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The 1961 Formula 1 season brought a new rule reducing engines from 2.5 to 1.5 liters. Ferrari found itself in a very good position. They had developed a V6 rear-mounted engine with a 120 degree cylinder angle. The angle of the cylinder blocks allowed for the engine to have a lower center of gravity. Because the engine was substantially wider its rear placement was deemed necessary.
The new 156 F1 bore an unusual front design with pronounced air intake “nostrils”. The design earned the Ferrari an affectionate nickname “sharknose".
The car's first season bore fruit with five victories out of seven races including a 1-2-3-4 finish at Spa. In this car, Phil Hill became the first American Formula 1 World Champion. In another Ferrari 156, the German star Wolfgang Graf Berghe von Trips lead the ranking for most of the season, until a fatal accident in Monza. This is the car that secured Ferrari their first Formula 1 World Constructor's Championship.
(01/26/2008)
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