Ferrari 250 S
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ferrari 250 S | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Also called | Ferrari 250 Sport |
| Production | 1952 1 produced[1] |
| Designer | Giovanni Michelotti at Vignale |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | Berlinetta |
| Layout | Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Related | Ferrari 225 S |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.0 L (2953.21 cc) Colombo V12 |
| Power output | 230 PS |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,250 mm (88.6 in) |
| Length | 3,800 mm (149.6 in) |
| Width | 1,570 mm (61.8 in) |
| Height | 1,400 mm (55.1 in) |
| Curb weight | 850 kg (1,874 lb) (dry) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | Ferrari 225 S |
| Successor | Ferrari 250 MM |
The Ferrari 250 S was a sports racing car produced by Ferrari in 1952. It was the first in the long lineage of Ferrari 250 road and race cars powered by a ubiquitous 3.0-litre Colombo V12 engine. In 1952 the 250 S won the Mille Miglia and 12 Hours of Pescara.[2] At the Le Mans, the same year, it clocked the fastest race lap time. Only a single example was produced.[1]
The 250 S was created as an evolution over the preceding 225 S model.[3] It shared the same tubular steel chassis of a Tuboscocca type as some of them. The new model retained the same wheelbase and track dimensions. New was the 3.0-litre Colombo V12 engine, developed by Aurelio Lampredi as a chief Ferrari engineer at that time.[4][5]
The 250 S had a closed berlinetta bodywork designed by Giovanni Michelotti and carried out by Vignale. The style closely resembled the Vignale berlinettas of its predecessors.[6] Front fenders had two portholes in them and the fuel filler cap was on the outside, mounted on the rear window. After the Mile Miglia, bonnet was modified with an air-scoop. Front windshield had three small wipers installed, one of them was on the roof.[7]
A single example was ever produced, s/n 0156ET. "ET" in its suffix represented 'Export-Tuboscocca'.[8] The technical experience and racing capabilities of the 250 S over its career led Ferrari to develop a series produced race car, the 250 MM.[1]
Specifications
Engine and transmission
The 250 S' engine was based on the 225 S unit with a bore stretched by 3 mm (0.12 in). Now the internal measurements were at 73 by 58.8 mm (2.9 by 2.3 in) of bore and stroke. The resulting capacity was 2,953.21 cc (3.0 L; 180.2 cu in) and would make the better use out of any 'Sport 3.0' category regulations.[9] The power output benefited from an updated and innovative design of the intake and distribution, already introduced on the 225 S, and was now at 230 PS (169 kW; 227 hp) at 7500 rpm. A compression ratio of 9:1 was higher than before. An SOHC and two valve configuration was standard for Ferrari V12 at that time. Also unchanged were the three Weber 36DCF carburettors. The engine used a single spark plug per cylinder, served by two coils and had a wet sump lubrication. The 250 S still used a five-speed non-synchronised gearbox. Clutch was of a single-plate type.[4]
Chassis and suspension
The chassis of the 250 S was one of the Tuboscocca type that used a smaller diameter steel tubes with additional cross members. The resulting trellis space frame was slightly lighter and more rigid than the standard tubular chassis.[10] It was developed by Gilco, a chassis specialist company established by Gilberto Colombo, and first introduced on a late 212 Export. The front suspension was independent with unequal-length wishbones and transverse leaf springs, aided by hydraulic shock absorbers. At the rear was a live axle with semi-elliptical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers. Brakes were of a drum type.[6]
