscar Championship was cancelled and dissolved, revived again in the 2012 season under the new name as the FIA World Endurance Championship . In the 1973 World Rally Championship season , the FIA organised the first World Rally Championship beginning with the 42nd Rally of Monte-Carlo to replace the International Championship for Manufacturers . Initially
IMSA GT classes - Misplaced Pages Continue
4224-431: The 250 GTO . A full Testa Rossa engine was employed (albeit with black crinkle-finish engine covers) with six twin-choke Webers. Power was up to 300 b.h.p. at 7,400 r.p.m. and with a lightweight 2000 lb body and chassis: the car was an immediate winner. Remarkable as it might be on the circuit, it is also a remarkable machine on the road. One American Ferrarist, who owned and raced many G.T. Ferraris, commented that
4356-695: The Automobile Club de France . The World Manufacturers' Championship was introduced in 1925, replaced by the European Drivers' Championship in 1931 with a title awarded to the driver with the best results in the selected Grands Prix. Upon resumption of motorsport after the Second World War , the AIACR was renamed the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile . The FIA established a number of championships in
4488-517: The European Commission opened a formal investigation into the FIA. The Commission alleged a number of breaches of European competition law , centred around the FIA's administration of licences required to participate in motorsport and the control of television rights of the motorsport events it authorised. In order to compete in events the FIA authorised, the competitor had to apply for a licence, which prohibited licensees from entering
4620-455: The Fiat -based 1100 cc four-cylinder Cisitalia was no match on the race track for Ferrari's new hand-built 2000 cc V12 , and Ferrari dominated, taking the first three places. An 1100 cc class was hurriedly created, but not in time to save Cisitalia's business fortunes—the company's bankrupt owner Piero Dusio had already decamped to Argentina. The Cisitalia 202 SC gained considerable fame for
4752-663: The Fiat 8V "Otto Vu" was unveiled at the Geneva Salon in March 1952 to international acclaim. Although not raced by the factory, the Otto Vu was raced by a number of private owners. Vincenzo Auricchio and Piero Bozzinio raced to fifth in the gran turismo category of the 1952 Mille Miglia, and Ovidio Capelli placed third in the GT 2000 cc class at the Coppa della Toscana in June, with a special race-spec lightweight Zagato coupe;
4884-491: The Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) in the 2010 and 2011 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup seasons, the FIA and ACO organised together the rebirth of the defunct World Sportscar Championship for both Sports prototypes and GT cars from the 2012 season onward, now officially known as the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Starting in 2022 season , the FIA and FIM jointly sanctioned
5016-453: The post-war era especially, have since become valuable cars among wealthy collectors. Within ten years, grand touring cars found success penetrating the new American personal luxury car market. The terms grand tourer , gran turismo , grande routière , and GT are among the most misused terms in motoring. The grand touring designation generally "means motoring at speed, in style, safety, and comfort". "Purists define gran turismo as
5148-515: The 1950s, driving a Zagato-bodied Fiat 8V, Elio emerged as the consummate gentleman racer in Italian GT championship events. Zagato, his father's firm, provided the lithe, lightweight aluminium bodies for many of the Lancias, Alfa Romeos, Abarths and Maseratis that dominated these meetings. Elio won 82 races out of the 150 he entered, and won four of the five championships he entered. Working with
5280-614: The 1955-1965 Chrysler 300 . Despite this, the United States, enjoying early post-war economic expansion , became the largest market for European grand-touring cars, supplying transportation for movie stars, celebrities and the jet set ; notably the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (imported by Max Hoffman ), the Jaguar XK120 , and the Ferrari berlinettas (imported by Luigi Chinetti ). Classic grand-touring cars from
5412-593: The 2022 edition of the Russian Grand Prix in Sochi , initially scheduled for 25 September. The FIA also terminated the Russian contract to host the race. The true history of Formula One began in the 1946 Grand Prix season with the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ' s (FIA's) standardisation of rules for Formula One cars . The first Grand Prix in accordance with this new regulations
IMSA GT classes - Misplaced Pages Continue
5544-596: The 250 chassis was employed for improved handling and road-holding in corners, and top speed was up to 157 m.p.h. In 1957 Gendebien finished third overall in the Mille Miglia, and won the "index of performance". Alfonso de Portago won the Tour de France and GT races at Montlhéry and Castelfusano in a lightweight Carrozzeria Scaglietti 250 GT. Gendebien became a gran turismo specialist in 250 GTs when he wasn't driving sports racing Ferrari Testa Rossas ("Red Heads" for their red engine covers), achieving success in both
5676-602: The 6 Ore di Pescara, rounded out an astonishing debut racing season for this ground-breaking car, winning its division in the Italian GT Championship for Umberto Castiglioni in 1951 . Lancia B20 GTs would go on to win the over 2.0 liter Italian GT Championship in 1953, 1954 and 1955 with the B20-2500 . A surprise to the international press, who were not expecting a gran turismo berlinetta from Italy's largest manufacturer of everyday standard touring models,
