Ferrari 375 America

Ferrari’s top model in 1953 was the 375 and it was reserved for their most important clientele. Each was custom built and and some were completely one-of designs. Like the 342 America it replaced, the 375 was based on a detuned version of the Lampredi Grand Prix engine in a typical tubular steel chassis. For the 375, increased displacement offered 300 bhp. The 375 was also enlarged to a 2800mm wheelbase which added around 150 kg to the overall eight of the car. Despite the increased bulk, the car had a top speed of 250 kph.

The Background

In the early fifties, Ferrari began large series production with the 250 Europa. This let the large displacement road cars, such as the 342 and 375 America, enter more exclusive and luxurious production. This explains why our 375 America Pinin Farina Coupe Speciale is one of only ten in the limited series.

Ferrari’s 375 chassis was similar to all the sports car chassis made during the period. The basic formula included a tubular-frame ladder chassis, double wishbones upfront and a live axle in the rear with hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. As released alongside the 250 Europa, the 375 didn’t break any engineering trends aside from having the largest engine Ferrari had ever made.

The Aurelio Lampredi-designed V12 was first used in some of Ferrari’s most fierce sports prototypes. Its large displacement offered the necessary power to win the 24 hours of Le Mans in the glorious 375 Plus. However, not all Lampredi engines were used for competition, and instead some were used to power the Ferrari’s most exclusive grand touring cars. Starting with a the 340 displacement bored from 80mm to 84mm, the 375 America offered around 300 horsepower depending upon carburetion and compression. This 4505cc engine, helped most the 375s reach the 150mph mark, a remarkable figure for the period.