1961 Ferrari 400 Superamerica

The 500 Superfast was the last in a line of luxury Ferrari GT's. Introduced in 1964, production continued until 1966 with just 37 examples being produced.

Production of luxury Ferrari GT's began during the early 1950's with the introduction of the 342 America. Based on the 340 America, it featured a chassis that had been extended to provide ample interior space. The mechanics were similar, outfitted with a derivative of the Lampredi's 'long block' engine.

Next in line were the 250 Europa and 375 America. 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. 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.

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.

In 1955, Enzo Ferrari displayed a polished chassis #0423 SA at the Paris Salon. The completed version of the 410, crafted by the Italian coachbuilder Pinin Farina, was displayed at the Brussels Salon in January of 1956. As was the style of Ferrari, many variations of this vehicle were built. This is due to the fact that Ferrari used different coachbuilders during the vehicles assembly. Coachbuilders such as Boano, Ghia, and Scaglietti produced versions such as the Testa Rossa, Series I, II and III, and Superfast. This included Coupes and cabriolet versions. Mario Boano produced two, one by Ghia, one by Scaglietti, and the remaining thirty were by Pinin Farina.

The 410 came as a replacement for the 375 America. There were three series for this model but only a total of 38 were produced from 1956-1959.

Although similar to some of the earlier models produced by Ferrari, this one had a few styling changes. The 410 featured side vents located behind the front wheels. These have become a signature of the Superamerica series.

The 410 was given a larger engine and bigger brakes. Coil spring suspensions were used in the front. As with most of the Ferrari's from this era, Pinin Farina produced most of the bodies. From 1956-1958, a 110.2 inch wheelbase was used. In 1958 the size of the wheelbase was decreased to 102.3.

In 1959 Ferrari ceased production of the Lampredi engine. Instead, a Colombo deigned 'short block' V-12 engine would provide the power for the next iteration of Ferrari Luxury GT's, the 400 SuperAmerica. A few years later, the four-liter engine was enlarged to five and the final increment of the Luxury GT's was introduced: the Ferrari 500 Superfast. The five liter engine was capable of producing 400 horsepower. The aerodynamic bodies complimented its engine and did glory to the Superfast name. Top speed was achieved at 175 mph. The chassis was multi-tubular. A four-speed manual gearbox with overdrive provided power to the rear wheels. Later, the four-speed was replaced by a all-synchromesh five-speed unit.

These special-order vehicles were customizable. Their dimensions, colors, upholstery, carpets, etc were selected by the owner. Because of this, the specifications vary.

The 500 Superfast was Ferrari's fastest, most expensive, most exclusive, and most powerful vehicle at the time. With production only reaching 37 units, their exclusivity is guaranteed in modern times.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 2407SA

The 400 SuperAmerica Cabriolet is one of the rarest of all Ferrari convertible road cars. This cabriolet is one of just seven built on the shorter SuperAmerica chassis. This factory hand-built Ferrari took two-and-one half years to complete.

Ferrari 400 Superamerica Cabriolet Series 1 with chassis number 2407 SA is a Short-Wheelbase created in California style. It has a wheelbase size of 2420mm. It is the sixth example created and was Pininfarina job number 99502.

The first owner was Nicolo de Nora of Milano, Italy who took possession in early 1961. It was brought to the United States and 1965 and sold to Ted Dibble. Under his care, the car was given a roll bar and painted red. In 1968 it was sold to Bruce Russell of Vancouver, Wa, who had the car repainted yellow and removed the roll bar.

In 1972 the car was sold to Dr. Anthony Service, also of Vancouver Wa. It was traded to Harley E. Cluxton III of Scottsdale, Az in 1976 for a Dino 308 GT4. Under his care the car was repainted red and given a cream interior.

In 1977 the car was sold to a lawyer living in Beverly Hills, Ca. The following year it was advertised for sale in the Los Angeles Times. In 1979 the car was sold to Greg Garrison of The Garrison Collection.

In 2001 the car was sold to Wayne R. Nelson of Florida. In 2002 it was treated to a restoration at John Carlson's GT Motors in Glendale, Ca. It was shown at the 2008 Cavallino Classic.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe Aerodinamico by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 2841SA
Engine number: 2841SA

At the Brussels motor show in January 1956, the Ferrari 410 Superamerica with its 4,962cc long block engine which offered 340 horsepower was introduced to the world. In 1960, at the Brussels Motor Show, the second series 400 Superamerica was introduced, which would provide the inspiration for the Coupe Aerodinamica.

The superfast III was introduced in 1962 and remained in production until January of 1964. There were a total of seventeen examples of this style created, all riding on a short 2420mm chassis. These second series cars were powered by the legendary Colombo-designed V12. The coachwork was by Pininfarina, who gave the car a tapered nose and tail with a streamlined body. The design earned the car its name, the Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamica.

This particular car is chassis number 2841SA and is the 7th of the 17 examples of the 400 SA SWB Coupe 'Aerodinamicos' produced. It was completed in September of 1961 and painted in Grigio Fumo (smoke grey) with the interior finished in Pelle Rosso Connolly (red leather). Upon completion, it was shown at the Paris Motor Show in October of 1961. In November it was delivered to its first owner, Count Fritz Herbert Somsky, of Geneva, Switzerland. In the 1970s, it was imported into the United States and into the ownership of Barry Le F Fave, of Santa Ana, California. It was then sold to W.B. LeFace who sold it to Walter Harris, another California resident. By this point in history, the car was painted in red with a red and black interior. In March of 1980, the car was offered for sale in the Ferrari Market Letter. The car was sold to Greg Garrison (it was painted in gray metallic). On May 12 of 1999, the car (now painted green) was sold by Garrison to C.A. Skeets Dunn of Rancho Santa Fe, CA. It was shown at the 2001 Palos Verdes Concours d'Elegance where it placed first in class and won the Meguiar's Award for best paint.

