Ferrari Monza SP1 Wins Gold Award at iF Design Awards 2019

The Ferrari Monza SP1 has picked up the highly sought-after Gold Award at the iF Design Awards 2019 in Munich.

Unveiled last September as one of the first two vehicles in the Prancing Horse’s new limited edition Icone series, the SP1 draws inspiration from the marque’s heritage – particularly the glamorous sports cars it produced during the mid-20th century.

Specifically, the SP1 tips its hat to Ferrari’s classic racing barchettas such as the 1948 166 MM, 750 Monza and 860 Monza. Performance was at the forefront of these vehicles’ design, helping the brand to pick up a slew of World Sports Car Championship victories throughout the 1950s.

As its name alludes to, the SP1 is a single-seater; its sister car, the SP2, has two seats. It is particularly noticeable thanks to its asymmetrical layout.

The absence of a roof – or even a windscreen – gave the vehicle’s designers an opportunity to explore unique dimensions and structures that would not be possible in a more typical compact convertible sports car.

The iF Design Awards jury praised the SP1, declaring that its aesthetic represents “classic perfection that also hints at the future”.

Fritz Frenkler, chairman of the jury, said he and his colleagues had been “genuinely impressed” at the high standard of design among the winning products, which ranged from products and packaging to architecture and interior design.

However, he noted that there is a “great desire” among many designers to follow well-trodden paths rather than take genuine risks in their approach.

“It takes a great deal of courage to be truly innovative and shareholders who are prepared to take a risk,” Mr Frenkley said.

“At the same time, it is not about striving for diversity at any cost – good, clear and intuitive design is what the user should be offered – in any design discipline!”