Technically the chassis was a much modified Fiat
508C unit with a Fiat 1100 differential unit. The engine was a straight-eight
1496cc (63x60mm) item, some articles stating that it was two Fiat 1100
blocks welded together, others stating that it was a single casting. Whatever
the case, two Fiat 1100 cylinder heads were fitted with two exhaust manifolds
and four twin carburettors. The 815 stood for 8 cylinders and a capacity
of 15(00cc). This unit produced 72bhp @ 5,500rpm.
The aluminium body was constructed by Touring using
their famous 'Superleggera' structure and was known as a 'Torpedo Tipo
Brescia'. The wheelbase was 2420mm. front and rear tracks were 1240mm and
the dry weight was 450kg.
The
first car to be designed and built by Enzo Ferrari, the 815 was never badged
a such, the company being called Auto Avio Costruzione. Two examples were
built in 1938/9 using various Fiat parts and with design input by Nardi
and Massimino. The cars were entered in the 1940 1° Gran Premio Brescia
delle Mille Miglia (9 laps of a much reduced circuit).
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