The Ferrari 500 was designed by Aurelio Lampredi for Formula 2, as the World Championship was run under these regulations starting in 1952 after Alfa Romeo withdrew. Ferrari was the only team with a car built specifically for the purpose. The inline four-cylinder engine sat behind the front axle, improving weight distribution. On its debut in Syracuse, four 500s swept the top four spots, and Alberto Ascari became World Champion twice in a row with the car. His streak of seven consecutive Grand Prix victories remained a record until 2013.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreEngineering · Dominance and privateers
Engineering
Lampredi had new four-cylinder engines developed; the 2-liter variant, measuring 1984.86 cm³ according to the Italian table, powered the Ferrari 500. The engine was straightforward, with the dual-overhead-camshaft factory versions delivering up to 180 PS. To improve weight distribution, the engine was mounted well back in the tubular frame, while the suspension came from the 375 F1. With a 2160 mm wheelbase, an overall length of just under four meters, a height of 1050 mm, and a curb weight of 560 kg, the 500 was exceptionally nimble.
Dominance and privateers
Ascari won the Drivers' World Championship twice with the 500. The only competition came from privateers, but their 500s were delivered with a rev limiter, and their engines produced significantly less power than the factory cars. In the second season, Ferrari won every race except the last, which Fangio won after returning to the track following a crash that caused neck injuries. According to the Italian table, the 500 featured an unsynchronized four-speed transmission in unit with the differential and reached 240 km/h.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari Tipo 500
When was the Ferrari Tipo 500 raced?
The Ferrari Tipo 500 was raced from 1952 to 1953.
How much power does the Ferrari Tipo 500 have?
Power of the Ferrari Tipo 500: NNN hp.
What engine does the Ferrari Tipo 500 have?
Engine of the Ferrari Tipo 500: 1985 cm³ inline-4 naturally aspirated Lampredi. It is mounted at the front.
How fast is the Ferrari Tipo 500?
Top speed of the Ferrari Tipo 500: 240 km/h.
Who engineered the Ferrari Tipo 500?
Engineering of the Ferrari Tipo 500: Aurelio Lampredi.
Who drove the Ferrari Tipo 500?
Drivers of the Ferrari Tipo 500: Alberto Ascari, Giuseppe Farina, Mike Hawthorn.
How many races did the Ferrari Tipo 500 win?
The Ferrari Tipo 500 took 14 wins in 19 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari Tipo 500?
Predecessor: 212. Successor: 553.
