It was a one-off purpose-built racer for the second edition of the 500 Miles of Monza to compete against American race cars.

[1][4] At the Autodromo Nazionale Monza in 1958, the second race between European single seaters and sports cars and the American purpose-built racers was held.

[2][4] The Ferrari 412 MI prepared for this race was to be driven by Luigi Musso and Mike Hawthorn duo.

[3] The tubular steel spaceframe chassis was based on an older Formula One Ferrari 375, modified to accommodate new engine.

The rear suspension had a De Dion axle with twin radius arms, transverse leaf spring and hydraulic shock absorbers.

[1][2] Initially Mike Hawthorn was assigned to drive the Ferrari 412 MI #12 for the 1958 edition of the Race of Two Worlds.

[6][4] Heat one began with a rolling start of eighteen cars, as Fangio withdrew early with a cracked piston.

Musso traded off the lead position with Eddie Sachs, with Jimmy Bryan also taking second place.

After only nineteen laps he had to be replaced by Phil Hill whose Ferrari 326 MI #14 had retired with a broken magneto in the first heat.

Hill drove the car till the end of the heat, managed to secure another 60 laps but dropped to ninth place.