5808-534: The 962 was beginning to feel dated. He proposed a follow-up open-top Porsche powered racer which would also be sold to customer teams. That project never got off the ground due to Holbert's death in an aircraft accident later in the year. For some, much of the blame was on the organization for allowing the Japanese "works" teams to dominate the series. Under Bishop's original vision, privateers and "works teams" were able to race equally. Privateer teams walked away, while
5940-439: The AIACR (The Association Internationale des Automobile Clubs Reconnus). The World Sportscar Championship was created in the 1953 World Sportscar Championship season, and was the first points series for sports car racing in the world. The official name frequently varied throughout the period and from the 1962 season to the 1971 season the championship was officially known as the International Championship . The championship
6072-476: The April 1951 Coppa Inter-Europa, driven by Luigi Villoresi, and in June (chassis no. 0092E) was first in the gran turismo category at the Coppa della Toscana driven by Milanese Ferrari concessionaire and proprietor of Scuderia Guastalla, Franco Cornacchia. The 212 Export continued to serve Ferrari well in the Sports and GT categories until replaced by the 225 S, and although it would later be overshadowed by
6204-456: The CSAI were raced with the original chassis and engine layout as specified in the factory catalog and available for customers to buy; engines could be tuned and bored out, but the bodywork had to conform to regulations. The CSAI were concerned that FIA (known as AIACR at the time) ' Annexe C ' Sports cars were becoming little more than thinly-disguised two-seat Grand Prix racers, far removed from
6336-611: The English language in the 1950s, evolving from fast touring cars and streamlined closed sports cars during the 1930s. The grand touring car concept originated in Europe in the early 1950s, especially with the 1951 introduction of the Lancia Aurelia B20 GT , and features notable luminaries of Italian automotive history such as Vittorio Jano , Enzo Ferrari and Johnny Lurani . Motorsports became important in
6468-705: The FIA Senate. The combined presidency is elected to a four-year term by the General Assembly. Presidential candidates must produce an electoral list consisting of their proposed Deputy Presidents, Vice-Presidents for Sport, and the President of the Senate, as well as demonstrate support from a number of member clubs. The FIA has two World Councils. The World Council for Automobile Mobility and Tourism (WCAMT) governs transport policy, road safety, tourism and environmental concerns. The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) regulates all sporting disciplines claimed by
6600-535: The FIA had been abusing its position as motorsport's governing body. Van Miert's initial inquiry had not concluded by 1999, which resulted in the FIA suing the European Commission, alleging that the delay was causing damaging uncertainty, and successfully receiving an apology from the Commission over the leaking of documents relating to the case. Mario Monti took over as Commissioner in 1999, and
6732-433: The FIA of a witch-hunt against McLaren . The World Motor Sport Council responded by issuing a writ against The Sunday Times alleging libel. Brundle responded by saying "I have earned the right to have an opinion", and suggested the writ was a "warning sign to other journalists". The FIA–FOTA dispute was a series of clashes between the FIA and the now defunct Formula One Teams Association (FOTA) over proposed changes to
SECTION 50
#17327808324396864-432: The FIA would have control over sport's regulations. FOCA chief Bernie Ecclestone became an FIA Vice-President with control over promoting the FIA's World Championships, while FOCA legal advisor and former March Engineering manager Max Mosley would end up becoming FISA President in 1991. Mosley succeeded Balestre as President of the FIA in 1993 and restructured the organisation, dissolving FISA and placing motor racing under
6996-500: The FIA, and approves the regulations for each of the FIA's championships. Beneath the WMSC are a number of specialised commissions, which are either focused on individual championships, or general areas such as safety. The FIA Senate generally oversees financial and commercial affairs and general management of the FIA, and can take decisions required between meetings of the relevant committee or World Council. Sport and Mobility each have
7128-412: The FIA. The World Motor Sport Council (WMSC) has the decision-making responsibility for all motorsport the FIA governs and sanctions. It convenes at least three times a year to decide on rules and regulations proposed to it by the commissions and committees that have direct responsibility of the various disciplines and championships. The WMSC also discusses safety and development of motor sport and steers
7260-405: The G.T.O. is an even more pleasant car on the road! He maintains that it is most tractable and overheating in traffic congestions is no problem. In its short lifetime the 250GTO has established an enviable record. It is also one of the most sought after competition cars as evidenced by recent European suggestions that "black market" G.T.O.s bring higher prices than new ones. The demand is greater than
7392-526: The GT category overall at this event was won by Franco Cornacchia's Ferrari 212 Export (refer above). Capelli and the 8V Zagato topped this accomplishment by winning the GT category of the Pescara 12 Hours in August, ahead of two Lancias. The new Fiat 8V garnered sufficient competition points over the season to become the national two-liter GT Champion (a feat it repeated every year until 1959). Elio Zagato ,
