Ferrari 555 Super Squalo 1955 – Chassis 555/1 FL9001

The 1955 season was the final outing for the Lampredi-designed four cylinder cars in Grand Prix racing. While in 1954 the Ferrari 553 Squalo cause dmajor complaints by the drivers about its handling, the 555 Super Squalo featured improved handling and a more aerodynamic body shape. The 2496 cc four cylinder Lampredi engine, 5 speed transmission and a space frame chassis formed part of the technical specification. While Ferrari was able to win the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix, the Ferrari works drivers were never fully happy with the handling of the Super Squalo which could not match with the performance of competitors Lancia, Maserato and Mercedes-Benz. The reduction of number of races in 1955 as a result of the tragic Le Mans accident further influenced the destiny of the 555 Super Squalo which was discontinued at the end of 1955.

This particular car, 555 Super Squalo Chassis number 555/1, is one of the only four such cars built. Raced as by Scuderia Ferrari in the 1955 season, 555/1 did quite well. The car did not finish in Bordeaux ( Farina DNF) and in Monaco (Taruffi and Frère DNF), but placed a successful 4th place at the Belgium Grand Prix (Paul Frère), 7th at the Ducth Grand Prix (Mike Hawthorn). After 1955, all Super Squalo were sold by Ferrari, and 555/1 was converted to Formula Libre (hence the addendum serial number FL9001), still with the original chassis. From 1956 until 1959, 555/1 FL9001 enjoyed excellent competition succces in the hand of well-known privateers Peter Whitehead and Thomas Clark with four outright victories. In 1996 Nick Harley purchased the car from Nigel Moore and had the Ferari Super Squalo 555/1 FL9001 completly restored to original shape. In 1999 the Ferari Super Squalo 555/1 FL9001 won the Monaco Historic Grand Prix with Martin Stretton as driver.

Ferrari Super Squalo 555/1 FL9001 Specifications :

Wallpapers : Ferrari 555 Super Squalo 1955