Description

The Ferrari 500 TRC, produced in 1957, was one of the most refined four-cylinder Ferraris and marked the end of an era for the marque. It evolved directly from the Ferrari 500 TR, or Testa Rossa, and was built to comply with new regulations from the Commissione Sportiva Internazionale (CSI). These rules required modifications such as a wider cockpit, a proper passenger’s door, and other dimensional changes, all of which shaped the 500 TRC’s design.

The car retained the Lampredi-designed 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which delivered around 190 horsepower. While smaller than Ferrari’s V12 engines, this motor was extremely effective due to its lightness, reliability, and excellent torque. The engine was paired with a tubular steel frame and an aluminum body, keeping the car’s weight to just about 680 kilograms. This gave it an excellent power-to-weight ratio and made it nimble and responsive, particularly on tight, technical tracks where balance and handling were as important as speed.

Scaglietti designed the bodywork, which had a smoother and more elegant profile compared to the earlier 500 TR. The styling included lower, flowing lines, integrated covered headlights, and a more sculpted shape that not only improved aerodynamics but also gave the car a timeless beauty. The 500 TRC’s design strongly influenced Ferrari’s later Testa Rossa models, particularly the V12-powered 250 TR that became one of the most iconic sports racing Ferraris of the late 1950s.

In racing, the 500 TRC quickly proved itself to be a competitive and reliable entry, especially in the two-liter category. It was raced primarily by privateer teams, but Ferrari supported some entries in major international events. The car performed admirably at the Targa Florio, the 12 Hours of Sebring, and many other endurance races across Europe and North America. Although it lacked the raw speed of Ferrari’s larger V12s, its balance and dependability made it a frequent podium contender, particularly in long-distance competitions where reliability was crucial.

Only 19 examples of the Ferrari 500 TRC were built, making it one of the rarest of Ferrari’s mid-century racing cars. Today, its rarity, beauty, and historical importance have made it one of the most prized collector Ferraris. The 500 TRC represents the peak of Ferrari’s four-cylinder racing program and stands as a bridge between the early lightweight racers of the early 1950s and the more powerful V12 machines that came to dominate Ferrari’s racing legacy.