7524-411: The General Assembly are usually held once a year, though extraordinary meetings can be convened for urgent matters. The General Assembly has responsibility for amending the FIA's statutes and regulations, approving the annual budget and reports, deciding upon the membership, and electing the officers and members to the Federation's governing bodies. The head of the FIA and chairman of the General Assembly
7656-642: The General Assembly. The FIA's judicial bodies include the International Tribunal, which exercises disciplinary powers that are not dealt with by the meeting stewards , and the International Court of Appeal. The ICA is the final appeal tribunal for international motor sport, which resolves disputes brought before it by National Sporting Authorities worldwide, or by the President of the FIA. It can also settle non-sporting disputes brought by national motoring organisations affiliated to
7788-602: The Giro Sicilia and Tour de France. In 1958, sports racing Testa Rossas swept the Manufacturer's Championship , and in 1959 the T.R. engine was adapted to the 250 GT. The spark plugs were relocated and each cylinder now had a separate intake port . Larger Weber twin-choke carburetors were employed in a triple configuration (sports racing T.R.s employed six) and some special customer cars had three four-choke Webers (one choke per cylinder). Dry-sump lubrication
7920-523: The Japanese economy started to go downhill. These factors led Nissan and Mazda to leave the series. Critics predicted that the decreased variety of cars would disappoint race fans, and in fact, it did finally kill the series in 1993. GTP cars ran their last race on October 2, 1993, at Phoenix International Raceway . The GTP category was credited for many innovations in the U.S., including antilock brakes , traction control , and active suspension . Dave Cowart and Kemper Miller's Red Lobster sponsored team of
8052-761: The Manufacturer's Committee, nine sporting committees report to the WMSC. The committees, shown below in bold, may have their own specialised commissions. In response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine , the FIA banned Russia and Belarus teams, and banned the holding of competitions in Russia or Belarus. It also excluded Russian and Belarusian FIA members from their roles as elected officers or commission members, and banned FIA grants to Russian and Belarusian members. Individual Russia and Belarus competitors were allowed to enter races as neutrals, without their national symbols, flags, colours and anthems. The FIA cancelled
SECTION 60
#17327808324398184-553: The Mille Miglia was an epoch-making event, which told a wonderful story. The Mille Miglia created our cars and the Italian car industry. The Mille Miglia permitted the birth of GT, or grand touring cars, which are now sold all over the world. The Mille Miglia proved that by racing over open roads for 1,000 miles, there were great technical lessons to be learned by the petrol and oil companies and by brake, clutch, transmission, electrical and lighting component manufacturers, fully justifying
8316-487: The SIATA and Fiat aerodynamic gran turismo -style Berlinetta Mille Miglias of 1933 and 1935. Siata was a Turin, Italy-based Fiat tuner, typical of a popular class of Italian artisan manufacturers of small gran turismo , sports and racing cars—usually Fiat based—that came to be known in the 1970s as Etceterini , such as Nardi , Abarth , Ermini and, in 1946, Cisitalia . The Fiat and SIATA berlinettas , influenced by
8448-667: The addition of a new GTS-2 category, which allowed for existing international GT2 cars, like those used in the FIA GT Championship . IMSA also used the GTS designation for the former GT2 class cars of cars (later known as GT1) in the American Le Mans Series , between 1999 and 2004. Grand touring A grand tourer ( GT ) is a type of car that is designed for high speed and long-distance driving with performance and luxury. The most common format
8580-531: The aim of developing driver talent worldwide. It ceased functioning after the 2015 season. The CSI determined the regulations and calendar of the major international championships, such as the Formula One World Championship, World Sportscar Championship and European Rally Championship . Meanwhile, the organisers of the individual races (for example local or national clubs) were responsible for accepting entries, paying prize money, and
8712-404: The arrival of teams and the amount of prize money. This led to the FIA President Prince Metternich attempting to reassert its authority by appointing Jean-Marie Balestre as the head of the CSI in 1978, who promptly reformed the committee into the autonomous Fédération Internationale du Sport Automobile (FISA). Under Balestre's leadership FISA and the manufacturer-backed teams became involved in
8844-422: The cars ordinary motorists could purchase from the manufacturers' catalogs. FIA The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile ( FIA ; English: International Automobile Federation ) is an international organisation with two primary functions surrounding use of the automobile . Its mobility division advocates the interests of motoring organisations, the automotive industry and motor car users in
8976-422: The championship was solely for manufacturers. In the 1977 and 1978 seasons, an FIA Cup for Drivers was included before a Driver's Championship title was introduced in the 1979 season. In the 1987 World Touring Car Championship season, the FIA sanctioned the World Touring Car Championship . Initially a one-off series for touring car racing , the title was revived in the 2005 season and discontinued at
