MAUTO’s three iconic cars at the exhibition celebrating the 75th Anniversary of Formula One

The Ferrari 500 F2, the Mercedes W196R, and the Ferrari 156 F1 on display in Bologna to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Formula One.

Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2025 is celebrating 75 years of Formula One with a major themed exhibition: “75:1 – 75 years, one seat”, a journey that tells the story of the technical, sporting, and cultural evolution of the ultimate automotive competition.

As part of this project, MAUTO – the Italian National Motor Car Museum is contributing with three iconic models that have made racing and automotive engineering history:

• Ferrari 500 F2 (1952): a car that has made history thanks to its simple but effective mechanics, featuring a tubular chassis, a De Dion rear axle, and a dual-ignition engine fed by two twin-choke carburettors. It is considered one of the most successful Ferraris of all time, symbolising Enzo Ferrari’s strategic decision to focus on Formula 2. With this car, Alberto Ascari won the world drivers’ championship in 1952 and 1953. The car on show is a gift from Enzo Ferrari, coming from Maranello (MO).
• Mercedes-Benz W196R (1954): it won on its début at the French Grand Prix and was the star of two consecutive world championship titles. Only 15 units were produced, and it was donated to MAUTO in 1957 by Daimler-Benz itself, with letters signed by Nallinger and Neubauer. At the wheel of the W196R, Fangio won the world title in 1954 and 1955.
• Ferrari 156 F1 (1963): designed according to the regulations introduced in 1961 (a maximum displacement of 1.5 litres and a minimum weight of 450 kg). The car definitively adopted a rear-mounted engine, a more compact and lightweight 1477 cc 120° V6 capable of over 190 HP.

These three vintage cars tell the story, technology, and legend of Formula One.

They provide three more reasons to be in Bologna from 23rd to 26th October.