Tom Talks: Ferrari’s First Formula One Winner | The Incredible 375 F1
Today, we’re diving into one of the most pivotal cars in motorsport history: the 1951 Ferrari 375 F1. This car didn’t just race – it signalled Ferrari’s arrival as a serious contender in Formula 1, forever changing the landscape of Grand Prix racing.
Powered by the formidable 4.5-litre V12 engine, it was a machine capable of taking on Alfa Romeo, the dominant force of the era, driven by legends like Juan Manuel Fangio.
The 375 F1 claimed Ferrari’s first-ever Formula 1 victory at the 1951 British Grand Prix, a triumph that showcased the brilliance of Ferrari’s engineering and determination. But the car we’re featuring today is even more special: it’s the very same car that Alberto Ascari drove to victory at Monza in the Italian Grand Prix, thrilling Ferrari’s home crowd.
Ascari’s win at Monza in chassis 5 firmly established Ferrari as a team that would shape the future of Formula 1. While Alfa would ultimately take the championship that year, the 375 F1 laid the foundation for Ferrari’s incredible legacy.
With only two surviving examples, chassis 5 is a true rarity. Following a meticulous two-year restoration by Ferrari, it has been ‘Red Book’ Classiche Certified, confirming it still retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox – a living piece of motorsport history.
We hope you enjoy diving into the history of the Ferrari 375 F1: a car that channelled the hopes of a young Ferrari team and laid the foundation for one of the greatest legacies in racing.