Ferrari 156 Aero

Active: 1963 - 1964
Team: Scuderia Ferrari SpA

Ferrari joined the rear-engine revolution with the Ferrari 156 "Sharknose". Designed by new engineer Carlo Chiti. The chassis was a tubular spaceframe that while not in the same league with designs created by Lotus and BRM it proved serviceable. The star of this car was the 120 degrees V6 engine that was a developed for the new regulations. The angle of the cylinder blocks allowed for the engine to have a lower center of gravity. Because the engine was substantially wider its rear placement was deemed necessary. Another striking feature of the new engine was its relative light weight, weighing 30 lbs. lighter than the four-cylinder Coventry-Climax engine still being used by the British teams.

While the British teams argued about the necessity of the new formula Ferrari had a brand new car and engine to start the season. The cars first season bore fruit with five victories out of seven races including a 1-2-3-4 finish at Spa. Only tremendous victories at Monaco and the Nürburgring by Stirling Moss could stop the red cars. The World Championship was a battle between Phil Hill and von Tripp and was won by American Phil Hill. His three victories providing the winning margin. Unfortunately the successful season was marred by the tragic death of Hill's teammate, Wolfgang von Tripp and 14 spectators at Monza.

The year after, the lack of a competitive engine for the British teams changed and Ferrari failed to win a race. Ferrari was also racked by internal politics which resulted in the departure of eight top Ferrari executives including Carlo Chiti. The Ferrari 156 continued to be used for two more years with John Surtees and Lorenzo Bandini scoring single wins in 1963 and 1964 respectively.

Specifications

Chassis: Type 543/C tubular steel
Front Suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs and co-axial telescopic dampers
Rear Suspension: Double wishbones, coil springs and co-axial telescopic dampers
Brakes: Dunlop discs and callipers, inboard at rear on the transmission housing, independent circuits with twin pump
Steering: Rack and pinion with steering damper
Fuel Tank: 150 litres: two 75-litre side-mounted tanks (NO 98/100 petrol)
Bodywork: Aluminium single-seater body
Transmission: Rear-wheel drive, dry, multi-plate clutch behind gearbox, damper springs. 543/C overhanging longitudinal 5-speed gearbox + reverse, plunger-type limited-slip differential
Gear Ratios: Variable depending on track

Dimensions

Length: 4,060 mm
Width: 1,400 mm
Height: 1,000 mm
Wheelbase and Front/ Rear Track: 2,320/1,200/1,200 mm
Kerb Weight (with water and oil): 420 kg
Front Tyres: 5.00x15", Dunlop
Rear Tyres: 6.00x15", Dunlop
Wheels: light alloy wire wheels

Engine

Designation: Ferrari type 178
Type: Rear-mounted. 120° V6, light alloy cylinder block and heads, aluminium wet liners. 126 mm connecting rods, water cooled
Bore & Stroke: 73 x 58.8 mm
Unitary and Total Displacement: 246.10/1,476.60 cc
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Max. Power Output: 190 bhp at 9,500 rpm
Timing Gear: 2 valves per cylinder, 2 overhead cams per bank of cylinders, chain driven off the front of the crankshaft
Fuel Feed: Twin 40 IF 3C triple-choke downdraught Weber carburettors
Ignition: Twin-plug, 2 Marelli coil-ignition units and Marchal 32 H FS sparkplugs
Lubrication System: Dry sump and oil radiator