Ferrari America
| Ferrari 340 America, 342 America, 375 America, 410 Superamerica, 400 Superamerica, 500 Superfast, 365 California | |
|---|---|
 1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Ferrari |
| Production | 1950–1967 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | V12 |
Ferrari Americais a series of flagshipgrand touringFerrarimodels primarily built for the North American market in the 1950s and 1960s. The America models were equipped with large V12 engines and often had custom bodywork done by famous coachbuilders in Italy. All America models used alive axlein the rear, werefront-engined,and hadworm and sectorsteering.
Two models from the series, the410and the400,were calledSuperamericawith the final model, the500being called the superfast. The America series also includes the365 California.
340 and 342 America
[edit]| Ferrari 340 America Ferrari 342 America | |
|---|---|
 Ferrari 340 America Vignale Spyder | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1950–1952 25 made (two converted from 275 S) |
| Designer |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcoupé 2-doorroadster |
| Related | Ferrari 166 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4.1 L (4,101.66 cc)LamprediV12 |
| Power output |
|
| Transmission |
|
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
|
| Kerb weight |
|
The first America cars were called the340and were produced between 1950 and 1952. The newLamprediV12developed forFormula Oneracing was rated at 220 PS (162 kW; 217 hp).[1]Originally only 23 units were built: 11 byVignale,eight byTouring,and four byGhia.[2]Giovanni Michelottiwas tasked with the design work for the cars produced by Vignale. The first two Americas were converted from the275 S.In 1951, 340 America Vignale Berlinetta wonMille Migliarace driven byLuigi Villoresi.Three Touring barchettas were also entered that year but did not finish.[3]
The 340/342 America was succeeded by the 375 America.
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Ferrari 340 AmericaTouringBerlinetta -
Ferrari 340 America Vignale Coupé that won the 1951 Mille Miglia -
Ferrari 340 America Ghia Coupé
342 America
[edit]Only six units of the 342 America were made: Vignale Cabriolet (designed byGiovanni Michelotti), twoPinin FarinaCabriolets and three Pinin Farina Coupés. The 342 used the same Lampredi-designed engine as in the 340 America with a different carburettor air-filter arrangement and thus was detuned to 200 hp (147 kW). The last example, a Pinin Farina Cabriolet s/n 0248AL which was presented at the 1953 New York Auto show, was upgraded to 4.5 L engine.[4]Both the 340 and the 342 America used the even chassis numbers associated with Ferrari race cars, while the 375 America succeeding models used odd chassis numbers pertaining to road cars.[5]A Black Pinin Farina Cabriolet was owned byKing Leopold IIIof Belgium.[citation needed]
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1952 Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Coupé -
1952 Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Coupé (rear) -
Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Cabriolet -
Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Cabriolet (rear) -
Ferrari 342 America Pinin Farina Cabriolet (interior)
375 America
[edit]| Ferrari 375 America | |
|---|---|
 1954 Ferrari 375 America Vignale Cabriolet | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1953–1954 12 made (two were converted from 250 Europa) |
| Designer |
|
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcoupé 2-doorroadster |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4,522.08 cc (4.5 L)Tipo 104LamprediV12 |
| Power output | 300 PS (296 hp; 221 kW) |
| Transmission | 4-speedmanual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm (110.2 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,150 kg (2,535 lb) |
The 375 America was introduced in 1953 and aPinin Farinabodied example was shown at that year's Paris Salon. Built as a successor to the 342 America, The 375 used the new 4,522.08 cc (4.5 L) "long block" Lampredi designed V12 engine that was rated at 300 PS (221 kW; 296 hp) at 6,300 rpm, with threeWeber40DCF (or DCZ) carburettors. The stated performance figures were a 0-60 mph (97 km/h) acceleration time in under seven seconds and a top speed of almost 160 mph (257 km/h).[6]The 375 began the tradition of using the off chassis numbers of road cars contrary to its predecessors which used even chassis numbers pertaining to race cars. The expensive and exclusive 375 was only built from late 1953 through 1954 and 12 cars were made, with ten being original 375s and two being250 Europasthat were subsequently converted to 375 specifications (the 250 Europa and the 375 had a nearly identical wheelbase, chassis and mechanicals).[7]The majority of 375s had either three or five-window coupe bodies by Pinin Farina, thoughVignalebodied around three Coupés and one convertible.
