1952 Ferrari 375 Indianapolis

On loan courtesy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum

Enzo Ferrari created the Ferrari 375 Indy to emphasize the significance of the U.S. market and the importance of winning, not just participating, in the premier Formula 1 race in the United States, the Indianapolis 500The Ferrari 375 Indy was Enzo Ferrari’s recognition of the importance of the United States market and the need to win races, not just participate, in the US’s premier Formula 1 race, the Indianapolis 500. This took a combination of evolution and innovation.

The 375 engine, designed by Gionacchino Colombo, was an evolved version of Aurelio Lampredi’s supercharged 125 engine. Colombo’s goal was to create a naturally aspirated engine with a larger displacement than its predecessors. The 375 engine was an evolution of the supercharged 125 engine designed by Gionacchino Colombo for a new naturally aspirated larger displacement engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi. Displacement went from 1.5 liters to 3.3 liters and eventually to 4.5 liters. Power grew to 380 hp at 7,500 rpm.

The machine design was met with limited success in American racing. In 1952, Ferrari entered 4 375s but only 1 ended up qualifying. The driver, Alberto Ascari, took the 25th pole position and retired after just 40 of the 200 laps. However, these teething problems were resolved and the machine with Ascari driving won 6 Grand Prix races that season and went on to win the World Championship title.

The new engine architecture by Lampredi was utilized in multiple guises and would be found in the 340 Mexico and 340 MM (Mille Miglia) road racing machines. It would also be found in the America series: the 400 and 410 Superamerica, the 500 Superfast and 365 California. Again The success of these cars and their use of the 375 demonstratesing the close connection between racing, engines and Ferrari’s place in the market and public imagination.

Scuderia Ferrari, prepared four updated 2.5-liter 1951 Ferrari Grand Prix cars for the 1952 Indianapolis 500. Enzo Ferrari sold three to American customers and the final car was campaigned by Scuderia Ferrari itself. Future world champion Alberto Ascari passed up the Swiss Grand Prix to drive the factory car; his was the only one of the four Ferraris to qualify for the race. The choice of wire wheels over magnesium wheels proved costly though, as a collapsed wheel forced Ascari out just after entering the top-10 at 100 miles completed. Drivers assigned to the American entries were Johnnie Parsons, Bobby Ball, and Johnny Mauro, who entered the car on display. Although the paint job resembles Ascari's car number 12, Mauro's number 35 at the time was painted white with blue numbers and lettering. Ascari did drive this car briefly during practice