Ferrari 410 S

For the 1955 GT car, seeFerrari America § 410 Superamerica.

Ferrari 410 S
Overview
Manufacturer	Ferrari
Also called	Ferrari 410 Sport
Production	1955–1956 4 produced
Designer	Carrozzeria Scaglietti
Body and chassis
Body style	Spyder Berlinetta(Speciale)
Layout	Front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Powertrain
Engine	5.0 L (4962.96 cc)Tipo 126CLamprediV12
Power output	340/380 PS
Transmission	5-speedmanual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,420 mm (95.3 in)
Curb weight	1,200 kg (2,646 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Ferrari 375 Plus
Successor	Ferrari 290 MM

TheFerrari 410 Swas asports racing carproduced byFerrariin 1955–1956. After the racing successes of 375 Plus, mainly in 1954Carrera Panamericana,Ferrari decided to prepare another model for this marathon. The 410 S was intended as a long-distance race car originally designed for the 1955 Carrera Panamericana and was the final model of theLamprediV12 sports car lineage.The next generation of sports racing cars that replaced the 410 S were powered by the newJanoV12 engines.

Development

The Ferrari 410 S was created as an evolution of the375 Plusthat preceded it. All four serial numbers bear "CM" suffix standing for "Carrera Messicana" of their intended, but never realised, race. The Mexican marathon was cancelled for 1955 edition, mainly due to theLe Mans disaster.

Specifications

Engine and transmission

A familiar long-block 5.0 LLamprediV12with a different internal measurements was used. Compared to 375 Plus, 410 S engine had a bigger bore and a shorter stroke at 88 by 68 mm (3.5 by 2.7 in). The total displacement resulting was 4,962.96 cc (5.0 L; 302.9 cu in). This same basicType 126single plug engine powered the410 Superamericaroad car. A smaller 42DCZ/3Webercarburettors and a lower compression ratio combined with a higher rpm meant only a slight increase in power from 330 to 340 PS (243 to 250 kW; 325 to 335 hp) at 6200 rpm in its single plug form. When the engine was upgraded to a twin plugs per cylinder, four coils, and a three 46DCF/3 Webers, power rose to 380 PS (279 kW; 375 hp) at 7000 rpm. Out of four cars only two factory race cars received the upratedType 126/Ccompetition engine. An additional spark plugs were located outside of the cylinder banks and were accessible by a trapdoors in the bodywork. This was the onlyLamprediV12 with a twin plug arrangement and also the highest in output. A double ignition was designed for harsh conditions of the five-day Mexican race. The top speed was 280-303 kmh, depending on the version. All cars useddry sumplubrication, triple-plate clutch and a 5-speedmanualgearbox mounted at the rear of atransaxletype.

Chassis and suspension

The chassis was made of an elliptical section steel tubes. Mainly classified as thetype 519Cwith a wheelbase measuring 2,420 mm (95.3 in). The front suspension was independent with an unequal-length wishbones. The rear hadDe Dion axleand transverse leaf springs, already introduced on racing Ferraris a couple years back. Brakes were drum-type all round. The fuel tank could accommodate 195 litres of fuel.Front and rear track was at 1,455–1,450 mm (57.3–57.1 in), which was considerably wider compared to a preceding 375 MM or Plus and a succeeding 290 MM cars that had between 1,284 and 1,325 mm (50.6 and 52.2 in) of track.

One of the race cars had a different, slightly shortertype 514chassis with 2,410 mm (94.9 in) of wheelbase.

Speciale

1956 410 S s/n 0598CM at RM Sotheby's 2022 Monterey where it sold for US$23 million.

A one-off Berlinetta Speciale by Carrozzeria Scaglietti, s/n 0594CM, was also created. It was a special order from Michel Paul-Cavallier, an industrialist and a formerSEFACdirector. The body design loosely resembledPinin Farina-designed berlinettas but had to be transferred to a shorter chassis with a wider track.The engine was of a single plug type and used threeWeber42DCF/3 carburettors.The car was based on a race cartype 519Cchassis, completed by July 1955 and delivered with ivory paintwork with blue leather interior to its first owner. The same as the race cars it was alsoright-hand drive.

Racing

1955 410 S s/n 0592CM at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance

The 410 S' first outing was 19561000km of Buenos Aires,driven byJuan Manuel FangioandEugenio Castellotti.Although two cars entered and neither finished, they achieved an impressive top speed of 303 kmh and set a new lap record. This was the only race in which the 410 S was entered as a works car.Caroll Shelbyraced one of those cars in United States with many victories in 1956: in Palm Springs, National Seafair, National Palm Springs, Governor's Trophy and New Smyrna Beach amongst them.

Phil HillandRichie Gintheralso raced in the US, the latter winning the 1957 Riverside race.Cars had common problems with rear axles or transmissions that could not endure the immense power.In 1957Cuban Grand Prix,among many entered Ferraris, the 410 S was able to achieve second place, driven by Caroll Shelby. The car was entered by John Edgar.Same feat was repeated in 1958 edition of the Havana Grand Prix, this timeMasten Gregorywas behind the wheel.

Collectability

The Ferrari 410 S is highly collectable due to its extremely low production values and very high performance. In 2012, Berlinetta Speciale s/n 0594CM was sold onRM Sotheby'sauction in Monterey for US$8.25 million.In 2014 s/n 0592CM was sold on Rick Cole Auctions for US$23 million.This was the car with shorter wheelbase and single plug engine.

References

Bibliography

• Schlegelmilch, Rainer W. (2004).Ferrari.Könemann.ISBN3-8331-1057-0.
• Acerbi, Leonardo (2012).Ferrari: All The Cars.Haynes Publishing.ISBN978-1-84425-581-8.