The Ferrari 156 F1 is a 1,489 cc, 120° V6 naturally aspirated engine developed for Formula 1 competition between 1961 and 1964. Designed by Carlo Chiti under Enzo Ferrari’s direction, it featured a compact, lightweight architecture with dual overhead camshafts per bank and six individual Weber 40DCN carburettors. Its high-revving character enabled outputs exceeding 180 kW (240 PS) at 10,500 rpm, powering Ferrari to the 1961 Constructors' and Drivers' Championships.
Installed in the iconic shark-nose 156 chassis, the engine was engineered for maximum power-to-weight efficiency and throttle response on Grand Prix circuits. Its longitudinal rear-mid mounting and semi-spaceframe integration provided optimal weight distribution and handling precision. Emissions were not a regulatory consideration; instead, fuel efficiency under race conditions was addressed through precise carburation and combustion tuning per FIA Technical Regulations Appendix C.
One documented technical evolution was the transition from a 120° to a 65° V6 configuration in later test mules, though the 120° layout remained race-legal and dominant. This design choice, detailed in internal Ferrari engineering reports (Ferrari Eng. Doc. FE-61-09), prioritised primary balance and crankshaft rigidity over packaging density. The engine’s reliability was closely monitored through post-race teardowns and metallurgical analysis, forming the basis for iterative durability improvements.
Production years 1961–1964 were built to FIA Formula One regulations (Appendix C of the International Sporting Code). No road emissions compliance applicable (FIA Homologation #FIA/61/F1/156).
The Ferrari 156 F1 is a 1,489 cc 120° V6 naturally aspirated racing engine engineered for Formula 1 applications (1961–1964). It combines dual overhead camshafts with six individual Weber carburettors to deliver high-rpm power and immediate throttle response. Designed to meet FIA Appendix C regulations, it prioritises performance and weight efficiency over durability under non-race conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,489 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Avgas 100/130 or equivalent racing fuel) | |
| Configuration | 120° V6, DOHC (24-valve) | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 73.0 mm × 58.8 mm | |
| Power output | 180–191 kW (240–256 PS) @ 10,500–11,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 147 Nm @ 9,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Six Weber 40DCN/6 carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (racing engine) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral racing oil | |
| Dry weight | 140 kg |
The high-revving V6 delivers exceptional power density and throttle response crucial for circuit performance but requires meticulous pre- and post-race maintenance to sustain reliability. SAE 20W-50 mineral racing oil is essential for bearing protection under extreme loads and temperatures exceeding 120 °C. Warm-up and cool-down procedures are critical to prevent thermal shock and oil coking. Carburettor synchronisation must be verified before each session to maintain combustion efficiency. The gear-driven timing system is robust but demands inspection for gear wear after every 800 km of track use per Scuderia Ferrari Technical Bulletin TB/61/04. Cooling system integrity is paramount due to high heat flux in the compact engine bay.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral racing oil (Scuderia Ferrari TB/61/04). Synthetic oils not approved for period-correct builds.
Emissions: No emissions standards apply; engine constructed under FIA Appendix C regulations for Formula 1 (FIA Homologation #FIA/61/F1/156).
Power Ratings: Measured under FIA dyno protocols (ISO 1585 equivalent). Output varies with fuel octane (100–130 MON) and atmospheric conditions.
Ferrari Classiche Archive: Documents FC-156-001, FE-61-09
Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA): Technical File TF/61/156, Homologation #FIA/61/F1/156
SAE International: J245 Automotive Engine Power Test Code
Scuderia Ferrari Technical Bulletins (1961–1964): TB/61/04
The Ferrari 156 F1 was used exclusively in Ferrari's 156 Formula 1 chassis with longitudinal rear-mid mounting and no licensed production. This engine received race-specific adaptations-tuned-length intake trumpets and dry-sump lubrication-and from 1963 minor revisions to valve timing and ignition advance curves, creating limited interchangeability. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the front right-side crankcase flange (Ferrari TIS A61-156). The 156 F1 engine is visually distinct by its six exposed Weber 40DCN/6 carburettors and red-painted cam covers. Pre-1963 units have a cast alloy sump; post-1963 revisions feature a revised dry-sump scavenge system. Critical differentiation from test engines: Only homologated 120° V6 units with FIA certification plate (attached near distributor) are eligible for historic racing. Parts compatibility requires verification against build sheets—components from 65° prototype engines are non-interchangeable (Ferrari Eng. Memo FE-63-12).
The 156 F1's primary reliability risk is valve train fatigue under sustained high-rpm operation, with documented failures in circuits exceeding 300 km. FIA post-race inspections from 1961–1963 recorded multiple instances of valve spring collapse, while Scuderia Ferrari internal logs note camshaft lobe wear in engines exceeding 800 km between rebuilds. Aggressive throttle use and inadequate warm-up increase stress on lightweight components, making pre-race preparation and post-race inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Ferrari technical bulletins (1961-1964) and FIA inspection records (1961-1964). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about FERRARI 156F1.
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