To showcase what was possible with possible at the highest level, Pinin Farina made this one of supercar on chassis 0490AM. It was built on the 375 MM chassis which at the time was the most potent chassis that Ferrari was offering to private racing teams.

Like the competition cars, Pinin Farina used an all-aluminum body for the Berlinetta Speciale. The overall shape was similar to the regular Berlinetta except this version had a oval egg crate grill which was first introduced on the 250 Europa GT model. Over the rear fenders, the body kicked up more prominently and concluded with a small fin. By 1957 Ferrari’s 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ adopted similar fenders.

Made for the 1955 Turin Motor Show, the Speciale was highly trimmed with a full leather interior and spare tire in the rear to remind the viewer of its competition roots. Three small chromed louvres were installed into the window which was a direct nod to the upcoming 14-louvre ‘Tour de France.’

A similar car to 0490AM was built for the Paris Motor Show on chassis 0393GT, a 250 Europa GT. Later the theme was extended to 425GT a 250 GT ‘Tour de France’ built for the 1956 Geneva Motor Show.

Having a 375 competition chassis meant that 0490AM benefited from the Tipo 108 60º V12 that could produce roughly 340 bhp. With it’s lightweight body, the car was theoretically possible to reach 175 mph.

After its show service 0490AM stayed in Italy with private owners until it was shipped to Chinetti Motors in New York and painted red. It remained in the US and was restored in 2003 by Motion Products, Inc. showing just 20,990 miles on the odometer. Later in 2004 it was shown at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours, 2005 Cavallino Classic and 2005 Villa d’Este Concorso d’Eleganza.

1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta Speciale Gallery

See full 1955 Ferrari 375 MM Berlinetta Speciale Gallery here

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
type	One Of
built at	Maranello, Italy
body stylist	Pinin Farina
coachbuilder	Pinin Farina
engineers	Aurelio Lampredi
production	1
engine	Tipo 108 60º V12
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
ignition	Twin Magneto
block material	Aluminum Alloy
valvetrain	SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Weber 40 IF 4/C Carburetors
displacement	4522 cc / 274.24 in³
bore	84 mm / 3.31 in
stroke	64 mm / 2.5 in
compression	9.0:1
power	253.5 kw / 340 bhp @ 7000 rpm
specific output	75.19 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	377.78 bhp per tonne
body / frame	Aluminum Body over Tipo 102 Steel Tube Frame
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Borrani RW 2989
front tires	6.00×16
rear tires	7.00×17
front brakes	Hydraulic Drums
rear brakes	Hydraulic Drums
front wheels	F 40.6 x 12.7 cm / 16.0 x 5.0 in
rear wheels	R 40.6 x 12.7 cm / 16.0 x 5.0 in
steering	Worm & Wheel
f suspension	Double Wishbones w/Transverse Leaf Spring
r suspension	Live Axle w/Semi-Elliptic Leaf Springs, Twin Houdaille Shock Aborbers
curb weight	900 kg / 1984 lbs
wheelbase	2600 mm / 102.4 in
front track	1325 mm / 52.2 in
rear track	1320 mm / 52.0 in
length	4175 mm / 164.4 in
width	1325 mm / 52.2 in
height	1320 mm / 52.0 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
tran clutch	Multiple Disc
top speed	~281.57 kph / 175 mph