Bardahl & Ferrari, quite a story!

This childhood dream, which began in 1912 when Enzo Ferrari saw Ralph De Palma win the Indianapolis 500, was realized in 1952 by entering a modified Ferrari 375 F1 for Ascari.

But major mechanical problems caused the retirement...the hub carriers could not withstand the Indy500 bends under the power of the #375.

After this first bitter failure and under pressure from Luigi Chinetti, Enzo Ferrari accepted a second attempt in 1956. It was at this time that Bardahl entered the race alongside Ferrari in order to leave no doubt about the reliability of this mechanism worthy of a Swiss watchmaker.

Why Bardahl?

Bardahl had already been known as an expert since 1939 with its patented ultra-lubricating formulas, classified as top secret by the US army, and proved its worth during the Second World War, enabling US Air Force and Navy pilots to land even with a casing pierced by enemy bullets.

Ultra-lubrication prevented the destruction of these engines, particularly that of the Douglas SBD Dauntless with a 30-litre displacement and developing more than 1200 hp !

The recipe was simple

• The best US chassis, a Kurtis Kraft which had already won the 50, 51, 53, 54 and 55 editions
• An engine from the 1955 Ferrari 121 LM
• Borrani rims replaced by Halibrands (reason for abandonment in 52)
• An explosive fuel (50% gasoline, 25% Benzol and 25% methanol) and Hilborn injection
• An ultra-lubricating Bardahl oil to work this pretty mill smoothly... 377 horsepower all the same!

Too few road tests...

These chassis were the only ones capable of withstanding the constraints of the " brickgard ". The competition department in Maranello being overwhelmed, the assembly was completed and the first runs carried out at Osca in Bologna.

The engine could not be pushed to high revs: the balancing of the engine's moving assembly was not optimal. The vehicle was still in its experimental stage , and several issues could not be resolved before qualifying. Excessive weight and vibrations at high revs ruined any chance of qualifying.

Today, the car is part of Luigi Chinetti Jr. 's collection and is occasionally driven for shows. Although the vehicle was not yet finished, Bardahl had the merit of being present in the Ferrari mechanics for one of the most legendary races.