Today The Formula 1 Exhibition London has announced the iconic 1961 ‘Sharknose’ Ferrari 156 will be exclusively displayed at the new exhibition opening on August 23 at ExCeL London. Tickets are now available here.
The ‘Sharknose’ produced the first ever American F1 World Champion with legendary driver Phil Hill and also secured Ferrari’s first F1 Constructors’ Championship. The iconic 1961 Ferrari had five wins overall with Hill, Wolfgang von Trips and Giancarlo Baghetti. Due to its unique aerodynamics and superior power, the ‘Sharknose’ was up to 20 kms/hr faster than its competitors.
Enzo Ferrari had all the ‘Sharknose’ Ferraris scrapped at the end of 1962, but a lookalike prop featured in the 1996 film ‘La Passione’ and sparked a renewed interest in what was widely considered one of the best looking cars of all time. This resulted in Belgian enthusiast Jan Beikens undertaking a gruelling 10,000-hour project to build a replica.
A lifelong fan of Hill, Jason Wright then persuaded Beikins to sell him the car and, working from original body drawings, had it totally rebuilt using the original Ferrari techniques, with gas-welded tubing and hand-beaten aluminium bodywork. At the same time, Wright found an original 120-degree V6 from Hill’s 1961 Monza-winning car and built a second replica. With only two exact ‘Sharknose’ replicas in the world, fans will have a chance to see a rare piece of motorsport history, when the 120-degree V6 motor replica is exclusively displayed at The Formula 1® Exhibition London from August 23.
Jason Wright, owner of the ‘Sharknose’ Ferrari 156 replica: “It’s an honour to have our replica showcased at The Formula 1 Exhibition London. We rebuilt this iconic car to highlight how dominant it was in 1961 – they finished in the first four places in the 1961 Belgian Grand Prix; the only time that has ever happened in F1 – and to pay tribute to Phil Hill’s 1961 Championship successes, as the only American-born F1 driver to win the title. It also celebrates Ferrari’s most successful season ever, having won the 1961 F1, Sports Car and GT Championships.”
Derek Hill, son of Phil Hill: “It means so much to see my father’s world championship legacy honoured in this way. Growing up knowing these cars didn’t exist anymore, it was always part of the mystique of my father’s greatest achievement at his time at Ferrari. Few replicas have had such meticulous detail poured into them as this remarkably fine example. Having spent time with this car and driven it at speed I’m thrilled to know it will be on display for so many to learn about and to enjoy, all the while honouring my father and his finest moment in Formula One racing.”
Opening on August 23rd 2024 at one of London’s most popular exhibition destinations, ExCeL London, The Formula 1 Exhibition will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with pieces of motorsport history and delve deeper into the fascinating world of Formula 1. Having launched to widespread critical acclaim in Madrid, the London show is set to be the biggest F1 Exhibition show to date, with a number of new additions and more iconic cars to be still announced.
A new partnership with Silverstone Museum will also pay homage to the British Grand Prix and its contribution to motorsport. Whilst state-of-the art racing simulators using official F1 gaming equipment will also feature, giving visitors the chance to experience what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of an F1® car as they race around the iconic Silverstone track. All racers will be entered into a monthly prize draw to win tickets for the 2025 British Grand Prix™ at Silverstone. Ticket prices start from £14 for children (ages 5-16) and £25 for adults (17+) plus booking fees. Group bookings and special VIP Podium tickets are also available, as well as opportunities for exclusive corporate events. For more information visit: www.f1exhibition.com/london
