When most enthusiasts think of Ferrari, they immediately picture the company's legendary V12 and V8 engines. However, during the 1950s, Ferrari achieved some of its greatest racing successes with four cylinder engines.
These powerplants played a crucial role in establishing Ferrari as a dominant force in international motorsport.
67% cylinder decline
The story began in 1951 when Ferrari engineer Aurelio Lampredi developed a new family of large displacement four cylinder engines. At the time, Ferrari relied heavily on V12 engines designed by Gioachino Colombo, but Lampredi believed a simpler engine could deliver better performance in certain racing situations.
His design used fewer moving parts than a V12, making it lighter, more reliable and easier to maintain. The engines were also capable of producing strong torque, which improved acceleration and drivability on challenging race circuits. Ferrari quickly recognised the potential of the concept and began using these engines in both Formula racing and sports car competition.
Photo: Ferrari
The four cylinder programme continued throughout much of the 1950s, becoming one of the most successful periods in Ferrari's early racing history. While the company eventually returned to larger multi cylinder engines, the achievements of these four cylinder cars helped cement Ferrari's reputation around the world.
Ferrari models powered by four cylinder engines
The most famous Ferrari powered by a four cylinder engine was the Ferrari 500 F2. Introduced in 1952, it dominated Formula Two racing and became the car that carried Alberto Ascari to back to back World Championships in 1952 and 1953. Its success demonstrated that a well designed four cylinder engine could compete at the highest level of motorsport.
Photo: Ferrari
Ferrari also developed the 625 F1, which used an enlarged version of the same engine for Grand Prix racing. Although it did not achieve the same level of dominance as the 500 F2, it further demonstrated Ferrari's commitment to the four cylinder concept.
In sports car racing, the Ferrari 500 Mondial became one of the most successful competition cars of its era. Its lightweight construction and dependable engine made it a favourite among both factory and private racing teams.
The Ferrari 750 Monza followed with a larger 3.0 litre engine and achieved numerous victories in international competition. Ferrari continued to expand the concept with the 857 S and 860 Monza, both of which featured increasingly powerful versions of Lampredi's four cylinder design.
Photo: Ferrari
The final and most extreme development was the Ferrari 121 LM. Equipped with a massive 4.4 litre four cylinder engine, it represented the peak of Ferrari's experimentation with the configuration before the company shifted its focus back to V12 power.
Why Ferrari used four cylinder engines
Ferrari's decision to use four cylinder engines was driven primarily by racing performance. Lampredi's design offered several advantages that were particularly valuable in the motorsport environment of the 1950s.
Compared with a V12, a four cylinder engine was mechanically simpler. With fewer components to fail, reliability improved significantly, an important factor in endurance races where finishing was often just as important as outright speed. Teams also found the engines easier and quicker to service during race weekends.
Photo: Ferrari
The large displacement four cylinder layout generated impressive torque, giving drivers strong acceleration when exiting corners and improving performance on technical circuits. At the same time, the compact engine design reduced overall vehicle weight, which enhanced handling, braking and tyre life.
Another important factor was efficiency. The lighter and simpler engines placed less strain on the car while still producing competitive power outputs. This combination allowed Ferrari to challenge and often defeat rivals from Maserati, Jaguar and other leading manufacturers.
By the late 1950s, advances in engine technology made V12 engines more attractive once again. They offered smoother operation, higher engine speeds and greater long term development potential. As racing regulations evolved, Ferrari gradually phased out its four cylinder programme.
Photo: Ferrari
Despite their relatively short lifespan, Ferrari's four cylinder engines remain among the most important powerplants in the company's history. They delivered world championships, major sports car victories and helped establish Ferrari as one of the most respected names in motorsport. Their success proves that Ferrari's early dominance was built not only on powerful V12s, but also on a remarkable family of innovative four cylinder racing engines.
Ferrari four cylinder engine table
|
Year |
Tipo |
Engine type |
Displacement |
Models |
|
1951 |
Tipo 110 |
Straight-4 |
1,984.86 cc |
500 F2, 500 Mondial, 500 TR, 500 TRC |
|
1953 |
Tipo 111 |
Straight-4 |
1,997.12 cc |
553 F2 |
|
1953 |
Tipo 117 |
Straight-4 |
2,498.32 cc |
625 F1, 625 TF, 625 LM |
|
1953 |
Tipo 119 |
Straight-4 |
2,941.66 cc |
735 S |
|
1954 |
Tipo 129 |
Straight-4 |
2,497.56 cc |
553 F1 |
|
1954 |
Tipo 131 |
Straight-4 |
2,497.56 cc |
555 F1 |
|
1954 |
Tipo 105 |
Straight-4 |
2,999.62 cc |
750 Monza |
|
1955 |
Tipo 146 |
Straight-4 |
3,431.94 cc |
857 S, 860 Monza |
Should Ferrari return to a four cylinder engine?
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