---
title: Ferrari 159 S
description: The 1947 Ferrari 159 S was the first Enzo Ferrari car to win an
  international competition. History, photos and technical specifications.
author:
  name: Adrian Blanco
  url: http://adrian-blanco.idoneos.com
canonical: https://car-design.idoneos.com/ferrari/ferrari_159_s/
source: ferrari/ferrari_159_s/index.md
---

<h2 id="ferrari-159-s">Ferrari 159 S</h2>

<figure data-align="right" class="figure" style="float:right"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" src="resources/Ferrari159S.jpg.webp" alt="Ferrari 159 S"><figcaption>Ferrari 159 S</figcaption></figure>

<h3 id="history-of-the-ferrari-159-s">History of the Ferrari 159 S</h3>

The Ferrari 159 S was simply an evolution of the 125 model. The new 159 S also used a V12 engine, but this time with a larger engine capacity (1,902cm3) that was worth 125 horsepower at 7,000 rpm.

After the victories obtained with the \[Ferrari 125 S\] in Piacenza, Roma and Forlí decided to upgrade the car to try to stand out in international races. The rider Franco Cortese triumphed with the _159 S_ on the circuit of Pescara.

And finally happened what was desired by Enzo Ferrari: his 159 S led by the driver Raymond Sommer won the Grand Prix of the City of Turin. This proved to be the first victory of the Italian brand in an international competition.

<h3 id="specifications-of-the-ferrari-159-s">Specifications of the Ferrari 159 S</h3>

-   V12 engine at 60º with light alloy block
-   Displacement: 1,902 cm3
-   Compression ratio: 8.5 to 1
-   2 valves per single-shaft cylinder
-   Power supply: 3 Weber carburetors
    
-   5-speed manual gearbox
    
-   Rear wheel drive
    
-   Power: 125 hp at 7,000 rpm
    
-   Top speed: 180 km/h
    
-   Chassis: steel pipe cage
    
-   Suspensions: front independent / rear rigid bridge
-   Brakes: Drum
-   Weight: 750 kg.

Official website, [www.ferrariworld.com](https://www.ferrariworld.com)

_© [Adrián Blanco](https://adrian-blanco.idoneos.com) 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author._ —