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1953 Ferrari 375 America with bodywork by CarrozzeriaVignale -
1955 Ferrari 375 America Coupé Speciale built forGianni Agnelli,designed byAldo Brovaroneat Pinin Farina -
1955 Ferrari 375 America Coupé Speciale (rear view)
410 Superamerica
[edit]| Ferrari 410 Superamerica | |
|---|---|
 1959 410 Superamerica Pinin Farina Coupé | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1955–1959 35 made |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcoupé 2-doorroadster |
| Related | Ferrari 410 S |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4,962.96 cc (5.0 L)Tipo 126LamprediV12 |
| Power output | 340–360 PS (335–355 hp; 250–265 kW) |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,600–2,800 mm (102.4–110.2 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,200 kg (2,646 lb) |
The410 Superamericawas introduced in 1955 and used the engine based on a single plug410 Spowerplant. The engine had an increased displacement up to 4,962.96 cc (5.0 L) and was rated at 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) at 6,000 rpm thanks to threeWeber40DCF carburettors. The 410 Superamerica had a new chassis, featuring independent coil spring front suspension and was the first Ferrari road car to use a five speed gearbox. The car had a listed top speed of 163 mph (262 km/h) and was recognised by theGuinness Book of Recordsas the world's fastest production car.[8]In 1957, the carburetors were upgraded for Weber 46DCF3 units which resulted in an increased power output of 360 PS (265 kW; 355 hp). This uprated engine was fitted to the Series III 410 Superamerica and marked the final development for the 'long-block' Lampredi V12.[9][10]
Each 410 Superamerica had custom bodywork, with a few byBoanoandGhiabut most by Ferrari stalwart,Pinin Farina.The price was extremely high—atUS$16,800, the 410 Superamerica offered at theNew York Auto Showby importerLuigi Chinettiwas more than twice as expensive as theMercedes-Benz 300SL"Gullwing" exhibited byMax Hoffman.Due to its high price tag, the car was a sales disappointment. Just 35 units were built when production ended in 1959.[11]First 2 series of Pinin Farina coupés were very similar with only 3rd series radically redesigned with non-panoramic rear window, different side-line, lower front grille and more recessed headlights with the headlights in some cars being covered. While the Series III, introduced in 1959, had 3 louvres behind side-windows, some have this space covered with glass.
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Ferrari 410 Superamerica by Boano s/n 0477SA -
Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series I by Pinin Farina
410 Superfast Pinin Farina Speciale
[edit]
The 410 Superfast was also known as "Superfast I" and was based on the on 410 Superamerica chassis with 24-plug racing engine from410 S,prominent tailfins and bi-coloured body. It was unveiled at the 1956Paris Auto Show.The car had a shorter wheelbase of 2,600 mm (102.4 in).[12]
4.9 Superfast
[edit]
The 4.9 Superfast was a one-off based on the 410 Superamerica chassis and engine. Presented in Paris in 1957, this car was an evolution of 410 Superfast but without the prominent rear fins. Also the colours were similar but with dark blue-green full body and white roof.[13]
400 Superamerica
[edit]| Ferrari 400 Superamerica | |
|---|---|
 Series II Ferrari 400 Superamerica LWB Coupé | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1959–1964 47 made |
| Designer | Aldo Brovaroneat Pinin Farina (Coupé Aerodinamico) |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcoupé 2-doorroadster |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3,967.44 cc (4.0 L)Tipo 163ColomboV12 |
| Power output | 340 PS (335 hp; 250 kW) |
| Transmission | 4-speedmanualwithoverdrive |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm (95.3 in)(series I) 2,600 mm (102.4 in)(series II) |
| Kerb weight | 1,250 kg (2,756 lb) (dry, coupé) |
The400 Superamericadebuted in 1959 as the production of the 410 ended, and was available as a coupe, spider, or cabriolet with custom Pinin Farina bodywork. It had the smaller 3,967.44 cc (4.0 L)Colomboengine, which had similar power output as its predecessor at 340 PS (250 kW; 335 hp) at 7,000 rpm. Four-wheeldisc brakeswere a new addition. 47 units of the 400 Superamerica been built in two series of which 32 were the coupé aerodinamico variant. The Series I coupés aerodinamico had open hood air scoop while series II cars had covered scoop and slightly longer wheelbase. Production of the 400 Superamerica ended in 1964.[14]
400 Superamerica Pinin Farina Coupé Speciale
[edit]A special one-off version of the 400 Superamerica, s/n 1517SA, was built in 1959 forGianni Agnelli.This car was also the very first of the 400 Superamericas. A very similar body with its characteristic square grille, was used onMaserati 5000 GTthat was also built for Agnelli.[15]
400 Superamerica Superfast II–IV
[edit]Originally built as a Series I Ferrari 400 Superamerica Aerodinamico Pinin Farina Coupé, chassis no. 2207SA, was re-bodied and presented asSuperfast IIat the Torino Motor Show in 1960 and 1961. It was used by Battista "Pinin" Farina as his personal car. In 1961, the car was re-bodied into theSuperfast IIIand presented at 1962 Geneva Motor Show and went through another final redesign final as theSuperfast IV.It was a styling concept for the upcoming500 Superfastmodel. Currently this show car can be seen on various events with its first styling.
