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Lancia D50

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The D50 was developed for the new formula 2.5 litre naturally aspirated or 750cc supercharged engines, ultimately, no one ran a supercharged car. With exception of Mercedes, Lancia were alone in starting from scratch. They were also the only team to opt for a V8 engine configuration. Mercedes used an inline 8, Ferrari a 4 cylinder, and Maserati a straight 6. Designer Vittorio Jano believed cars should be light, powerful, nimble, which was the thinking in the B20 racers & subsequent D series sports cars of the 40's. Even along side the W196 the D50 was dwarfed.

He realized that a car, once moving was reluctant to change direction. so his prime concern was to minimize polar moment. Allowing the car to change direction quickly. the driver sat low thanks to the offset engine, with the prop shaft running diagonally to the transverse rear mounted five speed gearbox. ZF LSD the de Dion rear suspension now virtually mandatory, the minimize the unsprung weight penalty, the de Dion tube was made from welded steel sheet. Springing was by transverse leaves. at the front were equal double wishbones with transverse leaves.

Space frame chassis, with engine & gearbox being stressed components. The car had a short wheelbase and fuel tanks were hung on the outside, between the wheels.

Zaccone 90 deg V8 chain driven DOHC dry sump. Earlier engine had hairpin valve springs. Later conventional springs and complete new heads solex 40 PII carbs replace Webers. Larger sump. a compression ratio of 11.9:1 gave 260 bhp At 8000. twin magnetos & twin plugs.

Large out board drums with twin leading shoes, later four.

Although alloy wheels were available, knock on wire wheels were used, wearing Pirelli 5.5 16 fronts and 6.5 16s at the rear. Although the best available at the time, many believed that these tires, not matching the car's advanced design, were it's undoing.

In order to gain every possible minute for testing, the entire team including all cars and spares, was flown to the Argentine GP. The first time this was done.

Following Ascari's death at Monza in May 1955 Lancia Gave up racing. In financial difficulty, within weeks Scuderia Lancia was closed forced the closure of Scuderia Lancia. The cars went on to Ferrari, who were struggling with their unreliable and outclassed 553 and 555, with many of the Lancia staff. This proved a less than ideal situation. It confirmed Vincenzo's legendary antagonism towards racing his own cars. This transfer was arranged by the Italian Automobile club and Fiat. Six cars and 60 cases of spares, a (never used) streamlined body, intended for the French GP at Reims, and the services of many top Lancia staff, including Jano.