LAMPREDI’S INLINE-FOUR: FERRARI’S Mid-1950s DOMINANCE
Ferrari
Ferrari’s mid-1950s dominance on the racing scene owed much to the unheralded rise of their inline-four-cylinder sports-racers. Enzo Ferrari, noticing the competitive edge of four-cylinder cars in Formula Two racing, assigned Aurelio Lampredi to create a game-changing four-cylinder engine. Lampredi’s 2.5-litre unit debuted in the 1951 Bari Grand Prix, boasting 200 horsepower and a lower rpm band advantage over Ferrari’s V-12s.
Archivio Foto Locchi Florence www.fotolocchi.it
Inline-four-cylinder
The inline-four’s suitability for winding tracks was undeniable. Ferrari’s inline-four’s edge prompted the FIA to elevate Formula Two to the pinnacle of racing for 1952 and 1953, dethroning Formula One. Alberto Ascari’s back-to-back championships in 1952 and 1953 solidified Ferrari’s supremacy, with Lampredi’s engine at the core.
Chassis number 0406 MD
Chassis number 0406 MD shines as a prime example—a rare first-series 500 Mondial Pinin Farina spider. Constructed in March 1954, this Mondial boasts a history worth restoration. Franco Cornacchia, associated with Scuderia Guastalla, purchased it soon after, making the car a valuable part of the Italian racing scene.
Archivio Foto Locchi Florence www.fotolocchi.it
Vintage Racing
Driven by Franco Cortese and Perruchini, 0406 MD made its mark in races like the Coppa della Toscana and the Mille Miglia. Scaglietti reworked its body, and the car saw diverse owners, including Angelo Benzoni and Hal Rudow. A fire-damaged period followed, but 0406 MD survived. Restoration is on the horizon, promising renewed glory.
Piece of history
This piece of history, backed by factory records and CSAI homologation papers, carries significant provenance. Once restored, the 0406 MD promises not only concours d’elegance and marque exhibitions but also vintage racing, including eligibility for the prestigious Mille Miglia Storica.
Courtesy of The Klemantaski Collection
In the story of Ferrari’s racing legacy, the Lampredi inline-four emerges as a silent hero, catapulting the marque to victories through clever design, racing prowess, and a dash of daring. Chassis number 0406 MD embodies this spirit, poised to rise once again on the vintage racing stage.
This was sold at $1,875,000 in Monterey Week 2023.
Source: RMSothebys