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Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series II byPinin Farina -
Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupé Speciale by Pinin Farina forGianni Agnelli -
Battista Farinawith a Ferrari Superfast II -
Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet by Pinin Farina
500 Superfast
[edit]| Ferrari 500 Superfast | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1964–1966 36 made |
| Designer | Aldo BrovaroneatPininfarina |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2-doorcoupé |
| Related | Ferrari 330 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4,962.96 cc (5.0 L)Tipo 208ColomboV12 |
| Power output | 400 PS (395 hp; 294 kW) |
| Transmission | 4-speedmanualwithoverdrive 5-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm (104.3 in) |
| Length | 4,820 mm (189.8 in) |
| Width | 1,730 mm (68.1 in) |
| Height | 1,280 mm (50.4 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) |
The final model in the flagship America series was the500 Superfast,first unveiled at the1964 Geneva Motor Show.[16]During development these cars were to be called "Superamerica", but the decision was made at the last moment to use "Superfast" instead.[citation needed]
The engine was a unique 4,962.96 cc (5 L)Ferrari Colombo V12 engine,[17]which had the same 108 mmbore centerdimensions as the Lampredi "long-block" engines of the 410 Superamerica, otherwise the design was based on the original Colombo "short block". Breathing through six twin-chokeWeber40DCZ/6carburettors,the V12 produced upto 400 PS (294 kW; 395 hp) at 6,500 rpm and could push the car to 280 kilometres per hour (174 mph).[17]The chassis was very similar in construction to the contemporary330 GT 2+2,and bodywork was now done byPininfarina,with the cars being assembled inTurin.When leaving the factory the 500 Superfast originally fittedPirelli Cinturato CN72205 VR15 tyres. Depending on options, each car took 4 to 6 months to complete.[18]
36 cars were made from 1964 to 1966, including 12 improved Series II models with a 5-speedtransmissionin place of the earlier 4-speed plusoverdrive.The Series II cars can be recognized by having a triple louvre exhaust vent behind the front wheels, rather than the earlier 11-slot grilles. Unlike its predecessors, the 500 Superfast was only produced in the 2+2 coupe body style. The production total excludes a one-off330 GT 2+2produced with a Superfast-style body forPrince Bernhard of The Netherlands.This one-off was sold at theBonhams' December 2003 Geneva auction for CHF 422,100 including premium.[19]Famous owners of the car includePrince Karim Aga Khanwho bought the first 500 Superfast and theShah of Iranwho owned two.[18]
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Ferrari 500 Superfast (Series I; s/n 5983SF) -
1967 Ferrari 500 Superfast (Series II; s/n 8459S)
365 California
[edit]| Ferrari 365 California | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Production | 1966–1967 14 made |
| Designer | Tom TjaardaatPininfarina[20] |
| Body and chassis | |
| Body style | 2+2convertible |
| Related | Ferrari 330 |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 4,390 cc (4.4 L)Tipo 217BColomboV12 |
| Power output | 320 PS (316 hp; 235 kW) |
| Transmission | 5-speedmanual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 2,650 mm (104.3 in) |
| Length | 4,900 mm (192.9 in) |
| Width | 1,780 mm (70.1 in) |
| Height | 1,330 mm (52.4 in) |
| Kerb weight | 1,320 kg (2,910 lb) (dry) |
The365 Californiareplaced the 500 Superfast in 1966 and was built on the same ethos as the 250GT Spyder. It was the first model in the 365 series of cars, with its 4,390 cc (268 cu in)V12based on the330's 4.0 LColombounit but with an 81 mm bore. The 365 California used the same chassis as the 500 Superfast but with an evolutionarycabrioletbody byPininfarina.Debuting at theGeneva Motor Showin 1966, just 14 examples were produced (including 2 in right hand drive) before production ended in 1967. Whilst the prototype was built on a 330 GT 2+2 type 571 chassis,[21]production cars featured the type 598 chassis. The chassis were sent to Pininfarina's Grugliasco plant to be bodied and trimmed and were then returned to Ferrari for fitment of the mechanical components. Desirable performance components like power steering and Borrani wire wheels were standard-equipment on the 365 California.[22]
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Ferrari 365 California (rear view) -
Earlier examples have triple, round taillights -
The dashboard
References
[edit]- ^"Ferrari 340 America".ferrari.Retrieved21 May2019.
