ACA Formule 5000 -1968

From 1969 to 1975, the Formula 5000 series featured single-seaters built by big-name racers such as McLaren and March. As early as 1968, Sbarro designed a single-seater that met the standards of this new formula, while adding a very personal touch.

The spatula

As is so often the case with Franco Sbarro, the ACA Formula 5000 is the answer to a very specific question. We've all seen these single-seaters with fins protruding almost two meters above the ground. These wing attachments were subject to enormous stresses, culminating in an accident at Monaco in which Lorenzo Bandini lost his life. The regulations were then changed, imposing a maximum height of 85 centimetres. And that's where Sbarro comes in with a simple idea. Why not integrate the spoiler into the bodywork, rather than placing it on arms? The resulting shape, both aesthetic and spectacular, was quickly dubbed the spatula. Sbarro took the opportunity to integrate the cooling radiators in Naca sockets. By Sbarro's own admission, the whole thing was a little less efficient than the big fins, but it met the new rules.

The car didn't race much

This car was powered by a 5-liter 8-cylinder engine developing 450 horsepower. The car's low weight enabled it to reach the incredible speed of 280 km/h on the racetrack. But apart from a few local hill-climb races, Sbarro's Formula 5000 hardly ever raced. It was sold, then bought back by Sbarro. The spatula technique was then used to build four examples of the ACA Canam 4.7.