1953 Ferrari 375 America

Ferrari unveiled the 375 America at the 1953 Paris Auto Salon. This example (the first of ten 375 America produced) was the car that Ferrari used as their display vehicle - and it also appeared at the Geneva Auto Show in 1954. Designed by Pinin Farina, it is a refinement of the coachwork seen on the 212 Inter models. The car was expensive and exclusive and powered by the 4.5-ltier long block V12 engine designed by Aurelio Lampredi, slightly detuned for road use. Most Ferraris of this period were custom built. Ferrari provided the engine and chassis while Italian coachbuilders provided the body. Ferrari built only a very few examples of the 375 America chassis, all with Pinin Farina inspired coachwork. The 375 was the basis for Ferrari's first production car, the 250 Europa GT. Being the first model in this range, this particular car was hugely important for the small Italian manufacturer and led the way for subsequent classic Ferraris, including the 410 Superamerica, the 400 Superamerica, and eventually the 500 Superfast built between 1953 and 1966.

The car was first sold to Howard Keck who was an American businessman who was the owner of an auto racing team that twice won the Indianapolis 500 race. He was the son of the founder of Superior Oil Company. The current owners acquired the car in 2008.