Overview
1956
290 MM
Designed for the 1956 Mille Miglia and as a replacement for the 860 Monza, the 290MM was mounted with a V12 engine with dual ignition and dry sump derived from the 4.5-litre Grand Prix. Even though this engine could be described as belonging to Lampredi school, its bore and stroke measurements were really more reminiscent of Colombo’s V12 than anything else. The car was an immediate success. In fact, Castellotti not only drove it home first in the Mille Miglia followed by two 860 Monzas piloted by Collins and Musso, but it also took fourth in the same race with Fangio at the wheel.
Specifications
V12 Engine
| Type | front, longitudinal 60° V12 |
| Bore/stroke | 73 x 69.5 mm |
| Unitary displacement | 290.88 cc |
| Total displacement | 3490.61 cc |
| Compression ratio | 9 : 1 |
| Maximum power | 235 kW (320 hp) at 7200 rpm |
| Power per litre | 92 hp/l |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Valve actuation | single overhead camshaft per bank, two valves per cylinder |
| Fuel feed | three Weber 36 IR4/C1 carburettors |
| Ignition | twin spark plugs per cylinder, four coils |
| Lubrication | dry sump |
| Clutch | multi-plate |
| Frame | tubular steel |
| Front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, coils springs, hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Rear suspension | de Dion, twin radius arms, transverse leaf spring, hydraulic shock absorbers |
| Brakes | drums |
| Transmission | 4-speed + reverse |
| Steering | worm and sector |
| Fuel tank | capacity 190 litres |
| Front tyres | 6.00 x 16 |
| Rear tyres | 7.00 x 16 |
| Type | two-seater spider |
| Length | - |
| Width | - |
| Height | - |
| Wheelbase | 2350 mm |
| Front track | 1296 mm |
| Rear track | 1310 mm |
| Weight | 880 kg (dry) |
| Top speed | 280 km/h |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | - |
| 0-400 m | - |
| 0-1000 m | - |