Page 1 of 2 Next >> Ferrari will always be most famous for the lovely V12 engines that have powered the company's road and racing cars from the very beginnings in 1947. The first two of the manufacturer's Grand Prix World Championships (1952 and 1953) were nevertheless won by the four cylinder engined 500 F2. By 1953 this Aurelio Lampredi designed 'four' had also made its way into a sports car for the first time.
In its original sports car guise, the twin-cam four cylinder engine displaced just under 2.5 litre. This was soon followed by production versions with three and two litre displacements, powering the 750 Monza and 500 Mondial respectively. Although usually in contention for class victories, the four cylinder Ferraris also scored outright victories with a victory in the 1956 Sebring 12 Hours with the 3.4 litre 860 Monza as a highlight. The sheer number of different models and engines Ferrari produced at this time was startling and the company, understandably, decided to simplify the line-up.
The only four cylinder engined car made available to customers in 1956 was the new 500 TR. Powered by a two litre version of the four cylinder engine, it was a replacement and an evolution of the 500 Mondial. Developed under the guidance of Ferrari's new chief-engineer, Vittorio Jano, the latest two litre model featured a straightforward steel tubular frame. Double wishbones were used at the front, while a solid rear axle replaced the heavier and much more complicated DeDion setup used on the earlier cars. The 'Tipo 131' chassis again featured large, finned drum brakes.
The reason for the 'TR' or 'Testa Rossa' (red head) name was found in the engine compartment; the latest version of Lampredi's 'four' featured red cylinder heads. The 'Tipo 131' engine sported two Weber carburettors, twin-spark ignition and a dry-sump system. It produced a formidable 180 bhp, which was ten more than the outgoing 500 Mondial's engine. This power was transferred to the rear wheels through a sturdy five-speed gearbox. The 500 TR was tightly wrapped by Scaglietti with a slippery aluminium body that featured two blisters on the engine cover to clear the cam covers. Page 1 of 2 Next >>
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500 TR
Ferrari will always be most famous for the lovely V12 engines that have powered the company's road and racing cars from the very beginnings in 1947. The first two of the manufacturer's Grand Prix World Championships (1952 and 1953) were nevertheless won by the four cylinder engined 500 F2. By 1953 this Aurelio Lampredi designed 'four' had also made its way into a sports car for the first time.