Motor Car History
 Veteran - Vintage - Classic - Modern
Motor car history
Understanding the Automobile
Toggle Navigation
  • Home
  • Makes and models
  • Motor car History
  • Innovations
  • Trivia
  • Help Guide
  • links
  • You are here:  
  • Motor Car
  • Make and Model
  • F
  • Ferrari
  • Ferrari 637 race (1986)

Ferrari 637 Race car

1986
Ferrari 637 Race car history
Category IndyCar
Constructor Ferrari
Designer(s) Gustav Brunner
Technical specifications
Chassis Blend of moulded aluminium and composite carbon
Engine Ferrari 034 2.65 litre 90-degree V8, turbocharged
Fuel Methanol (Agip oil)
Tyres Goodyear

 

The Ferrari 637 was a Ferrari racing car designed to run in the American CART series. It was designed by Gustav Brunner and, although tested and unveiled to the press in 1986, it never raced.

Background

Unhappy with the impending engine regulations in Formula One (which stipulated that the engine must be a V8 configuration), Enzo Ferrari commissioned the design of an IndyCar. He made no secret of his desire to win the Indianapolis 500; however, many believe that his threat to leave F1 for CART was merely a bargaining tool to make the FIA rethink their engine regulations. Ferrari approached Goodyear about the possible CART program, and Goodyear recommended the Truesports CART team for a research and development partnership.

After the 1985 CART season, Truesports and driver Bobby Rahal traveled to Italy to demonstrate a March 85C-Cosworth. The car was tested by both Rahal and Ferrari driver Michele Alboreto at the Fiorano test track. Afterwards, the car was taken apart and studied by Ferrari. In 1986, Ferrari designed and built their own car, which was tested by Alboreto.

Ultimately, this car was never raced as a Ferrari, but was passed on to fellow FIAT subsidiary Alfa Romeo, who were looking to improve their market share in the US.

Technical

For a car that was supposedly only a bargaining tool, the 637 was well engineered and carefully thought out. The upper body was made of aluminium, mechanically bonded and glued to the lower carbon frame. The Type 034 engine was a turbocharged 32-valve, 90-degree 2.65-litre V8, as per the CART regulations, which used upward mounted exhausts.

When Alfa Romeo unveiled their (unrelated) 2.65-litre Indycar engine, it was in the back of a March chassis; however it was seen testing at Fiorano Circuit in the 637 chassis.

Ferrari 637 Race car front view

Ferrari
Return
Ferrari 625 TF/ 735S (1953) 77 / 115 Ferrari 750 Monza (1954-1955)
Send
Print
More information on
Ferrari 637 race car history from 1986

Related

motor car on you tube

Categories
Ferrari
Italian Automotive 1980s | Vehicles launched in 1986 | Race Cars

Ferrari models

  • Ferrari 166
  • Ferrari 212
  • Ferrari 250
  • Ferrari 275
  • Ferrari 330
  • Ferrari 365
  • Ferrari 400
  • Ferrari 500
  • Ferrari 512
  • Ferrari Testarossa
  • Ferrari Dino
  • Ferrari Mondial

Read more in this section

Ferrari 315 S race (1957)
Ferrari 315 S race (1957)
Read more...
Ferrari Mondial 3.2 (1985–1989)
Ferrari Mondial 3.2 (1985–1989)
Read more...
Ferrari FF (2011-)
Ferrari FF (2011-)
Read more...

  • You are here:  
  • Motor Car
  • Make and Model
  • F
  • Ferrari

Back to Top

© 2021 Motor Car History

X

Right Click

No right click