The Ferrari 553 ran as a Formula 2 car in 1953 and competed as a Formula 1 car in 1954. Due to the rounded body with side bulges, it was nicknamed "Squalo", shark. Its Lampredi four-cylinder produced 260 PS, but the drivers disliked the difficult-to-handle car. The only victory was achieved by Mike Hawthorn in 1954 at the Spanish Grand Prix, in a race with frequent lead changes because foliage and newspaper clogged the air intakes of many other cars.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Learn moreFrom Formula 2 to Formula 1 · Divided resources
From Formula 2 to Formula 1
The 553 was developed in 1953 as a Formula 2 car, with a four-cylinder of 2 liters displacement. When the World Championship returned to Formula 1 regulations in 1954, it received a new 2.5-liter engine of 2497.56 cm³. It received the name "Squalo" (shark) because of the side bulges in the center section. It was unpopular with drivers because it was difficult to drive.
Divided resources
In 1954, the Scuderia fielded the 625 F1 alongside the 553 in the World Championship, and the drivers alternated back and forth between both models. This split the team's resources, which did not exactly benefit the further development of the cars. According to the Italian table, the fuel tank held 180 liters.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 553
When was the Ferrari 553 raced?
The Ferrari 553 was raced from 1953 to 1954.
How much power does the Ferrari 553 have?
Power of the Ferrari 553: 260 PS at 7500 /min.
What engine does the Ferrari 553 have?
Engine of the Ferrari 553: 1985 cm³ (1953); 2498 cm³ (1954) inline-4 naturally aspirated Lampredi. It is mounted at the front.
How fast is the Ferrari 553?
Top speed of the Ferrari 553: 280 km/h.
Who drove the Ferrari 553?
Drivers of the Ferrari 553: Giuseppe Farina, Mike Hawthorn, Jose Froilan Gonzalez.
How many races did the Ferrari 553 win?
The Ferrari 553 took 1 win in 6 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 553?
Predecessor: 500. Successor: 625/D50.
1955