9108-415: The championship, and were similar to the new FIA Group C cars which would be introduced to the World Endurance Championship from 1982. The main difference between the two categories was that the former had no emphasis on fuel consumption which was highlighted by Derek Bell saying "Race fans do not come to races to watch an economy run." Brian Redman was the first GTP champion, driving a Lola T600 with
9240-444: The chief stylist Ercole Spada , Zagato produced some of the most beautiful GT designs of the era; spare and muscular cars such as the Aston Martin DB4GTZ , the Alfa Romeo Junior TZ and SZ , and the Lancia Flaminia Sport . These were minimalist shapes bereft of superfluous trim that introduced phrases such as "double bubble" roof to the car body design language: twin shallow domes, devised by Elio, to give extra head room and strengthen
9372-436: The coachbuilder's son, was successful in competition with the Otto Vu in 1954 and 1955, attracting further customer interest and leading Zagato to eventually develop two different GT racing versions. Upon his passing in 2009, Elio Zagato was described as a leading figure of Italian GT racing and design: Elio Zagato, who has died aged 88, was one of the leading figures of Italian Gran Turismo (GT) racing and car-body design. In
9504-496: The commissions and committees through delegated tasks. The council consists of the President of the FIA, the Deputy President for Sport and seven Vice-Presidents as nominated by the President; five members by right and fourteen further members approved by the General Assembly. Each of the seven World Championships report directly to the WMSC, usually to propose amendments to their own rules and regulations. Alongside
9636-645: The committee worked with the Motor Industry Research Association to strengthen the crash resistance of cars and the restraint systems and to improve drivers' personal safety. The recommendations of the committee led to significantly more stringent crash tests for racing vehicles, new safety standards for helmets and race suits, and the eventual introduction of the HANS device as compulsory in all international racing series. The committee also worked on improving circuit safety. This led to
9768-610: The direct management of the FIA. During the 2000s, the FIA and its president became increasingly embroiled in controversy over Formula One, while facing threats from teams to establish a breakaway series. A grouping of the car manufacturers involved in F1, the Grand Prix Manufacturers Association , proposed a new world championship , which would allow them greater control over the regulations and revenue distribution. A new Concorde Agreement eventually ended
9900-511: The early 1980s would innovate race team hospitality, practices which were subsequently adopted by virtually every other team. For those that competed, GTP was recognized for its camaraderie among drivers, especially rivals. But Hans Stuck , commenting in the foreword of the book "Prototypes: The History of the IMSA GTP Series" , sarcastically compared the series' camaraderie to Formula One's lack of such. Grand Touring Supreme (GTS)
10032-462: The early 1990s, Mazda. Following a successful heart surgery in 1987, Bishop began to rethink his priorities. He was approached by Mike Cone and Jeff Parker, owners of Tampa Race Circuit . In January 1989, Bishop and France sold the series to Cone and Parker. The new owners relocated the IMSA headquarters from Connecticut to Tampa Bay . Bishop would stand down as president in favor of Mark Raffauf, who
10164-698: The end of the 2017 season. In the 2010 FIA GT1 World Championship season, the SRO Group introduced the FIA GT1 World Championship , which was a championship consisting of one-hour sprint races for GT cars . This world championship ended in the 2012 season . After a switch to GT3 cars in 2012 it became known as the FIA GT Series in the 2013 season . After the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) successfully organised
10296-442: The enjoyment, excitement and comfort of open-road touring." According to Sam Dawson, news editor of Classic Cars , "the ideal is of a car with the ability to cross a continent at speed and in comfort yet provide driving thrills when demanded" and it should exhibit the following: Grand tourers emphasize comfort and handling over straight-out high performance or ascetic , spartan accommodations. In comparison, sports cars (also
10428-575: The evolution of the grand touring concept, and grand touring entries are important in endurance sports-car racing . The grand touring definition implies material differences in performance, speed, comfort, and amenities between elite cars and those of ordinary motorists. In the post-war United States, manufacturers were less inclined to adopt the "ethos of the GT car", preferring to build cars "suited to their long, straight, smooth roads and labor-saving lifestyles " with wide availability of powerful straight-six and V8 engines in all price-ranges like
10560-460: The fastest category of sports car racing from 1994 to 2001. The inclusion of "grand tourer", " gran turismo ", "GT" or similar in the model name does not necessarily mean that the car is a grand tourer since several manufacturers have used the terms for the marketing of cars that are not grand tourers. Grand touring car design evolved from vintage and pre-World War II fast touring cars and streamlined closed sports cars . Italy developed
10692-492: The fields of road safety and traffic circulation . The sport division is a governing body for many international motorsport championships and disciplines, including Formula One . The FIA was formally established on 20 June 1904. It is headquartered at 8 Place de la Concorde , Paris, with offices in Geneva , Valleiry and London . The FIA consists of 243 member organisations in 147 countries worldwide. Its current president
