The Ferrari “shark nose” in London for the Formula 1 Exhibition

This is an announcement that will delight the most fervent Formula 1 fans. The Formula 1 Exhibition has just announced that the Ferrari 156 “Sharknose” will be exhibited during this presentation in London dedicated to the British Grand Prix and its exciting history which began in 1950 when the circuit hosted the first race in Formula 1 history.

An iconic car

Designed by Carlo Chiti and Mauro Forghieri, this Ferrari 156 had a brief career in motorsport but left its mark on the 1961 season. With exceptional air intakes at the radiator, a 5-speed transmission, Dunlop disc brakes on all four wheels, independent wheel suspension, and telescopic shock absorbers, this “shark nose” quickly caught the eye of spectators for its beauty and speed, enabled by a 1.5-liter V6 Dino engine. Behind the wheel, Phil Hill won the driver’s championship and became the first of two American world champions. Additionally, it gave Ferrari its first constructor’s title by winning 5 of the 8 races in 1961 through Phil Hill, Wolfgang Von Trips, and Giancarlo Baghetti.

Two years later, the creator of the prancing horse brand, Enzo Ferrari, ordered the destruction of all Sharknose models to make way for the Ferrari 158. A painful decision that marked the end of the chapter of one of the most dominant single-seaters in Formula 1 history. At least, that’s what we thought a few years ago.

A newfound interest in this splendor

While it was thought to be lost forever, the Sharknose resurfaced… in the cinema for the movie “La Passione” by Chris Rea in 1996. The British singer-songwriter, a big fan of motorsports, indeed used a replica of this car for his feature film. A magnificent tribute that also revived an interest in one of the most iconic and beautiful cars of all time, similar to the Belgian Jan Beikens who undertook a 10,000-hour project to build a replica.

Once the car was completed, it was picked up by Jason Wright, a fan of Phil Hill who, through multiple works, completely rebuilt it, identically, by notably introducing the original 120-degree V6 engine from Hill’s winning car at Monza in 1961. It will also be on display at the London Exhibition organized by F1 at the end of August.

Owner of one of these two replicas, Wright proudly exclaims his satisfaction with the decision made by F1 and the interest it has shown in his project: « It is an honor to have our replica exhibited at the Formula 1® exhibition in London. We rebuilt this iconic car to emphasize how dominant it was in 1961 – they finished in the top four positions at the 1961 Belgian Grand Prix; the only time this has happened in F1 – and to pay tribute to Phil Hill’s successes in 1961. […] This also celebrates Ferrari’s most successful season, winning the F1, Sports Car, and GT championships in 1961. »

For Derek Hill, son of the American world champion: « It means a lot to see my father’s legacy as a world champion honored in this way. Growing up knowing that these cars no longer existed was always part of the mystery surrounding my father’s greatest achievement in his time at Ferrari. […] I am delighted to know that it will be displayed so that many can learn more about it and enjoy it, while honoring my father and his most glorious moment in Formula 1 racing.

Opening on August 23, the Exhibition at the London ExCel will offer fans a unique experience with the opportunity to dive into the daily life of a driver by taking the wheel of a Formula 1 car in a simulator session. Participants will also have the chance to win tickets to the 2025 British Grand Prix through a draw. They will also have the opportunity to delve into the history of F1 through popular rooms making a comeback, such as “Once Upon a Time in Formula 1,” immersing enthusiasts in the sport’s most iconic moments, or “The Pit Wall,” offering an intense and immersive cinematic experience of the greatest moments in Formula 1 history, which should delight the most fanatical fans.

Timothy Harvey, chief curator and producer of the F1 Exhibition, is delighted with the interest shown in this show: It’s amazing to see how fans from all over the world have reacted to the exhibition since its opening last year. London has always been an incredibly special place for us, so I am looking forward to what is to come. Each show acknowledges the national heritage of its host location, and as Britain is the birthplace of racing, this will be a truly special show. There are also some fantastic additions that will soon be announced in London, including amazing cars – I can’t wait to open our doors.

With relatively affordable prices (£14 for children aged 5 to 16 and £25 for adults [17 and older] plus booking fees), many fans will flock near London. So see you at the end of August to attend this show.