Ferrari 315 S

Vehicle Overview

The Ferrari 315 S, produced in 1957, represents a pivotal moment in Ferrari’s racing history, designed to carry the legacy of the 290 MM, which had triumphed at the1956 Mille Miglia. A masterstroke in engineering, the 315 S was powered by a frontal 60° V12 engine, a configuration that Ferrari was renowned for. This engine featured two valves per cylinder and four overhead camshafts driven by chains, displacing a total of 3,783.40 cc (230.9 cu in). The result was a powerhouse producing 360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp) at a dizzying 7800 rpm, granting the car a top speed of 290 km/h—a formidable force on any racetrack. The 315 S made its mark in motorsport, most notably at the 1957 Mille Miglia, where it dominated the race, securing the top two spots. Piero Taruffi, in his final race, took the victory in a dramatic finish, with Wolfgang von Trips following closely in second. The car’s remarkable performance didn’t stop there—at the Nürburgring, it clinched third place, and at Le Mans, it finished a respectable fifth, showcasing its reliability and versatility across different circuits. However, the 315 S was soon overshadowed by its successor, the Ferrari 335 S. This newer model continued Ferrari’s dominance, securing victories like the one in Venezuela, which helped Ferrari clinch the 1957 World Sports Car Championship title, especially following the Maseratis’ retirement. The 315 S had served its purpose, but with the 1958 World Sports Car Championship regulations introducing a 3-liter engine limit, the 315 S was quickly replaced by the 250 Testa Rossa. In many ways, the Ferrari 315 S remains a symbol of Ferrari’s commitment to racing excellence, serving as both a stepping stone to future success and a beloved racing icon in its own right.