10824-433: The first gran turismo cars. The small, light-weight, and aerodynamic coupés , named the " Berlinetta ", originated in the 1930s. A contemporary French concept, known as " grande routière ", emphasized style, elegance, luxury, and gentlemanly transcontinental touring; the grande routières were often larger cars than the Italian gran turismos . Italian designers saw that compared to traditional open two-seat sports car ,
10956-629: The first 'Lights' Champions, followed by Spice Engineering. Other well known participants were the Tiga , Royale , Alba , Fabcar, and Kudzu. Starting with the 1986 season, the GTP category had their own decal, which was similar to the IMSA GT side decal, with a P being added to denote their category. Camel Lights cars also used the same decal There were many other manufacturers in the GTP class, such as URD Rennsport, Spice , Intrepid or Gebhardt , and in
11088-552: The first of the lightweight grand touring coupés, driven by Gendebien , battled with the Mercedes 300SL of Metternich and Einsendel to come in fifth overall and first in G.T. over 2,000 c.c. The G.T. Ferrari had arrived! Motor Sport , March 1963. After its 1956 debut, the 250 GT "went from strength to strength". Powered by the Colombo 250 engine, output was up to 240 b.h.p. at 7,000 r.p.m. A short-wheelbase (SWB) version of
11220-789: The following years; the World Championship for Drivers in 1950, and the World Championship for Sports Cars in 1953. That same year it also established the European Rally Championship , and then in 1963, the European Touring Car Challenge . In 1962, the FIA created the Commission Internationale de Karting (CIK, also CIK-FIA), to oversee the growing karting discipline at international level, with
11352-527: The general running of each event. In Formula One, this led to tension between the teams, which formed themselves into the Formula One Constructors Association (FOCA) founded in 1974, event organisers and the CSI. The FIA and CSI were largely amateur organisations, and FOCA under the control of Bernie Ecclestone began to take charge of various aspects of organising the events, as well as setting terms with race organisers for
11484-545: The increase in weight and frontal area of an enclosed cabin for the driver and mechanic could be offset by the benefits of streamlining to reduce drag . Independent carrozzeria ( coachbuilders ) provided light and flexible fabric coachwork for powerful short-wheelbase fast-touring chassis by manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo . Later, Carrozzeria Touring of Milan pioneered sophisticated superleggera (super light-weight) aluminum bodywork, allowing for even more aerodynamic forms. The additional comfort of an enclosed cabin
11616-570: The internationally famous 250 GT , the 212 Export was an important model in the successful line of Colombo-engined V12 GT cars that made Ferrari legendary. 1951 was the stunning debut of Lancia's Aurelia B20 GT. Lancia had begun production in 1950 of their technically advanced Aurelia saloon; the design had been overseen by Vittorio Jano. At the 1951 Turin Motor Show , the Pinin Farina-bodied gran turismo B20 coupé version
11748-673: The issuer if the vehicle does not leave the country within the specified time. Under the terms of the United Nations Customs Convention, only the FIA and the Alliance Internationale de Tourisme (AIT) may authorise carnet issuers. The FIA was a founder member of the European New Car Assessment Programme , a car safety programme that crash-tests new models and publishes safety reports on vehicles. Mosley
11880-557: The karting commission (CIK) gained some independence, becoming known as the Fédération Mondial de Karting (FMK, also known as FMK-FIA and distinct from separate organisations International Kart Federation and World Karting Association ). However the Federation was short lived and in 2000, reverted back to being known as the CIK. The FIA announced in 2022 the appointment of its first ever CEO, Natalie Robyn. Robyn resigned
12012-405: The model name are not actually grand touring cars. Among the many variations of GT are: Several past and present motor racing series have used "GT" in their name. These include: There have also been several classes of racing cars called GT. The Group GT3 regulations for modified road cars have been used for various racing series worldwide since 2006. The Group GT1 regulations were used for
12144-520: The next three years. Toyota was quickest in 1992 and 1993, at the end of the GTP era, as Dan Gurney 's All American Racers team campaigned the Eagle Mk III , a car so dominant that it has been blamed for the demise of the class. Along with the GTP cars, the Camel Lights cars, a smaller capacity, non-turbocharged, lower powered prototype category was introduced in 1985. Argo Racing Cars was
12276-459: The old adage that motor racing improves the breed. The Mille Miglia is still celebrated today as one of the world's premier historic racing events. A closed sports coupé almost prevailed at Le Mans in 1938, when a carrozzeria touring-bodied Alfa Romeo 8C 2900B , driven by Raymond Sommer and Clemente Biondetti , led the famous 24-hour race from the third lap until early Sunday afternoon, retiring only due to engine problems. Johnny Lurani
12408-615: The outstanding design of its Pinin Farina coachwork , and is credited with greatly influencing the style of subsequent berlinetta or fastback gran turismo coupés. A Cisitalia 202 "GT" is exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City . The Maserati A6 1500 won the 1500 cc class at the 1949 Coppa-Europa. It was driven by Franco Bordoni , former fighter ace of the Regia Aeronautica who had debuted as
