Méga Monte Carlo
Encyclopedia
Design and development
In 1989, Fulvio Maria BallabioFulvio Ballabio
Fulvio Ballabio is a race car driver born in Milan, Italy. He raced in Formula 2 in 1983, in Formula 3000 in 1986 and 6 starts in CART from 1987 to 1989 for Dick Simon Racing and Dale Coyne Racing...
designed a carbon fibre monocoque sports car under the newly established brand MCA (Monte Carlo Automobile). The car being born Monegasque, it was decided to name it the Centenaire for the 100 year anniversary of the Automobile Club of Monaco. Guglielmo Bellasi
Bellasi
Bellasi was a Formula One constructor from Italy that raced under Swiss nationality. They participated in 6 grands prix during the early 1970s, entering a total of 6 cars....
Joined him with his experience as a F1 constructor. The car was developed in 5 years. In March 1990, Guglielmo Bellasi travelled to Bologna
Bologna
Bologna is the capital city of Emilia-Romagna, in the Po Valley of Northern Italy. The city lies between the Po River and the Apennine Mountains, more specifically, between the Reno River and the Savena River. Bologna is a lively and cosmopolitan Italian college city, with spectacular history,...
to sign a contract for Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
to supply its V12. In August of the same year, the car was presented to His Royal Highness Prince Rainier of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco
Rainier III, Prince of Monaco , styled His Serene Highness The Sovereign Prince of Monaco, ruled the Principality of Monaco for almost 56 years, making him one of the longest ruling monarchs of the 20th century.Though he was best known outside of Europe for having married American...
, Avid collector of automobile. Unfortunately for MCA, the global financial environment meant a lower demand than expected for this type of car; only 5 were built between 1990 and 1992.
In 1993 a Georgian businessman bought the right for the car and the company and decided to race 'Le Mans
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
' with a renamed Centenaire: MIG M100 (MIG standing for 'Migrelia & Georgia'). The experience was a complete failure, not passing qualification, being at best at the 30th position behind the leader.
Méga bought the project and contracted SERA-CD to redesign the car, renamed this time the Monte Carlo. Among other modifications, the Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
engine was replaced with a V12 Mercedes
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
engine. The car was finally presented at the 1996 Geneva Motor Show. The number produced is unknown and is believed to have ceased in 1999.
Performances
| Model | Monte Carlo |
|---|---|
| Power | 495 bhp @ 5200 rpm |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 3800 rpm |
| Max speed | 300 km/h |
| 0 to 60 mph (100 km/h) | 4.4 s |