During 1955 Ferrari began to study a more efficient sports car to replace the 750 Monza, 118LM and 121LM. Already with the 857S, which had made its debut at the Tourist Trophy in 1955, Ferrari had given a first response to its competitors, but it was with the 860 Monza that Ferrari found a definitive car for the 1956 season, to be raced alongside the 290MM. Equipped with a 3.5-liter 4-cylinder and 280hp engine, the 860 Monza provided excellent performance in that year, contributing decisively to the conquest of the world sportscar series.