1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Coupe

Ferrari's racing program was partly funded by the sale of its road-going cars, and the latter benefitted from the technology and lessons learned at the track. Early models were powered by the 'Colombo' short-block V-12, and later flagship road car models received the Lampredi tall-block racing engine.

The first of Ferrari's 'America' series was the 340, produced between 1950 and 1952. Its Lampredi-designed V12 engine developed approximately 220 horsepower, and a total of 23 examples were built (an additional two examples were converted from 275 S specification), with 11 receiving coachwork by Vignale, eight by touring, and four by Ghia. Six examples of the 342 America were built using the Lampredi-designed engine, similar to the 340 America, but with a different carburetor and air filter arrangement, and detuned to around 200 horsepower.

The Ferrari 375 America was the successor to the 342 America and was introduced in 1953 with a Pinin Farina-bodied example shown at that year's Paris Salon. Power was sourced from the new 4,522cc (4.5 liter) 'long block' Lampredi engine with nearly 300 horsepower at 6,300 RPM. Zero-to-sixty miles per hour was accomplished in under seven seconds and could reach a top speed of nearly 160 mph. Twelve examples were built between 1953 and 1954, with two being 250 Europas upgraded to 375 specifications.

The Ferrari 410 Superamerica
Further development and an increase in the bore size of the Lampredi engine resulted in a displacement size of 4,963 cubic centimeters. With triple 42-millimeter Weber carburetors, the engine offered 340 horsepower at 6,000 RPM. This Tipo 126 motor was installed in a newly reinforced 2,800-millimeter-wheelbase chassis (the Tipo 514) which had a widened track, large drum brakes, and a coil-sprung independent front suspension.

Thirty-five examples of the 410 Superamerica were built from 1955 to 1959, with most receiving coachwork by Pinin Farina. A few examples were bodied by Ghia and Boano. The Pinin Farina coupes featured a high waistline, a low roof, and a wraparound rear windscreen similar to the concurrent 250 GT Coupe, albeit on the longer wheelbase platform. Decorative chromed fender vents and a chromed hood vent aperture were often employed to spice up the design, and the interior was luxurious, fully upholstered in leather. Like other prestige models of this era, the 410 Superamerica was individually built to client order with varying details.

Ferrari introduced the 410 Superamerica in January 1956 at the Brussels Motor Show with chassis number 0423 SA. Fifteen chassis were constructed before the model was updated with a second series. Before the updated 400 model arrived, the 410 Superamerica would be built in three discrete series, with the first two series of Pinin Farina coupes having a similar appearance. The Third series was introduced in 1958 and had a different side-line, a lower front grille, more recessed headlights (a few were covered), and was devoid of the panoramic rear window. Most of the Pinin Farina 3rd Series coupes had three louvres behind side-windows, but some had this space glassed over.

This list of prominent owners of the 410 Superamerica includes Bob Wilkie, William Doheny, Bill Harrah, the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlevi, Prince Bernhardt of the Netherlands, Vietnamese Emperor Bao Dai, 'Pasta King' Pietro Barilla, and Johnnie Walker whiskey importer Dottore Enrico Wax.

Chassis Number 0497 SA
This Ferrari, chassis number 0497 SA, is the 10th of 12 Series I examples bodied by Pinin Farina. It was sent to Pinin Farina in May 1956, and upon completion, it wore a Blu Artico paint scheme over an interior of Naturale vaumol leather from Connolly.

In October 1956, this Ferrari was shown on the manufacturer's stand at the Paris Salon, where it was joined by a 250 GT Berlinetta and the Superfast concept car.

The car's first private owner was Samuel Norman, a resident of Geneva, Switzerland. In 1958, it was imported to Sweden by marque distributor Tore Bjurström, and in April 1958, the car was sold to Vaxjö resident Sven Esmark. Six months later, it returned to Bjurström for unknown reasons.

Swedish racing driver Joakim Bonnier offered the Superamerica for sale in 1959. Unable to find a European buyer for the 410, it was eventually exported to the United States and sold into American ownership. During the 1960s, it entered the car of Carl de Bickero, who resided in Illinois at the time. About a decade later, it was sold to Pete Sherman of Maitland, Florida, by which time the cosmetics had been refreshed in the current color combination of rosso over black leather. Walter Medlin purchased the Ferrari in 1974 and spent forty-nine years in warehouse storage. In August 2004, the car was compromised by Hurricane Charley.

Sold in 2023 at RM Sotheby's auction in Monterey, CA, as part of the Lost & Found Collection, it was estimated to fetch between $1.6 to $2.2 (USD) million. Although it is in poor condition, there are many authentic details, such as the Talbot side mirror, Marchal lamps, Veglia gauges, and Weber 42 DCZ 3 carburetors. It has enjoyed single ownership for 49 years and its potential for a restoration and a return to its original and rare color combination of Blu Artico over Naturale leather made this an intriguing and attractive vehicle. Bidding exceeded its estimates and the lot was sold for the sum of $2.81 (USD) million.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2024