The 1947 Ferrari 159 S was only the second Ferrari ever built and was fundamentally a 125 S with a larger engine. Its V12 displaced 1.9 liters and produced 125 PS. It made its debut on August 15, 1947, at the Pescara race, where works driver Franco Cortese finished second. Against the Maserati 6CS 1500, it was mostly on the back foot for the rest of the season. Only two units were built; one was converted into a 166 Spyder Corsa and is regarded (as of 2012) as the oldest surviving Ferrari.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreTechnical details · In racing · Production and whereabouts
Technical details
The 159 S was essentially a 125 S with a larger bore and barely visible changes. The 60° V12 featured a bore and stroke of 59 × 58 mm, a compression ratio of 8.5:1, a single overhead camshaft, and two valves per cylinder; it was fed by three Weber carburetors. Following Fiat tradition, the engine sat in unit with the five-speed gearbox. The tubular steel frame featured double wishbones with a transverse leaf spring in front, a live axle at the rear, along with hydraulic dampers and drum brakes at all wheels.
In racing
On its debut in Pescara for Scuderia Ferrari, the 159 S led for a while before falling behind the Stanguellini of Vincenzo Auricchio. At the home race in Modena, only one of two planned cars started and retired with ignition troubles. Against the Maserati 6CS 1500, it usually played second fiddle until Sommer claimed the overall victory in Turin in the only entered 159 S.
Production and whereabouts
Of the two units, one was built on a new chassis, the other on the basis of one of the two existing 125s. The car with which Sommer won in Turin was subsequently sold to the Besana brothers and converted into a 166 Spyder Corsa for the 1948 season. The successor to the 159 was the Ferrari 166, into which one of the two cars was converted.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 159 S
When was the Ferrari 159 S raced?
The Ferrari 159 S was raced in 1947.
How much power does the Ferrari 159 S have?
Power of the Ferrari 159 S: 125 PS at 7000 rpm.
What engine does the Ferrari 159 S have?
Engine of the Ferrari 159 S: 1.9 l (1903 cm³) Colombo V12. It is mounted at the front.
How fast is the Ferrari 159 S?
Top speed of the Ferrari 159 S: 180 km/h.
How many Ferrari 159 S were built?
2 units of the Ferrari 159 S were built.
Who engineered the Ferrari 159 S?
Engineering of the Ferrari 159 S: Gioacchino Colombo.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 159 S?
Predecessor: Ferrari 125 S. Successor: Ferrari 166 S.