The Ferrari 375 Plus was the Scuderia's works car in the 1954 World Sportscar Championship; privateers had to make do with the 375 MM. Its Lampredi V12 was derived from the Formula 1 engine and bored out to nearly five liters, with the extra half-liter giving the "Plus" its name. It usually produced 330 PS and reached around 280 km/h. Its victories include the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Carrera Panamericana. Unlike the 375 MM, it featured a De Dion axle.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreEngine and transmission · Chassis · Racing successes
Engine and transmission
Like the 375 MM, the new Lampredi Type 113 V12 featured an 84 mm bore, but used the 74.5 mm stroke from the 375 Formula 1 car; this resulted in 4954.34 cm³. Most cars produced 330 PS at 6000/min, some up to 345 PS, sufficient for 280 km/h. Ignition was handled by one plug per cylinder and two magnetos, while three Weber 46DCF/3 units prepared the fuel mixture. The transmission was a four- or five-speed gearbox mounted in unit with the differential.
Chassis
The wheelbase of 2600 mm matched the 375 MM, but the chassis was a new Type 505 made of oval-section tubular steel. At the rear, a De Dion axle with two trailing arms, a transverse leaf spring, and Houdaille dampers replaced the old live axle, greatly improving balance and roadholding. The De Dion axle required more space, so the 190-liter fuel tank sat higher in the body. This explains the massive rear headrest bulge that distinguishes the Plus from the MM.
Racing successes
The 375 Plus got off to a weak start: it failed to finish either the Giro di Sicilia or the Mille Miglia. Afterwards, it won Le Mans, the Carrera Panamericana, the 1000 km of Buenos Aires, as well as races in Agadir and Silverstone, among others. Pininfarina bodied six cars for the World Championship. In 1957 and 1958, Dan Gurney won in a 375 Plus at Paramount Ranch and Palm Springs and finished second in the Riverside Grand Prix.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 375 Plus
When was the Ferrari 375 Plus raced?
The Ferrari 375 Plus was raced in 1954.
How much power does the Ferrari 375 Plus have?
Power of the Ferrari 375 Plus: 330 PS.
What engine does the Ferrari 375 Plus have?
Engine of the Ferrari 375 Plus: 5.0 l (4954 cm³) Tipo 113 Lampredi V12. It is mounted at the front.
How fast is the Ferrari 375 Plus?
Top speed of the Ferrari 375 Plus: 280 km/h.
Who engineered the Ferrari 375 Plus?
Engineering of the Ferrari 375 Plus: Pinin Farina.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 375 Plus?
Predecessor: Ferrari 375 MM. Successor: Ferrari 410 S.