12540-484: The position after 18 months and as of August 2024 the position remains vacant. The General Assembly is the Federation's supreme governing body, consisting of representatives from each of the FIA's member associations. According to the FIA's website, the voting member associations can be automobile and touring clubs (mobility), or national sporting authorities (sport). The website further states that there are 244 organisations spread among 146 countries. Meetings of
12672-467: The previous models, available with either the Colombo or Lampredi versions of the 250 V12 engine, coil spring front suspension, an improved sports gearbox (four speeds) with Porsche synchromesh , large drum brakes and luxurious outfitting. A few appeared in motorsports but did not initially threaten the international Mercedes-Benz 300 SL and Porsche 356 competition. In the Mille Miglia of 1956
12804-654: The racing division of Alfa Romeo from 1929 until 1938, parted ways from Alfa Romeo in 1939: Enzo Ferrari's first car (itself an Etceterini) the Fiat-based Auto Avio Costruzioni 815 racing sports car , debuted at the 1940 Mille Miglia. Two were produced. The first car constructed in Ferrari's name, the V12 125 S , also a racing sports car, debuted in 1947 at the Piacenza racing circuit. Again, only two were produced, but they rapidly evolved into
12936-417: The rear. The engine is sharply inclined to the near-side in the interests of a low bonnet-line, and with Bosch fuel injection produces 240 b.h.p. at 6,000 r.p.m. Claimed maximum speed is in excess of 160 m.p.h. and although the car is by no means small, dry weight has been kept to 23 cwt . The depth of the multi-tubular frame prevents the use of conventional side-hinged doors and these cars are fitted with
13068-508: The roof-hinged "gull-wing" doors which characterize an exceedingly handsome and practical car. An open touring version is available. In competition the "300SL" has become a powerful contender, and abetted by the success of the Grand Prix cars [and " 300 SLR "] has captured a substantial portion of the export market." The 250GT Ferrari must surely represent the ultimate in modern high-speed sporting travel, or GT competition, and holds today
13200-409: The roof. For lightness, Zagato pioneered the use of Perspex and of aerodynamics, with trademark forms such as the split or stub tail. Indeed, Elio would take prototypes out on the autostrada covered in wool tufts in order to test air flow over the body. The 8V Otto Vu earned its name courtesy of its high-performance V8 engine (Ford having already trademarked "V8"). The German automotive industry
13332-469: The rules and regulations for the 2010 Formula One season. The debate began over the introduction of a budget cap and escalated until the eve of the 2009 British Grand Prix with the FOTA teams announcing their intention to form their own rival breakaway series. The FIA in response began an entry process for new teams. From that point onwards, the dispute was negotiated to the point at which a new Concorde Agreement
13464-601: The series at the time. American Motors : Chrysler : Ford : General Motors : American Challenge , also known as the All American Challenge , and formally known as the Kelly American Challenge , was a category and set of regulations for the IMSA GT Championship between 1977 and 1989. Similar to the AAGT class, these cars were All-American, use a maximum of 5 forward gears, and use
13596-663: The sport, particularly in Formula One which led to a dispute with participants known as the FISA–FOCA war . Balestre later took presidency of the FIA in 1985, managing presidencies of both federations simultaneously. He lost the FISA presidency in 1991, and the FIA presidency in 1993, to Max Mosley on both occasions. It was clear to both Balestre and Mosley, and agreed by the FIA General Assembly upon proposition that there
13728-512: The success of certain championships. The FIA could no longer prevent non-FIA administered events from being established, neither could it use its powers to prevent competition to Formula One. Ecclestone and FOA would no longer handle the commercial rights to other motorsport events outside of Formula One. Ecclestone had sold the ISC company, which now only controlled the rights to rallying, and would stand down from his role as an FIA Vice-President. As
13860-453: The successful Alfa Romeo 6C GT/GTC coupés , competed in the Mille Miglia endurance race and were significant among Weymann and Superleggera enclosed sporting cars appearing in the 1930s. They featured tuned Fiat engine and chassis, and bespoke carrozzeria , in common with the landmark post-war Cisitalia 202 SC , and are among the first small-displacement gran turismos . The first recognised motor race specifically for gran turismo cars
13992-504: The supply. In November 2016, it was reported that a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO was being offered for public sale—normally brokers negotiate deals between extremely wealthy collectors "behind closed doors". GTOs had previously been auctioned in 1990 and 2014. The 2017 sale was expected to reach US$ 56,000,000.00, the particular GTO concerned (the second of just thirty-six ever made) thus set to become the world's most expensive car. The Italian Mille Miglia thousand-mile race, held from 1927 to 1957,
14124-592: The teams who withdrew from the event, but later cleared the teams of any wrongdoing. In 2007 and 2008 the FIA was criticised on two issues. The 2007 Formula One espionage controversy involved accusations against McLaren, who were accused of stealing technological secrets from Ferrari. Commenting on how the FIA handled the situation, Martin Brundle wrote a column in The Sunday Times titled "Witch-hunt threatens to spoil world title race" in which he accused
