After two years of F2 regulations the 1954 world championship was raced under F1 regulations again. The new regulations allowed for 2.5 litre Naturally Aspirated and 750 cc supercharged engined racers. Ferrari modified their 1952 and 1953 world championship winning 500 F2 by boring and stroking the four cylinder engine. Enter the Ferrari 625 F1.
Maserati campaigned their six cylinder 250F from the beginning of the season. Halfway through the season Ferrari and Maserati were joined by the straight-eight cylinder engined Mercedes-Benz W196 and the Vittorio Jano designed Lancia D50 V8. Ferrari's three competitor's were all newer and of a more advanced design.
Juan Manuel Fangio started the season at Maserati but halfway the season he teamed up with Stirling Moss at Mercedes-Benz. Ferrari's two primary drivers were Froilan Gonzalez and Mike Hawthorn. Both drivers won a Grand Prix each, but they were not able to keep with Fangio. In the driver's championship the first three places behind Fangio were filled by Ferrari drivers.
For the 1955 season the four cylinder car was further modified but it was no longer competitive.
The featured example is seen here at the Spa Francorchamps and Nurburging rounds of the 2004 Ferrari/Maserati Historic Challenge.
Article by Wouter Melissen, last updated before 12 / 01 / 2004
The Ferrari 625 won the 1954 Monaco Grand Prix, driven by Maurice Trintignant, after Alberto Ascari plunged into the harbour basin with the Lancia D50.
General specifications
Country of origin
Italy
Chassis number
0482
Numbers built
8
Produced from
1954 - 1955
Engine
Configuration
Type 107 Straight 4
Location
Front, longitudinally mounted
Displacement
2.498 liter / 152.4 cu in
Bore / Stroke
94.0 mm (3.7 in) / 90.0 mm (3.5 in)
Compression
12.8:1
Valvetrain
2 valves / cylinder, SOHC
Fuel feed
2 Weber 52 DCOA/3 Carburetors
Aspiration
Naturally Aspirated
Drivetrain
Chassis/body
aluminum body on tubular chassis
Front suspension
double wishbones, transverse lower leaf spring, anti-roll bar and Houdaille hydraulic lever dampers
Rear suspension
DeDion live axle, twin radius arms, transverse lower leaf spring and Houdaille hydraulic lever dampers
Steering
worm and sector
Brakes
finned drums, all-round
Gearbox
4 speed Manual
Drive
Rear wheel drive
Dimensions
Weight
600 kilo / 1322.8 lbs
Length / Width / Height
3988 mm (157 in) / 1427 mm (56.2 in) / 1020 mm (40.2 in)
Wheelbase / Track (fr/r)
2160 mm (85 in) / 1278 mm (50.3 in) / 1250 mm (49.2 in)