1957 Ferrari 500 TRC Spider

by Steve Ahlgrim

Following Aurelio Lampredi’s departure from Ferrari in 1955, a new engineering team was formed for 1956. It soon came up with a new two-liter sports racing car—the 500 TR. This was the first Ferrari designated with the mystical name “Testa Rossa,” Italian for “red head,” the color the camshaft covers were painted.

For the 1957 season new Appendix C rules for modified sports cars became effective. The windscreen now had to be 100 centimeters wide, 15 centimeters high, and symmetrical over the axis of the car. A soft top was required, the gas tank capacity was to be 120 liters, and a passenger door was mandated. At the end of 1956, Ferrari announced the 500 TRC. The “C” in the model’s name reflected the Appendix C rules.

The Ferrari factory sold the TRC to private customers all over the world. Less than one year after the 500 TRC was introduced, it was replaced by the new 250 Testa Rossa with a 3-liter V12 engine. The 500 TRC marked the end of an...