1957 Ferrari 315 S

Ferrari 315 S

The Ferrari 315 S was a sports racing car produced by Ferrari in the 1950s. It was designed and built specifically for endurance racing, primarily competing in events such as the Mille Miglia and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Here’s a brief history of the Ferrari 315 S:

The Ferrari 315 S made its debut in 1957 as an evolution of the earlier Ferrari 290 MM. The car featured a lightweight and aerodynamic body, with curvaceous lines and aggressive styling typical of Ferrari’s racing cars of that era. It was powered by a 3.8-liter V12 engine, which produced around 335 horsepower, delivering impressive performance for its time.

The chassis of the Ferrari 315 S was constructed using a tubular steel frame, ensuring rigidity and strength while keeping weight to a minimum. The suspension system was advanced for its time, featuring independent front suspension and a de Dion rear axle setup. These technological advancements contributed to improved handling and stability during high-speed racing.

In terms of racing success, the Ferrari 315 S achieved notable victories and established itself as a formidable competitor. One of its most memorable triumphs came in the 1957 Mille Miglia, a grueling 1,000-mile endurance race across Italy. The Ferrari 315 S, driven by racing legends Peter Collins and Maurice Trintignant, emerged victorious, showcasing the car’s capabilities and Ferrari’s racing prowess.

Following its success in the Mille Miglia, the Ferrari 315 S went on to compete in other endurance races, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, due to stiff competition from rival manufacturers such as Jaguar and Aston Martin, the 315 S didn’t achieve the same level of dominance in these events.

The Ferrari 315 S holds historical significance as it represented a crucial era in Ferrari’s racing heritage. It showcased the brand’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries and achieving success in endurance racing. The car’s distinctive design, powerful engine, and competitive performances have made it a sought-after collector’s item among car enthusiasts and Ferrari fans.

Overall, the Ferrari 315 S remains an important part of Ferrari’s racing legacy. Its victories in iconic races and its technological advancements contribute to its place in automotive history and the continued admiration for Ferrari’s engineering excellence.

Ferrari 315 S Technical Specifications

Year of Manufacture – 1957

ENGINE
type front, longitudinal 60° V12
bore/stroke 76 x 69.5 mm
unitary displacement 315.28 cc
total displacement 3783.40 cc
compression ratio 9 : 1
maximum power 265 kW (360 hp) at 7800 rpm
power per litre 95 hp/l
maximum torque
valve actuation twin overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder
fuel feed six Weber 42 DCN carburettors
ignition twin plugs, four coils
lubrication dry sump
clutch multi-plate
CHASSIS
frame tubular steel
front suspension independent, unequal-length wishbones, coil springs, hydraulic shock absorbers
rear suspension de Dion, twin radius arms, transverse leaf spring, hydraulic shock absorbers
brakes drums
transmission 4-speed + reverse
steering worm and sector
fuel tank
front tyres 6.00 x 16
rear tyres 7.00 x 16
BODYWORK
type two-seater spider
length
width
height
wheelbase 2350 mm
front track 1296 mm
rear track 1310 mm
weight 880 kg (dry)
PERFORMANCE
top speed 290 km/h
acceleration 0-100 km/h
0-400 m
0-1000 m

Ferrari 315 S Valuations

A 1957 Ferrari 315  S sold for €32,075,200 at the Paris Rétromobile 2016 sale. This is also the highest price ever paid for a car at an auction in Europe and for an auction in euro.