When Lancia withdrew in 1955, Ferrari inherited its material, putting the modified D50 on the track for 1956 and, above all, a driver of Fangio’s ability. The Argentine returned the world championship title to Maranello at the end of an extremely hard-fought season. Fangio had three victories, taking the drivers’ championship thanks to the generosity of Collins (who won two races). The Englishman gave him his own car for the last race at Monza, allowing him to come second and fight off Stirling Moss’s challenge.
The car (designed for Lancia by Jano, who continued to perfect it for Ferrari) is characterised by the two side tanks originally for fuel, but then reduced to the sole function of wheel guards. It also has a trestle-type chassis, where the engine is part of the resistant structure.
| Type | front, longitudinal 90° V8 |
| Bore/stroke | 76 x 68.5 mm |
| Unitary displacement | 310.75 cc |
| Total displacement | 2485.98 cc |
| Compression ratio | 11.9 : 1 |
| Maximum power | 195 kW (265 hp) at 8000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 107 hp/l |
| Maximum torque | - |
| Valve actuation | twin overhead camshafts per bank, two valves per cylinder |
| Fuel feed | four Solex 40 PII carburettors |
| Ignition | two spark plugs per cylinder, two magnetos |
| Lubrication | dry sump |
| Clutch | twin-plate |
| Frame | tubular steel |
| Front suspension | independent, unequal-length wishbones, lower transverse leaf spring, inboard telescopic shock absorbers actioned by rocker arms |
| Rear suspension | de Dion, power transverse leaf spring, inboard telescopic shock absorbers actioned by rocker arms |
| Brakes | drums |
| Transmission | 5-speed + reverse |
| Steering | worm and sector |
| Fuel tank | capacity 190 litres |
| Front tyres | 5.50 x 16 |
| Rear tyres | 7.00 x 16 |