MASERATI 250 F – year 1954

Offizine Alfieri Maserati SpA, Modena, Italy.

Model 250 F, on which Fangio scored in 1954 year world champion title, is without a doubt the best post-war Maserati car.

According to the formula limiting the engine capacity to 2500 cm constructor Gioacchino Colombo has prepared a new one, six-cylinder engine 250 F. For the first races – Grand Prix Argentyny i Grand Prix Buenos Aires – these engines were mounted on the A6 GCM z 1950 year, intended for the formula 2. These cars were driven by, among others, Harry Schell, from Graffenried, Roberto Mieres, Louis Rosier and other players. And Maserati drivers – Fangio and Onofre Marimon – have already received new cars with a light weight, spatial (truss) tubular frame.

Model 250 F in years 1954-1958 were equipped with different types of engines. In the version with 1954 year the engine had a piston diameter 84 mm and piston stroke 75 mm, which gave the total capacity 2494 cm3. This engine, with two camshafts in the cylinder head, was gaining power 176.6 kW (240 KM) by 7200 RPM, later increased to 198.7 kW (270 KM) by 8000 RPM. There were two candles in each cylinder, receiving energy from two spark arrestors. The power was transmitted via three dry disc clutch and four- and later a five-speed gearbox for the de Dion rear axle. The gearbox was positioned transversely like this, that the differential had a ZF main gear. The front wheels were independently suspended on transverse trapezoidal wishbones and coil springs with Houdaille shock absorbers. The dual-circuit hydraulic brakes of the Duplex system had brake drums with transverse fins to facilitate cooling. Rudge-Whitworth wheels are fitted with size Pirelli tires 5,50 X 16 on the front and 7,00 X 16 in the back.

Already the first versions of the Maserati car 250 F have brought the company some success. The competitor Juan Fangio won the Argentinean and Belgian Grand Prix, and Onofre Marimon took first place in the Grand Prix of Rome and third place in the British Grand Prix.

More vehicles during the year 250 The F got a body with a low front leaning more forward and open to supply air to the radiators. In September 1955 a version with aerodynamic covers in front of the front and rear wheels was also created. This model was led by Jean Behr in the Grand Prix at Monza, taking fourth place.