- ^Thorson, Thor (September 2008). "1951 Ferrari 340 America Coupe".Sports Car Market.20(9): 44.
- ^"Mille Miglia 1951 Race Results".racingsportscars.Retrieved22 May2019.
- ^"Ferrari 342 America".ferrari.Retrieved21 May2019.
- ^Cotter, Tom (30 June 2013)."$2.8M Ferrari Chassis Found".barnfinds.
- ^"RM Sotheby's - r210 1953 Ferrari 375 America Coupe by Carrozzeria Vignale".RM Sotheby's.2017-08-16.Retrieved2018-05-01.
- ^"Ferrari 375 America".ferrari.Retrieved2018-05-01.
- ^Guinness Book of Records(7th ed.). 1958. p. 176.
- ^"Ferrari 410 Superamerica".ferrari.Retrieved21 May2019.
- ^"Ferrari 400 Superamerica (1960 – 1964) Review".honestjohn.co.uk.
- ^Ahlgrim, Steve (April 2012). "1957 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe".Sports Car Market.24(4): 46–47.
- ^"Ferrari 410" Superfast I "PF Speciale".barchetta.cc.Retrieved4 July2019.
- ^"410 Superamerica s/n 0719SA".barchetta.cc.Retrieved13 October2019.
- ^"Ferrari 400 Superamerica".ferrari.Retrieved21 May2019.
- ^"400 Superamerica SWB Series I s/n 1517SA".barchetta.cc.Retrieved3 October2019.
- ^Bernabò, Ferruccio (12 March 1964)."Si apre oggi a Ginevra il Salone dell'Auto, primo grande confronto della produzione mondiale".La Stampa.p. 13.Retrieved12 February2017.
- ^ab"Ferrari 500 Superfast".ferrari.Retrieved8 January2016.
- ^abBuckley, Martin (1 January 2024)."Ferrari 500 Superfast: the last temptation".Classic and Sports Car.
- ^"1964 Ferrari 500 Superfast Speciale 6267 SF".Bonhams.Geneva, Switzerland. 19 December 2003. Lot 274.Retrieved2021-02-16.
- ^"Cars by Tom Tjaarda".tom-tjaarda.net.Retrieved11 June2013.
- ^"Ferrari 365 California".ferrari.Retrieved21 May2019.
- ^McAffee, Rex (29 February 2024)."1967 Ferrari 365 California Spyder".Sports Car Digest.
Bibliography
[edit]- Acerbi, Leonardo (2012).Ferrari: All The Cars.Haynes Publishing.ISBN978-1-84425-581-8.
- Buckley, Martin; Rees, Chris (1998).World Encyclopedia of Cars.London: Anness Publishing.ISBN1-84038-083-7.
External links
[edit]
- Ferrari 340 America: Ferrari History
- Ferrari 375 America: Ferrari History
- Ferrari 410 Superamerica: Ferrari History
- Ferrari 400 Superamerica: Ferrari History
- Ferrari 500 Superfast: Ferrari History
- Ferrari 365 California: Ferrari History
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