Ferrari 555

Active: 1955 - 1956
Team: Scuderia Ferrari SpA

During 1954, Ferrari was unable to hold pace with the superior Mercedes W196 and the Maseratie driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. As Enzo Ferrari could not stand the sight of it, "il Comendatore" chose to concentrate the efforts in preparing the season of 1955 with an evolution of the 553 which was designated 555 F1 "Supersqualo". The "Supersqualo" sported a totally reviewed power plant in which a compression ratio of 13:1 delivered 260hp at 7200rpm.

In 1955 the Mercedes squad was joined by Fangio and proved again unbeatable. Hawthorn managed to secure the only win of the season for Ferrari in the Spanish GP. One year later, the Ferrari 555 "Supersqualo" participated in the Championship of 1956, although the great superiority of Mercedes and Fangio made them complete another season without a victory.

Specifications

Engine: Type 106, front-mounted naturally-aspirated in-line 4, light alloy cylinder block and head, 138 mm connecting rods, steel cylinder liners, water cooled
Bore & Stroke: 100 x 79.5 mm
Unitary and Total Displacement: 624.39/2,497.56 cc
Compression Ratio: 13:1
Max. Power Output: 260 bhp at 7,200 rpm
Timing Gear: 2 valves per cylinder, gear-driven twin overhead camshafts with tappets and rollers
Fuel Feed: 2 side-draught Weber 50 DCOA-3 twin-choke carburettors
Ignition: Twin-plug with 2 Marelli magnetos
Lubrication System: Dry sump
Transmissio: Rear-wheel drive, multi-plate clutch, 5-speed gearbox + reverse, in unit with limited-slip differential
Gear Ratios: Variable depending on circuit
Chassis: Tubular steel
Front Suspension: Double wishbones, helical springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension: De Dion axle, twin radius arms, transverse upper leaf spring and Houdaille hydraulic lever dampers
Brakes: Hydraulic drums all round
Steering: Worm and sector
Length, width and height: 3,988/1,427/1,020 mm
Wheelbase and Front/ Rear Track: 2,160/1,278/1,250 mm
Kerb Weight (with water and oil): 590 kg
Front Tyres: 5.50x16" Englebert
Rear Tyres: 7.00x16" Englebert
Wheels: Alloy wire wheels
Fuel Tank: 180 litres, with two side tanks and one rear tank in the tail
Bodywork: Aluminium single-seater body with two side fuel tanks