When Lancia withdrew in 1955, Ferrari inherited its material, putting the modified D50 on the track for 1956 and, above all, a driver of Fangio’s ability.
The Argentine returned the world championship title to Maranello at the end of an extremely hard-fought season. Fangio had three victories, taking the drivers’ championship thanks to the generosity of Collins (who won two races). The Englishman gave him his own car for the last race at Monza, allowing him to come second and fight off Stirling Moss’s challenge.
The car (designed for Lancia by Jano, who continued to perfect it for Ferrari) is characterised by the two side tanks originally for fuel, but then reduced to the sole function of wheel guards. It also has a trestle-type chassis, where the engine is part of the resistant structure.
V8
Engine
2485.98 cc
Total displacement
640 kg
Weight (with liquids)
5-speed +rev
Transmission
Engine
Type front, longitudinal 90° V8
Bore/stroke 76 x 68.5 mm
Unitary displacement 310.75 cc
Total displacement 2485.98 cc
Compression ratio 11.9 : 1
Maximum power 195 kW (265 hp) at 8000 rpm
Power per litre 107 hp/l
Valve actuation twin overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder
Fuel feed four Solex 40 PII carburettors
Lubrication dry sump
Clutch twin-plate
Chassis
Frame tubular steel
Front suspension independent, unequal-length wishbones, lower transverse leaf spring, inboard telescopic shock absorbers actioned by rocker arms
Rear suspension de Dion, power transverse leaf spring, inboard telescopic shock absorbers actioned by rocker arms