Ferrari Dino 246 F1

Ferrari Dino 246 F1

In 1957 Ferrari introduced the Dino 246model, the latest Formula 1 Ferrari designed with the engine located at the front. The name 246 corresponded to the usual nomenclature of the mark, “24” indicated the cylinder capacity and “6” the number of cylinders. The engine used was then a V6 designed by Vittorio Jano which originally had 1,500 cm3. For the 246 its capacity was enlarged to 2.417 cm3 reaching its power to 270 hp.

For the 1958 season Ferrari used an improved version of its Formula 2 chassis. They replaced the old De Dion bridge rear suspension system with spring-loaded arms. Ferrari was reluctant (meaningless) to incorporate the new brake discs, keeping drum brakes. Afterwards the driver Mike Hawthorn insisted on the need for new brakes and the team agreed to upgrade the car.

The Ferrari Dino 246 was especially effective on fast and long circuits, where despite being very heavy, they won by having engines more powerful than their rivals. Peter Collins won the British Grand Prix for Ferrari.

Ferrari's great success in the 1958 championship came from the hand of driver Mike Hawthorn, who triumphed in the French Grand Prix and then got a second place that earned him enough points to be World Driver Champion. Even so, that year's Constructors' Cup was left in the hands of Vanwallteam.

In 1959 the driver Tony Brooks won two races with the Ferrari Dino 246, the Grand Prix of France and Germany (AVUS). By then, the 246 had a power of 280 hp but it was still a heavy car.

In 1960, the Ferrari Dino 246 was obsolete against its rivals with central engine and superior agility. Cooper cars dominated the F1 scene.

The last achievement of a Ferrari 246 was won by US driver Phil Hill, who won his first Formula 1 victory at the Italian Grand Prix.

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© Adrián Blanco 2007 - No full or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —