555 F1

It was the evolution of the 553, whose new helical spring front suspension it retained, instead of the transverse leaf-spring type. The further extended bodywork gave rise to the name Super shark. This type of car was still used by Peter Collins at the Argentinean GP in Buenos Aires on 22-1-56, whilst Fangio, Musso and Castellotti already had the modified D 50.

Despite these improvements, Ferrari was in a crisis faced with the sheer strength of the Mercedes, and Lampredi, the main designer, had left the Company after serious disagreements. The team only had one win, thanks to Maurice Trintignant in Monte Carlo, in a race marred by Ascari’s accident in the Lancia, which ended up in the sea. Four days later, on 26 May, the Italian driver died in an accident during trials at the Monza motor racing track.