Ferrari 195

The history of the Ferrari 195

Ferrari 195
Ferrari 195
The Ferrari 195 appeared as a successor to the successful 166 Inter model in 1950. Based on the previous model, the 195 used the same V12 engine but with greater engine displacement, now 2,341 cm3, for better performance. Although the difference was not too significant in performance due to the significant increase in weight in the car.

Ferrari presented two variants for the 195 model: the Inter and Sport versions. The Ferrari 195 Inter was the car ready for use on the streets, while the Ferrari 195 Sport version had lower wheelbase to improve its performance on the tracks, as well as some more horsepower. But the “Inter” version had a new development: the steel tubular chassis.

Although the Ferrari 195 Inter was not conceived as a racing car, it participated in some competitions such as the “Mille Miglia” and the “Coppa Inter Europa” in Monza. In the 1951 competition Mille Miglia finished in 15th position in the general table with rider Ammendola behind the wheel.

Ferrari 195 Inter and 195 Sport designs

In the early 1950s Touring was the leading manufacturer of bodywork for Ferrari cars for competitions, however, in the production of the 195 its share was minimal. Of a total of 27 cars manufactured, Vignale built 10, Ghia another 10 and Touring only 6.

The house Vignale built 5 coupe cars in which he left a chair of elegance in design. While they sometimes overloaded the product with ornamental details such as chrome elements typical of the time, their work was impeccable. Vignale also produced 5 “Berlinetta” cars, with a more sporty and dynamic character, while retaining its attention to detail and embellishments.

Ferrari 195 Inter
Ferrari 195 Inter

Of the 10 Ferrari 195 cars manufactured by Ghia 6 were two-seater coupe, while the remaining 3 adopted the 2 + 2 style. While Ghia's bodywork looked more traditional than Vignale's, they were also refined and remarkably harmonious in their proportions.

The 2 + 2 versions of Ghia were a real example of how such vehicles should be conceived. Not only were they beautiful Ferrari but they can be considered as a true parameter of design criteria for coupe 2 + 2 cars.

Initially, Touring designed and manufactured 3 Berlinetta body structures that are quite similar in their lines to one of their designs applied at 166 Inter. But the body of the last Ferrari 195 was in charge of the almost unknown manufacturer Motto (dedicated to sports motorsport), who presented a sports-looking Berlinetta bodywork but suitable for a street car.

Ferrari 195 Technical Specifications

  • Front motor V12 at 60º
  • Displacement: 2.341 cm3
  • 24 SOHC valves
  • 1 x Weber 32 DCF carburetor (optional 3 carburetors)
  • 5-speed manual gearbox
  • Rear wheel drive
  • Brakes: drum on 4 wheels
  • Suspension: independent on front wheels
  • Power: 130 hp at 6.000 rpm

  • Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 9.9 s

  • Top speed: 193 km/h

  • Weight: 950 kg

  • Weight/power ratio: 0.13 hp/kg

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© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author.

por Adrian Blanco