Because the Formula 1 regulations had changed, Ferrari fielded the large 375 engine in a car for the Indianapolis race in 1952, the 375 Indianapolis. With three Weber carburetors, it produced 380 hp; the wheelbase, chassis, and suspension were lengthened and reinforced, respectively. In Europe, the car performed well in testing, but in the US it fell short: out of four cars, only one qualified for the race. Alberto Ascari started from 25th and retired after 40 of 200 laps with wheel failure. Afterward, he won the remaining six Grands Prix of the season and took his first World Championship title.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreConversion for America · The rule change
Conversion for America
Due to the changed Formula 1 regulations, the large engine was to live on in an Indy car. Three new Weber carburetors of the type 40IF4C brought output to 380 hp (279 kW). The wheelbase was extended, and the chassis and suspension were reinforced. Testing went well in Europe, but in the US it proved insufficient: of four 375s entered, only one managed to qualify for the 1952 Indianapolis race.
The rule change
The German source outlines the background: starting in 1952, Grand Prix races were run under Formula 2 regulations, and the Scuderia campaigned the Ferrari 500. However, the 375 F1 lived on in Formula Libre, where Ferrari continued to field factory cars in 1952. Three 375 F1 cars went to privateers. Ascari himself, after his retirement at Indianapolis, won the remaining six Grands Prix of the season to capture his first World Championship title, ahead of teammate Giuseppe Farina.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
1950