The Ferrari 637 is a Ferrari racing car developed to run in the American CART series. It was designed by Gustav Brunner. Although 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 Indy car. While he made no secret of his desire to win the Indianapolis 500, 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.