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Ferrari 376 S

376 S1955
Raced1955
EngineInline-6
Power280 PS
Units built4
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The Ferrari 376 S, also called the 118 LM, was Ferrari's first racing car with an inline-six by Aurelio Lampredi in 1955. The engine was conceived as a larger alternative to the four-cylinders in the Monza racers and produced 280 PS. The car was created for the 1955 Mille Miglia, where Ferrari aimed to keep pace with the new Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR. It had its roots in the 306 S prototype, which never raced and was transformed into the 376 S through larger displacement and an extended wheelbase. All cars built were later converted into even larger-displacement models.

Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.

Good to know

  • The name 118 LM came from the engine type, even though this version never started at Le Mans.
  • The prototype 306 S, the first Ferrari with an inline-six, was built in late 1954 and never raced; in January, it was converted into the 376 S.
  • The new Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR produced 280 to 310 PS, the 750 Monza only 260 PS, which is why displacement grew further.
  • One car later received a rounder radiator grille and pontoon fenders at Scaglietti; no 376 S survives in original condition.
Learn moreFrom prototype to race car · Engineering

From prototype to race car

The 306 S featured a 3.0-liter inline-six, Type 114 with around 2977 cm³, which Lampredi created by adding two extra cylinders to the Ferrari 500 four-cylinder family. With a 2240 mm wheelbase and Scaglietti bodywork, it was short. It grew into the 376 S through larger displacement and a wheelbase stretched to 2400 mm. The chassis numbers received the "LM" suffix. The bodywork was an evolution of the 750 Monza, likewise by Scaglietti. The four cars contested only a few races in 1955 and were all converted to 4.4 liters.

Engineering

The enlarged engine was called Type 118, with a 94 mm bore and 90 mm stroke like the 625 engine on which it was based: 3747.48 cm³. Three Weber 58DCOA/3 units delivered 280 PS at 6200/min. The engine featured twin spark plugs per cylinder, twin overhead camshafts with two valves per cylinder, and dry-sump lubrication. The Type 509 tubular frame came from the 306 S, curb weight was 850 kg, and the fuel tank held 150 liters. Coil springs with an anti-roll bar were fitted at the front, a De Dion axle at the rear, with drum brakes all around.

Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.

Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 376 S

When was the Ferrari 376 S raced?

The Ferrari 376 S was raced in 1955.

How much power does the Ferrari 376 S have?

Power of the Ferrari 376 S: 280 PS.

What engine does the Ferrari 376 S have?

Engine of the Ferrari 376 S: 3.7 l (3747 cm³) Tipo 118 Lampredi I6. It is mounted at the front.

How many Ferrari 376 S were built?

4 units of the Ferrari 376 S were built.

Who engineered the Ferrari 376 S?

Engineering of the Ferrari 376 S: Carrozzeria Scaglietti.

What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 376 S?

Predecessor: Ferrari 750 Monza. Successor: Ferrari 735 LM.

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