1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodynamica

The legendary America, Superamerica and Superfast series of cars built by Ferrari from 1951 to 1966 totaled just 162 units. These were exclusive and special creations. The Superfast II was the prototype for the magnificnet 400 Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico. It was almost entire new from a mechanical perspective, as the big Lampredi engine was exchanged for a Colombo block with its 90mm distance between bore centers. The bore was increased to 77mm, and a new crank allowed a stroke of 71mm for a displacement of 330.62cc per cylinder. This resulted in an overall displacement of 3967cc. Heads were of the outside plug type with coil valve springs, while either Weber or Solex carburetors were employed. The new engine was designated the 163, with a horsepower rating of around 340.

Instead of call the new car the 330 Superamerica, in keeping with its traditional naming scheme (after the displacement produced per cylinder), it was dubbed the 400. Some believe this number indicated the horsepower or possibly the four liter engine, but what '400' meant has never been definitely ascertained.

The chassis of the 400 Superamerica was a large diameter tubular ladder-type with coils and double wishbones at the front. In the rear were semi-elliptic springs and a solid rear axle. Disc brakes and Dunlops could be found at all four corners. Most had a four-speed transmission with electric overdrive, and a single plate dry clutch isolated the transmission from the engine, providing a light clutch action.

There were two series of the 400 Superamerica produced between August 1959 and October 1963. The first twenty-five cars were built on a very short wheelbase chassis of only 242cm. The first five chassis numbers of the 400 Superamerica series were not Coupe Aerodinamicos, but rather - two special coupes and three cabriolets, all wearing coachwork by Pininfarina. The remaining seventeen were the streamlined coupes with both open and covered headlights.

The Second series of cars totaled twenty-two, with eighteen being Coupe Aerodinamicos. All Series II cars were built on the normal short wheelbase chassis of 260cm.

Chassis 3221 SA was given its Pininfarina coachwork on January 30 of 1962. Its body number 99519 and its wheelbase is the short, 242cm series one chassis. It left the factory wearing bianco (white) exterior paint with a grgio (gray) Connolly hide interior. It was the 12th of the seventeen streamlined coupes and it has the coveted covered headlights and wearing the fitted with the trimmed small intake on the hood.

The original owner was Franco-Brittanci Autos, which was the official Ferrari importer to France. The car was delivered new to Hubert Charpentire of Paris.
Since new, the car has been completely rebuilt in Italy. After the work was completed, it remained in France for a few more years. In 2005 Philippe Lancksweert of Belgium purchased the car and had it completely restored by Carrozzeria Bachelli and Villa in Modena. The current owner of the car purchased it in 2007.

In 2009, this car was offered for sale by Bonhams at the Exceptional Motorcars and Automobilia at the Quail Lodge Resort in Carmel, Ca. The car was estimated to sell for $1,250,000 - 1,500,000, but failed to satisfy its reserve. The lot was left unsold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2009