By 1955, Mercedes-Benz’s 300SLR presented a challenge that could not be met by Ferrari’s V12 racers, nor the nimble 4-cylinder 750 Monza, prompting Il Commendatore to commission Aurelio Lampredi to create a more-powerful straight-6 powerplant. The advanced 3,747-cc engine found a home in the 118 LM — a sports car designed to take on the Three-Pointed Star at the 1955 Mille Miglia. Chassis 0546LM was one of four Works cars built for the event, taking to the start line in Brescia wearing #728, with Ferrari Works driver Piero Taruffi at the wheel.
Setting off five minutes after the famous Silver Arrow, the Italian set a blistering pace, leading the 300SLR for much of the race and smashing all records on the charge to Pescara. Devastatingly for Taruffi, his Ferrari suffered an oil-pump failure after five hours of flat-out racing, forcing him to retire halfway to the finish.
Following disappointment at the Mille Miglia, chassis 0546LM returned to Maranello, where it was converted to full 121 LM specification. Enlarged to 4,412 cc and fitted with three side-draught Weber carburetors, the uprated straight-6 now produced a tire-shredding 360 horsepower.
The Ferrari’s greatest test came at Le Mans, where the Scuderia fielded a trio of 121 LMs. Chassis 0546LM was driven by French ace Maurice Trintignant and American Harry Schell. Ferrari’s battle with Jaguar and Mercedes saw the lap record smashed no fewer than 10 times, but the 121 LMs were not able to endure the pace for a full 24 hours.
The heroic effort at Le Mans marked the end of chassis 0546LM’s Works career, and it was sold at the close of the season. It would go on to race with success in North America, before its second lease on life ended tragically in April 1956. On lap 33 of the Del Monte Trophy race at Pebble Beach, Ernie McAfee lost control of the 121 LM and suffered a fatal accident.
Later restored, the Ferrari appeared at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 1974, 1975 and 1976. Since leaving the factory, this 121 LM has had just four private owners over the ensuing almost 70 years.
