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FERRARI 159 S 1947-1948 Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1947, 1948

FERRARI 159 S 1947-1948 7 Photos
FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)FERRARI 159 S (1947-1948)

After the successful Ferrari 125 S on the race tracks, the Italian car manufacturer went even further and created the 159 S, which was an evolution of its predecessor.

Built to win races, the 159 S was produced in just two units, just like the 125 S. But there were a few details that distinguished the two models one from the other. The car didn't just have a bigger, more powerful engine. It also sported a different bodywork, albeit it relied on the same chassis.

Gioacchino Colombo was, again, responsible for designing the new model, just like the previous model. Yet, he noticed that the car needed a wider bodywork with the wheels completely covered by fenders so the driver won't get hit by dirt and small stone thrown by the front tires. While it enlarged the front fascia, Colombo also added additional air intakes in front of the car, flanking the main grille to cool the brakes. In addition, the engine compartment received more vents on the sides, behind the fenders, that extracted the heat produced by the engine. The manufacturer also noticed that the doors were not needed for such a roadster, so the 159 S didn't have any.

The cockpit could accommodate two occupants: the driver and the helper. In long-distance races, the navigator was essential for winning races. When raced on closed circuits, though, the car sported only one seat, thus reducing the vehicle's weight. The 159 S was designed and built as a race car, and the main dial on the dashboard was the tachometer placed right in front of the driver.

Colombo modified the engine from the 125 S and increased its bore and stroke, resulting in a 2-liter V12 engine. It was fed by three Webber-32DCF and produced seven more ponies than its predecessor. There were only two vehicles produced, and later on, a 159 S was transformed and evolved into the 166 S that raced at the famous Mille Miglia in Italy.

FERRARI 159 S 1947, 1948
  1 gasoline engine
  • 1.9 V12 5MT (125 HP)

FERRARI 159 S
1.9 V12 5MT (125 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9 V12 5MT (125 HP)
Cylinders:V12
Displacement:1903 cm3
Power:91.9 KW @ 7000 RPM
125 HP @ 7000 RPM
123 BHP @ 7000 RPM
Torque:96 lb-ft @ 5000 RPM
130 Nm @ 5000 RPM
Fuel System:3 Carburetors
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:137 mph (220 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):10.1 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Drums
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:5.50 - 15
DIMENSIONS
Length:177.2 in (4501 mm)
Width:58.3 in (1481 mm)
Height:43.3 in (1100 mm)
Front/rear Track:49.4/47.2 in (1,255/1,199 mm)
Wheelbase:95.3 in (2421 mm)
Aerodynamics (Cd):0.42
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:1653 lbs (750 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:1874 lbs (850 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
Combined:20.5 mpg US (11.5 L/100Km)
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