14256-496: The threat, but the breakaway series would resurface during each dispute between the FIA, teams and the Formula One Group. The FIA's handling of the tyre situation at the 2005 United States Grand Prix was criticised. Mosley had refused any modification to the circuit or the holding of a non-championship event in place of the Grand Prix, having stated that running on an untested circuit was unsafe. The FIA also threatened to punish
14388-609: Was 170 bhp from the 2600cc Gioacchino Colombo-designed 'short-block' V12 engine , evolved from the earlier Ferrari 166 (2000cc) and 195 (2300cc). All versions came with the standard Ferrari five-speed non-synchromesh gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes. All 1951 Ferraris shared a double tube frame chassis design evolved from the 166. Double-wishbone front suspension with transverse leaf spring , and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and radius rods were employed. The Ferrari 212 Export (212 MM) gran turismo berlinetta (chassis No. 0070M) debuted in first-place overall at
14520-522: Was a classification originally used in the IMSA GT Championship, and later by Grand-Am in the Rolex Sports Car Series . IMSA used the class between 1971 and 1994, and Grand-Am used the class for a single season in 2000. The original class rules specified an engine displacement of under 2.5 L (150 cu in), natural aspiration , and was the secondary class below the top tier class, GTO . The class later became known as GTS-2 in 1995, then GTS-3 between 1996 and 1997, and eventually evolved into
14652-475: Was allowed on engines up to a size of 6.0 L (370 cu in). Engines over 6.0 L (370 cu in) were required to be naturally-aspirated . Between 1995 and 1996 in the IMSA GT Championship, the top GTS class became known as GTS-1 , while the former Grand Touring Under (GTU) class became known as GTS-2 . This changed again in 1997, when the GTS-2 (former GTU) class became known as GT3 , due to
14784-489: Was allowed on engines up to a size of 6.0 L (370 cu in); with engine design and number of cylinders being free and unrestricted. Engines over 6.0 L (370 cu in) were required to be naturally-aspirated . Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) was maintained by IMSA between 1981 and 1993. The early cars were based on the almost same identical ruleset as the FIA 's Group C category, but eventually evolved into
14916-593: Was also similarly modeled to the FIA 's Group 4 and Group 5 racing classes, but eventually evolved over time into its own category. The class specified an engine displacement of more than 2.5 L (150 cu in), with engine design and number of cylinders being unrestricted. turbocharging and supercharging was allowed on engines up to a size of 6.0 L (370 cu in). Engines over 6.0 L (370 cu in) were required to be naturally aspirated . The original class became known as Grand Touring Supreme (GTS) in 1992. Grand Touring Under (GTU)
15048-567: Was beneficial for the Mille Miglia road race held in Italy's often wintry north. The first car to be named " gran turismo " was the 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Turismo , a sporting dual-purpose road/race chassis and engine specification that was available with a wide variety of body styles or carrozzeria . The influential Weymann fabric-bodied berlinetta version by Carrozzeria Touring, "an early example of what we generally perceive to be
15180-412: Was central to the evolution of the gran turismo concept. The event was one of the most important on the Italian motor-sport calendar and could attract up to five million spectators. Winning drivers such as Tazio Nuvolari , Rudolf Caracciola , and Stirling Moss ; and manufacturers such as Alfa Romeo, BMW , Ferrari and Porsche would become household names. According to Enzo Ferrari: In my opinion,
15312-406: Was closed in 2001 after the FIA and FOA agreed to a number of conditions. In order to fairly regulate all international motorsport, the FIA agreed to limit its role to that of a sporting regulator, and would sell the commercial rights to its championships, including Formula One. This was to prevent a conflict of interest between the FIA's regulatory role and any commercial advantages it may gain from
15444-500: Was designed to represent the interests of motor car users, as well as to oversee the burgeoning international motor sport scene. In 1922, the AIACR established the Commission Sportive Internationale (CSI), which would oversee international motorsport matters, such as setting the regulations for Grand Prix motor racing . Previously, this responsibility had been entrusted to the sporting commission of
15576-407: Was devastated by the second World War, but in the post-war period a small number of firms brought it to prominence again. The emergence of the classic Porsche 356 is covered in the accompanying sports car article. In 1957 author John Stanford wrote: "The post-war Mercedes sports cars are in a way even more remarkable than those of Porsche . The firm was particularly badly hit by the war and it
15708-409: Was employed, and the camshaft valve timing was only slightly less than the full-race Testa Rossas . G.T. power was up to 267 b.h.p. at 7,000 r.p.m. (240 b.h.p at 6,800 rpm for road versions). Experiments were conducted with Dunlop disc brakes, which were adopted in 1960, along with an even shorter wheelbase for competizione versions. In 1962, the definitive competition gran turismo was unveiled,
15840-570: Was his deputy, and its representative on the ACCUS board. Cone and Parker sold it to businessman Charles Slater. Both lost millions attempting to revive the sagging TV ratings. By 1992, there were a number of factors that led to the decline of the GTP category. Porsche concentrated on its IndyCar ( Porsche 2708 )program when critics stated that the Zuffenhausen marque should have built a followup to its 962 . Back in 1988, Al Holbert realized that
