1954 Ferrari 375 America Cabriolet

The Ferrari 375 America used many of the same mechanical components and chassis as the 250 Europa but instead of the 'short block' Lampredi engine, it used a 'long-block' version displacing 4,542cc. The 375 America served as a replacement for the 342 America and continued the tradition of being a luxurious grand touring version of the concurrent Lampredi race car.

The 375 America rested atop an extended 2,800-millimeter wheelbase chassis and used an independent front suspension, a live rear axle, and a four-speed gearbox with a multi-plate clutch. Ten examples were originally completed as 375 Americas, while two more cars that began life as 250 Europas were factory-converted early in their lives.

Chassis Number 0353 AL
This Ferrari began life as a 250 Europa and was later converted to 375 America configuration. While an assortment of coachwork was available, this example is the only Vignale-clothed alloy cabriolet. It left the factory wearing black paint over a black interior with a tan soft top and a one-piece wraparound windscreen. The hood had a scoop and the fender was styled with a five-gill vent with a sweeping bottom character line that extended through the rear fenders. A factory hardtop completed its unique presentation.

Chassis 0353 AL was sold directly from Ferrari to Mrs. Bianca Colizzi and near the close of 1954 was registered on Italian plates 'Roma 215282'. Within a year, the car was reportedly in storage with a doctor, and in this state, the car was spotted by Luigi Musso who mentioned the car to an acquaintance named Harry Chambers, an American employee of TWA. In October 1956, Mr. Chambers acquired the car and would own it for nearly two years. Joseph Fitch, a fellow TWA employee, purchased the Ferrari in July 1958. By this point in history, the exterior had been refinished in a shade of gun-metal grey. In December 1958, the Ferrari was imported to California. During the journey to the United States, the car was involved in an incident that required part of the body to be repainted. Fitch had the car refinished in dark blue, and the mechanical components were gradually rebuilt. The refurbishment was completed in 1962 and subsequently used by Fitch sparingly. It was displayed at the Ferrari Owners Club meeting in Culver City, California, and in August 1972 the car won first in class at the Hollywood Bowl Concours d'Elegance.

When Fitch decided to part ways with the Ferrari, it was sold to Wayne Golomb of Springfield, Illinois in 1974. While in Mr. Golomb's ownership, it was featured in several marque publications and received a comprehensive restoration in 1980.

Illinois resident Dennis Machul became the car's next custodian in 1995 and used it that year in the Colorado Grand. The current caretaker purchased the vehicle in 1998 and refinished the exterior in black with a reupholstered interior.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2023