1954 Ferrari 375 Plus
Building on the success of the 375MM, the 375 was an even more potent derivative that was good enough to win LeMans and the Mille Miglia.
By 1954, Ferraris large displacement V12 designed by Gioacchino Colombo had already won at the top level of motorsport, including some of Ferrari’s first F1 victories until 1953 when the F2 regulations were adopted. Ferrari continued to use the engine in road racing cars which started with the 340 America and continued with the successful 375MM which was upgraded in 1954 to become the 375 Plus.
With power making much of the difference on the long straight courses like LeMans and the Mille Miglia, Ferrari enlarged their engine to 4954 ccs in 1954 by increasing the stroke. This added more torque at the expense of peak power. Three Weber 46 DFC/3 carburetors were fitted to produce 330 bhp.
Bodywork for the Plus was largely limited to Pinin Farina and Vignale who both designed purposeful spyder bodies. Only a handful were made, while some of the older 375MMs were upgraded.
Outstanding achievement came to Ferrari when a 375 Plus won Le Mans outright with Gonzales and Trintignant.
1954 Ferrari 375 Plus Gallery
See full 1954 Ferrari 375 Plus Gallery here
In Detail
| submitted by | Richard Owen |
| type | Racing Car |
| built at | Maranello, Italy |
| production | 4 |
| engine | 60 Degree, Lampredi V12 |
| position | Front Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl |
| fuel feed | 3 weber IF/4C of 42 DCZ carburetors |
| displacement | 4954 cc / 302.3 in³ |
| bore | 84 mm / 3.31 in |
| stroke | 74.5 mm / 2.93 in |
| compression | 9.2:1 |
| power | 246.1 kw / 330.0 bhp @ 6000 rpm |
| specific output | 66.61 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 347.37 bhp per tonne |
| front brakes | Hydraulic Drums |
| rear brakes | Hydraulic Drums |
| steering | Worm & Wheel |
| r suspension | De Dion Type w/Taraling Arms |
| curb weight | 950 kg / 2094 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2600 mm / 102.4 in |
| front track | 1325 mm / 52.2 in |
| rear track | 1284 mm / 50.6 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
Auction Sales History
1954 Ferrari 375-Plus 0384 – Bonhams is delighted to offer here this outstanding example of the biggest-engined, most powerful and most important sports-racing Ferrari model built purely for works team use at the outset of the 1954 International motor racing season. Second in that year’s mighty Mille Miglia with Umberto Maglioli. Won the international sports car race supporting the Formula 1 BRDC by José Froilán González. Raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Umberto Maglioli and Paolo Marzotto. Auction Source: 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed
