1955 Ferrari 375 America Speciale Coupe

The 375 America model was first displayed at the 1953 Paris Salon in Pinin Farina three-window coupe form, with a duo-tone paint finish. It used the same wheelbase chassis as the concurrent 250 Europa, and they were similarly numbered in the odd number road car sequence but carried an 'AL' suffix with factory type number reference 104.

The mechanical components, apart from the size of the engine, were identical to those of the 250 Europa model. As with the 250 Europa, the majority were fitted with either a Pinin Farina three or five-window coupe body, whilst three examples had Vignale coupe bodies, and there was a single Vignale cabriolet.

The very last example produced had a special one-off Pinin Farina coupe body with a wrap-around front screen, vertical radiator grille, and buttresses running from the roofline into the tail panel, which was built especially for Gianni Agnelli, the head of Fiat, and displayed at the 1954 Turin Salon. This car remained untouched for decades until the current owner embarked on an historic restoration. While there were 12 of the 375 America models built-each done by hand and built to order-this one is special. It is also one of the few early Ferraris to have a sunroof. Its current owner bought the car in 2000 and it was restored in 2002. It placed First in Class at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

This vehicle was built for Fiat chairman, Gianni Agnelli in a collaborative effort between Ferrari and Pininfarina, it was also the first custom Ferrari coachwork owned by Agnelli. There were only 375 America's built and this is clearly the most unique and important car of the limited group: The grille is vertical, not horizontal, the A-pillar is tilted forward rather than rearward and this car is one of the few early Ferraris to have a sunroof. This car also has a unique flat rear window that partially opens, as well as being only the second Ferrari to exhibit the racy flying buttresses on the rear deck. These groundbreaking design elements would later be seen on production Ferraris such as the Dino, Boxer and 308. In addition, the list of notorious previous owners certainly makes #0355 AL a very rare and unique Ferrari.

The Ferrari 375 was introduced at the Paris Salon in 1953. During its production run which lasted until May of 1954, less than 45 examples of the 375 America were produced. The car was constructed for Ferrari's clientele who had the means to afford one of these beautiful creations. Since they were produced in limited numbers, the production took far longer than volume models.

Gioacchino Colombo started out being the primary builder of Ferrari's engines in the late in 1940's and a major contributor to the success of Ferrari. Aurelio Lampredi became his assistant in 1947. Lampredi soon became convinced that a large engine that was naturally aspirated would have better fuel economy and provide more power. Colombo was of the belief that smaller engines compiled with a supercharger would produce better results. Ferrari tested Lampredi's idea and proved it to be successful. Lampredi was promoted to chief design engineer and Colombo returned to Alfa Romeo. The Lampredi engines were used in the ladder part of the 1950's.

Power was provided by a 4.5-liter Lampredi-designed V-12 engine with either three twin-choke Weber 40 DCZ or DCF downdraughts, resulting in 300 horsepower. On all four corners were drum brakes, Borrani wire wheels accented the exterior of the vehicle, and a leaf spring suspension was used in the front and the rear. With the four-speed manual gearbox, the car could achieve a top speed of 150 mph and could race from zero to sixty in less than seven seconds.

Most Ferrari's were custom-built cars. They were not mass-produced. Ferrari provided the engine and chassis while Italian coach builders provided the body. This meant the specifications varied. Engines also varied in horsepower rating, torque, and displacement.

In regards to the 375, Pinin Farina was tasked with building the bodywork for many of the models. The Pinin Farina design shared a similarity with the 250 Europa's. The dimensions of several automobiles were similar but their interiors, wings, bumpers and detailing were all unique.

The 375 MM was given its name after the famous 1000 mile race, the Mille Miglia. This limited-production series was constructed in 1953 and 1954. The car was outfitted with a 4522 cc powerplant, a small increase in performance over the 4494 cc road-going version. The four-speed manual gearbox was fully synchronized and mounted to the engine. The front suspension was independent by parallel unequal-length A-arms with a transverse leaf spring. The rear was sold with semi-elliptic springs and parallel trailing arms. This combination made the 375 MM perfect for high-speed circuits and the open road. In total, only 26 375 MM's had bodywork provided by Pinin Farina in either spyder or Berlinetta configuration. One example received bodywork courtesy of Ghia.
In 1954, a 375 Plus was entered in the grueling 24 Hours of LeMans. Powered by a 4.9-liter engine, it captured the overall victory.

Production of the 375 continued until 1955. Produced in limited numbers, their exclusivity in modern times is guaranteed. These wonderfully designed unique creations powered by the coveted Lampredi engines are a true time-tested testament of the work inspired by Enzo Ferrari and fostered by Italian ingenuity.

S/N 0355AL is a one-off, 1955 Turin show car by Pininfarina, and the last 375 America. It was sold to Giani Agnelli in 1955 and has won classes at Amelia Island, Pebble Beach and Cavallino.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2007