NAME: 1950s Ferrari 553 or 555 F1 cars.
Since we got an old time racer in-game this update, why not suggest another interesting one (or two). The Ferrari 553 was a race car made in 1953 following F2 regulations (later to race in F1 as well). The reason there’s two specs in the title is because 2 years later, in '55, the car got a slightly different body and suspension (due to handling complaints), with power specs staying the same. Hence the only difference would be visual.
I’ll include images for both versions as well as 2 sets of specs just in case*.
PICTURES:
Most of these pictures are taken from downscaled, model versions of the cars since those are both accurate and clearer images.
- 553 (squalo)
- 555 (Supersqualo)
SPECS
Because there was so many different sources for the cars, I thought it would be best to list one set of specs for each version. If there are any inaccuracies they can always be overlooked in favor of making the car as drivable as it would be irl.
553 specs
Engine: Type 553, front-mounted naturally-aspirated in-line 4, light alloy cylinder block and head, 138 mm connecting rods, steel cylinder liners, water cooled
Bore & Stroke: 93 x 73.5 mm
Unitary and Total Displacement: 499.27/1,997.11cc
Compression Ratio: 13:1
Max. Power Output: 180 bhp at 7,200 rpm
Timing Gear: 2 valves per cylinder, gear-driven twin overhead camshafts with tappets and rollers
Fuel Feed: 2 side-draught Weber 50 DCOA-3 twin-choke carburettors
Ignition: Twin-plug with 2 Marelli magnetos
Lubrication System: Dry sump
Transmission: Rear-wheel drive, multi-plate clutch, 4-speed gearbox + reverse, in unit with limited-slip differential
Gear Ratios: Variable depending on circuit
Chassis: Type 553, tubular steel
Front Suspension: Double wishbones, transverse lower leaf spring, anti-roll bar and Houdaille hydraulic lever dampers
Rear Suspension: De Dion live axle, twin radius arms, transverse lower leaf spring and Houdaille hydraulic lever dampers
Brakes: Hydraulic drums all round, separate master cylinder for front and rear axle
Steering: Worm and sector
Length, width and height: 3,988/1,427/1,020 mm
Wheelbase and Front/ Rear Track: 2,160/1,278/1,250 mm
Kerb Weight (with water and oil): 590 kg
Front Tyres: 5.25/5.50x16"
Rear Tyres: 6.50x16"
Wheels: Wire wheels, front 3.50x16", rear 5.50x16"
Fuel Tank: Gasoline alcohol mixture, 2 side tanks
Bodywork: Aluminium single-seater body with 2 side fuel tanks
555 F1 specs
| Engine | |
|---|---|
| Configuration | Type 106 Straight 4 |
| Location | Front, longitudinally mounted |
| Construction | aluminium alloy block and head |
| Displacement | 2,498 cc / 152.4 cu in |
| Bore / Stroke | 100.0 mm (3.9 in) / 79.5 mm (3.1 in) |
| Compression | 14.0:1 |
| Valvetrain | 2 valves / cylinder, DOHC |
| Fuel feed | 2 Weber 50 DCOA Carburettors |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Power | 270 bhp / 201 kW @ 7,500 rpm |
| BHP/Liter | 108 bhp / liter |
| Drivetrain | |
|---|---|
| Chassis | aluminium body over tubular frame |
| Front suspension | double wishbones, helical springs, anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | DeDion axle, twin radius arms, transverse upper leaf spring and Houdaille hydraulic lever dampers |
| Steering | worm-and-sector |
| Brakes | hydraulic drums, all-round |
| Gearbox | 5 speed Manual |
| Drive | Rear wheel drive |
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 590 kilo / 1,301 lbs |
| Length / Width / Height | 3,988 mm (157 in) / 1,427 mm (56.2 in) / 1,020 mm (40.2 in) |
| Wheelbase / Track (fr/r) | 2,160 mm (85 in) / 1,278 mm (50.3 in) / 1,250 mm (49.2 in) |
| Performance figures | |
|---|---|
| Power to weight | 0.46 bhp / kg |
| Top Speed | 270 km/h (168 mph) |
