1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodynamica

The 400 Superamerica was first shown in Brussels in 1960 and featured a four-liter version of Colombo's 'short block' V12 engine. It was an upscaled version of the three-liter V12 unit that had scored so many successes in Sports Car and GT races. The 3,967cc V12, with dual overhead-cams, breathing through triple Weber carburetors produced around 340 horsepower and had a top speed of 162 mph. All around disc brakes helped keep this rapid 2-seater in check; an overdrive gearbox also eased the car's high speed cruising ability.

The Ferrari 400 Superamerica was intended to appeal to wealthy individuals for whom a regular Ferrari was too ordinary. With the heavy emphasis on vehicle personalization, each one of the 45 Superamericas built from 1959 to 1963 was unique. Customers were given their choice of color, upholstery, hardware, instrument panel layout and even the configuration of the car's front end.

The 400 Superamerica, which was a successor to the 410 Superamerica built from 1956-1959, was powered by a four litre Colombo 60-degree V12, with three Weber carburetors, generating 340 horsepower.

This car was bodied by Pinin Farina, as were most of the 400 Superamericas. It is one of 18 Series II Coupes.

Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodiamico with chassis number 4241SA is a left-hand drive vehicle and the 1963 New York Show Car. It was purchased by a Chicago resident through Chinetti Motors and since that time, has passed through various owners. In 1986, the car was purchased by Silberberg and Cogan. It was shown at the 1990 Ferrari Club of America National Concours d'Elegance where it received a Third Place Award. It has been shown at the Eyes on the Classic, Ferrari Concours, Rosso Rodeo, and the Rodeo Drive Concours. The car was purchased in 2000 by Peter McCoy who brought the car to the 2007 Cavallino Classic.

This 1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Pininfarina Coupe is one of 18 Series II coupes produced. This refined almost made-to-measure car was destined for the privileged clients of the world, including Jaime Ortiz-Patino, 'tin king,' Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata, the Aga Khan, Count Frederic Chandon de Briailles, Nelson Rockefeller and Enzo Ferrari himself in the roll call of owners.

The car is powered by a SOHC, 4-liter, V12 engine developing 400 horsepower coupled to a four-speed, all-synchro transmission and boasts a top speed of 140 mph. The aerodynamic body complimented this engine and rested on a tubular steel ladder-type frame. The front suspension consisted of upper/lower A-arms with coil springs while the rigid rear axle had parallel trailing arms and semi-elliptic leaf springs.

By Daniel Vaughan | Mar 2007