1952 Ferrari 225 Sport

During Ferrari's early production years, the creation of road-going versions existed solely to support Il Commendatore's racing effort. The competition pedigree was built atop a continuous progression of the small-displacement V-12 engines designed by Gioachino Colombo, the first of which was deployed in 1947 as the 125S. Its displacement measured 1500 cubic centimeters and offered considerable power considering its day and size, quickly earning Ferrari a reputation for technical sophistication. Later engines were developed based on the original design, earning many racing victories, notably the 166MM and the 212 Export. A larger-displacement, more powerful version of the 212 Export competition model was introduced in 1952, christened the 225 'Sport,' following the long-time Ferrari practice of naming their models consistent with the displacement of a single cylinder.

The 12-cylinder engine in the Ferrari 225S displaced 2.7 liters overall. Inspired by the concurrently produced, Lampredi-designed 'big block' Ferrari engines, it was given roller-type cam followers introduced by Lampredi. Notable racing accomplishments were achieved at the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, and outright firsts in the Coppa d'Oro delle Dolomiti, the Portuguese Grand Prix, and Buenos Aires, as well as a 1-2-3 achievement at the 1952 Monaco Grand Prix. Drivers who piloted the 225S include Taruffi, Marzotto, Villoresi, Castelotti, and 'Pagnibon.'

The most advanced 225S had a tuboscocca frame, a special chassis with double outer tubes joined together with a truss-like arrangement. Along with providing strength, it helped form a skeleton for the body shape on which body panels could be arranged.

Production
Approximately 21 examples of the 225S were constructed in 1952; 19 of them (14 Spyders and 6 Berlinettas) received coachwork from Alfredo Vignale; 1 example was a Barchetta by Touring.

Specification
The Ferrari 225 S rested on an 88.6-inch wheelbase and was powered by a 2,715.46cc Colombo-designed twelve-cylinder engine based on the engine from the Ferrari 212. Its bore and stroke measured 2.8 inches by 2.3 inches (respectively / 70 by 58.8 mm), and with 8.5:1 compression, it developed approximately 207 horsepower at 7,200 RPM. It had a single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank, actuating two valves, a single plug per cylinder served by two ignition coils, a wet sump lubrication, and three Weber 36 DCF carburetors. The five-speed non-synchronized manual transmission had a single-plate clutch. Stopping power was via hydraulic drum brakes placed at all four corners.

The suspension at the front relied on double wishbones, hydraulic shock absorbers, and transverse leaf springs. Suspending the live rear axle were twin semi-elliptical springs and hydraulic shock absorbers.

Most examples rested on a tubular steel spaceframe chassis formed from elliptical-section steel tubes and with either an 'ED' or 'EL' serial number suffix. The 'Tuboscocca' chassis used an 'ET' suffix. The tuboscocca chassis was a tubular semi-monocoque structure designed by Gilberto Colombo's Gilco chassis specialist company. Compared to the steel spaceframe, the tuboscocca was more rigid and slightly lighter. Approximately eight examples of the 225 S received the Tuboscocca chassis, including six Spyders by Vignale and two Berlinettas (also by Vignale).

Coachwork
A total of twenty-one examples of the 225 S were produced in 1952. The majority were clothed by Vignale, who, by this point in history, was the main supplier of competition bodywork for both Ferrari factory racers and privateers.

Giovanni Michelotti created an open spyder design that was skillfully transformed from paper to metal by Vignale. A total of fourteen examples received this open coachwork, including chassis number 0176ED commissioned by Antonio Stagnoli with unique small inboard headlights and an external spare wheel flush with the rear trunk.

Chassis number 0166ED was a Touring-bodied Barchetta that was raced by Eugenio Castellotti.

Six examples received closed Berlinetta coachwork by Vignale.

Styling elements bestowed upon the 225 S hinted at its dual purpose of both road and track. Competition design cues included the three oval-shaped portholes on the side, vent openings in front of the rear wheels, and an understated air hood scoop intended to funnel cool air to mechanical components stressed beyond typical road use.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2019