1940 AAC 815

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The Auto Avio AAC 815 1940 is a historically significant vehicle that marked the beginning of a legendary era of Italian sports car innovation. This two-seater coupe is powered by a 1,496 cc inline-six engine that was designed and built by Enzo Ferrari before he founded the Ferrari racing team.

The AAC 815's engine is paired with a four-speed manual transmission and produces 65 horsepower at 5,000 rpm. Although this might not seem like a great deal of power, it was plenty for the light and nimble AAC 815, which weighed just 725 kg.

The chassis of the AAC 815 is made of tubular steel, which was a cutting-edge material for the time, and it was lightweight and rigid. The suspension comprises a combination of coil springs and hydraulic shocks for a comfortable ride without sacrificing handling agility.

One of the most visually impressive aspects of the AAC 815 is its aerodynamic design. The body retains a flowing and slippery shape that speaks to the dawn of the jet age's influence on automobile design. The sophisticated curves of the AAC 815 serve to direct airflow around and over the car while also minimizing drag.

The interior of the AAC 815 is spare but comfortable, with two supportive bucket seats and a clean dashboard that is free of frills. The heavy-duty steering wheel is reminiscent of that on a racing car, and the needle gauges display the critical driving data that one would expect at the time.

One of the most innovative features of the AAC 815 was its use of aluminum for key components, such as the engine block and cylinder head. This was a first for a road car, and it resulted in lower weight and better heat management, which improved overall performance.

Overall, the Auto Avio AAC 815 1940 was an engineering masterpiece that set the stage for Ferrari's future successes. Its pared-back design, revolutionary use of materials, and impressive performance capabilities make it an iconic part of automotive history today.

Milestones

- The Auto Avio AAC 815 was designed and built in 1940 by Enzo Ferrari's company Auto Avio Costruzione. - It was originally intended to compete in the Coppa della Toscana race, but due to World War II, the race was cancelled and the car was never able to compete. - The Auto Avio AAC 815 featured a lightweight and aerodynamic body, with a 1.5-liter engine producing 79 horsepower. - The AAC 815 was the first car produced by Enzo Ferrari's company under his own name, after he split from Alfa Romeo in 1939. - Despite its racing intentions, the AAC 815 was used primarily as a test bed for future Ferrari models and was never officially raced by the factory team. - The car did, however, have a successful career in privateer hands, winning several regional races in Italy. - The Auto Avio AAC 815 is considered a crucial stepping stone in the evolution of Ferrari's racing and road car development, with many of its design elements and technologies being incorporated into future models.

Technical

- Manufacturer: Auto Avio Costruzioni - Model: AAC 815 - Year: 1940 - Engine: 1.5-liter inline-eight - Power output: 75 horsepower at 5,500 rpm - Transmission: Four-speed manual - Top speed: 160 km/h (99 mph) - Brakes: Hydraulic drums - Suspension: Independent front and rear - Wheelbase: 2,450 mm (96.5 in) - Length: 3,800 mm (149.6 in) - Width: 1,465 mm (57.7 in) - Height: 1,230 mm (48.4 in) - Weight: 800 kg (1,764 lbs) - Body style: Two-seat coupe - Designed by: Enzo Ferrari - First car created by Enzo Ferrari's new company after departing from Alfa Romeo.