The first Ferrari, the 125, had a short but intense life. In fact, the model was only used in Ferrari’s first year in business, 1947. Just three were built and they took part in 12 races (total 14 starts), clocking up six wins, two seconds and one fifth position.
The 125 began life as a two-seater sports car but there were two types of bodywork: one with covered wheels and the second with open wheels and individual mudguards.
The former version was known as the 125 C and could race in single-seater races as the mudguards and headlights could be removed and a panel to cover the second seat could be added (if required).
The C in question stood for “corsa” (racing) or “competizione” (competition) and also involved some tweaking of the initial 125 S’s engine and the gearbox.
This version made its debut at the Terme di Caracalla circuit in Rome where driver Franco Cortese was unfortunately forced to retire before the end of the race.

Ferrari S.P.A.

Engine:

60° V12, front longitudinal, light alloy cylinder block and head

 

Bore & Stroke:

55 x 52.5 mm

 

Unitary and Total Displacement:

124.73 - 1,496.77 cm³

 

Compression Ratio:

9.5:1

 

Max. Power Output:

118 bhp at 6,800 rpm

 

Timing Gear:

2 valves per cylinder, single overhead camshaft per cylinder bank

Fuel Feed:

3 Weber 30 DCF carburettors

 

Ignition:

coil-ignition, or two ST 25 DAS magnetos

 

Transmission:

Dry, single-plate clutch, 5-speed gearbox + reverse

 

Chassis:

Elliptical-section steel tubes

 

Front Suspension:

Independent, double wishbones, lower transverse leaf spring.

 

Rear Suspension:

Live axle, longitudinal semi-elliptic leaf springs, longitydinal hydraulic dampers and anti-roll bar

Brakes:

Drums with hydraulic control

 

Steering:

Worm and sector

 

Wheelbase and Front/ Rear Track:

2,420 / 1,240 / 1,240 mm

 

Dry Weight:

750 kg

 

Front Tyres / rear Tyres:

5.00-15 / 6.00-15

 

Fuel Tank:

72 litres 

 

Top Speed: 

210 km/h

  

125 S                         125 C