15972-485: Was impressed by the dominant performance at the Mille Miglia in 1940, by a carrozzeria touring-bodied BMW 328 coupé, winning the event at over 100 mph average speed, driven by Fritz Huschke von Hanstein and Walter Bäumer : The BMW team included a splendid aerodynamic Berlinetta , wind tunnel designed by German specialists, that was extremely fast at 135 mph... I couldn't believe the speeds these BMWs were capable of. Italy's national governing body of motorsport
16104-601: Was no need for two federations, and subsequent to Mosley's FIA election, FISA was abolished in structural changes, bringing all motorsport under the control of the World Motor Sport Council. In 1998, amidst the European Commission investigation, the FIA moved its headquarters to Geneva , Switzerland, outside the jurisdiction of the Commission. In 2001, the FIA moved back to Paris following the settlement however it retains its office in Geneva. Also in 1998,
16236-578: Was set up in 2006 by the FIA Foundation, targeting the creation of safe roads across the world. Critics see it as a tool of the motor industry to increase the acceptability of car-based traffic solutions while blocking alternatives. Following the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix , which saw the deaths of Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger , the FIA formed an Expert Advisory Safety Committee to research and improve safety in motor racing. Chaired by Formula One medical chief Professor Sid Watkins ,
16368-426: Was several years before anything but a nominal production of cars could be undertaken. In 1951 appeared the "300" , a luxurious and fast touring car with a single-camshaft six-cylinder engine of 2996 c.c. and chassis derived from the pre-war cars with swing-axle rear suspension. The "300S" was a three-carburetor edition, but in 1952 great interest was aroused by the almost invincible performance in sports-car racing of
16500-409: Was signed in August 2009, with the budget cap replaced by a series of cost-cutting measures. The Competition Directorate of the European Commission and the FIA were involved in a dispute over the commercial administration of motorsport during the 1990s. The Competition Commissioner, Karel Van Miert had received a number of complaints from television companies and motorsport promoters in 1997 that
16632-548: Was solely for manufacturers up to the 1981 season when a Drivers Championship title was introduced. From the 1953 season to the 1984 season, titles were awarded to manufacturers of sports cars belonging to two main categories: Sports prototypes (except for the 1978 to 1981 seasons) and GT cars (except for the 1953 to 1961 and 1982 seasons). From the 1985 season to the 1992 season, titles were awarded only to teams entering Sports prototypes (instead of manufacturers of Sports prototypes), excluding teams entering GT cars. After
16764-629: Was the 1946 Turin Grand Prix . Then in the 1950 Formula One season , the FIA organised the first World Championship for Drivers . From the 1958 season , a World Constructors' Championship title was introduced, named from the 1958 season to the 1980 season officially as the International Cup for Formula One Constructors . Formula One originated from the World Manufacturers' Championship ( 1925 – 1930 ) and European Drivers' Championship ( 1931 – 1939 ) which were organised by
16896-527: Was the Commissione Sportiva Automobilistica Italiana (CSAI). Count Giovanni Lurani Cernuschi (popularly known as Johnny Lurani) was a key commissioner. He was also a senior member of the world governing body, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). Lurani was instrumental in designing the regulations for the Italian 1937 Turismo Nazionale championship, whereby production vehicles approved by
17028-472: Was the 1949 Coppa Inter-Europa held at Monza . It was initially hoped by Italian motor industry observers that the small and struggling Italian sports and racing car manufacturer, Cisitalia, would find in the 1949 Coppa Inter-Europa regulations (initially called Turismo Veloce or Fast Touring) a category for its Cisitalia Tipo 202 SC —the road-going production coupé version of Cisitalia's single-seat D46 racing car and two-seat 202 open sports car. However,
17160-600: Was the first chairman of the organisation. The FIA later helped establish the Latin NCAP , ASEAN NCAP and Global NCAP . The FIA Foundation was established in 2001 as the FIA's charitable arm. A registered charity in the United Kingdom, the foundation received a US$ 300 million grant from the sale of Formula One's rights to fund research into road safety, the environmental impact of motoring, and to support sustainable motoring. The Make Roads Safe campaign
17292-424: Was the road/race Ferrari 212 . Twenty-seven short-wheelbase competition versions called Export, some with increasingly popular gran turismo -style berlinetta coupé coachwork, were produced for enthusiasts (Ferrari called the first example 212 MM ) while the road version was called Inter . The Ferrari 212 Export featured long-range fuel tanks, high compression pistons and triple Weber 32 DCF carburettors ; power
17424-496: Was unveiled to an enthusiastic motoring public. Here, finally, according to historians Jonathan Wood and Sam Dawson, was a fully realized production GT car, representing the starting point of the definitive grand tourer: This outwardly conventional saloon bristled with innovation and ingenuity, in which the masterly hand of Vittorio Jano is apparent. In the B20 are elements of the Cistalia of 1947, coupés which Pinin undertook on
#438561