In August of 2003, a complete restoration of the car began. The entire restoration cost in excess of $400,000. Upon completion, it was shown at the 56th Annual Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance on August 20th of 2006, where it scored 99.5 points in the class for Ferrari GT cars (class M1). It was shown on January 27th of 2007 at the XVI Palm Beach Cavallino Classic Concours d'Elegance at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida, where it won a Platinum award.

In 2008, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. It had an estimated value of $1,500,000 - $2,000,000 and was one of the highlights of the event. The lot was sold for $1,650,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

LWB Spyder by Scaglietti
Chassis number: 2311SA

This Ferrari (serial number 2311 SA) might be mistaken for a short wheelbase California, but it is built on a slightly longer 400 Superamerica chassis and uses a four-liter V-12, not the three-liter California engine. The body is steel and the engine is capable of producing up to 340 horsepower. It was built new for Ferrari director Michel Paul-Cavalier of the Pont-a-Mousson transmission company in France, a member of the Board of Directors of SEFAC Ferrari. The Scaglietti body is quite similar in style to a 250 GT SWB California Spyder, it is really more of a Spyder than a cabriolet.

Coupe Aerodinamico by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 2841SA
Engine number: 2841SA

Introduced at the Superfast III, this Ferrari 400 Superamerica is the seventh of the 17 examples produced. Unlike the earlier 410 Superamericas, these cars were fitted with the latest version of Ferrari's legendary Colombo-designed V12. This car was completed in September of 1961 and painted in Grigio Fumo with the interior finished in red Pelle Rosso Connolly leather. It was shown at the Paris Motor Show in October of 1961 and delivered to its first owner, Count Fritz Herbert Somsky of Geneva, Switzerland. The 400 SA was one of the most expensive cars of its day and represented the pinnacle of Ferrari production with fantastic 1960s styling, extremely low production numbers, and world-class performance. The Superamerica Coupe Aerodinamico is considered to be one of Pininfarina's great designs. Its Aerodinamico name refers to its distinction as one of the first Ferraris to be designed in a wind tunnel in order to refine its aerodynamic profile.

Built as a road car, the 400 Superamerica was graced with a meaty 340 horsepower, 4.0-liter (hence the '400') single-overhead-camshaft V-12 engine, and a four-speed manual gearbox. Its build sheet determined it has coil-spring independent front suspension with a live rear axle, four-wheel telescopic Koni shock absorbers, and four-wheel disc brakes - another of Ferrari's dominant street-cars with a race track pedigree.

Coupe Aerodinamico by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 2809 SA
Engine number: 2809 SA

Unveiled in 1960, the 400 Superamerica was aimed at Ferrari's most exclusive clientele. With bespoke construction and exceptional power provided by a 340 horsepower version of Ferrari's 4.0-liter V-12, just 26 were produced through 1963. The Superamerica's unique shape broke new ground for Ferrari, with its aerodynamic lines from tip to tapered tail. Equipped with a 4-speed manual transmission and electric overdrive, the factory claimed a top speed of 164 mph.

This Ferrari Superamerica is a meticulously cared for original example which has only ever had minor repairs. It was the first SWB covered headlamp car built and was ordered through the Ferrari agent Mario Camellini for Count Giovanni Volpi di Misurata in 1961. The Count was the owner of the private Ferrari race team Scuderia Serenissima and he ordered the car with black paintwork, tan leather interior and rear wheel spats. It features an aluminum body by Pininfarina with customer requested upgrades: second battery in trunk, storage boxes behind driver's and passenger's seats, KLippan seat belts, storage pockets on back of seats, red safety lights on the rear of doors, removable headrests, pedal for headlamp flashing, lockable center console, Blaupunkt Koln radio, map light, blue lighting under dash, Bosch distributors, and 3 Weber carburetors. A request for a record player was rejected.

After a short period with later Italian owners it was bought by Mario's son Umberto Camellini in 1972. The car was enjoyed by the entire Camellini family until it was purchased by its current owner in February 2015.

This very original example has undergone a period correct repaint in original type black lacquer. Interior, chassis and 4 liter V-12 engine are preserved in their original appearances.

Short Wheelbase Cabriolet by Pininfarina
Chassis number: 2331

Ferrari built only six short-wheelbase Superamerica Cabriolets, and this was the fourth. Created especially for Dr. Fortunato Gosce, serial number 2331 was completed on March 16, 1961, and is highly unusual and unique among its peers. It was ordered with special features that would make James Bond proud - a single Cyclops driving light mounted in the front grille, inside trunk releases (for unknown purposes), a unique touch-lock on the glove compartment, supplementary ventilation system, Heuer Monte-Carlo clock and stopwatch, a special exhaust system and pipes, and a single key for all operations. Under the hood the Superamerica sported a 4-liter alloy V12 engine that could produce 340 horsepower. This one-off super-car of the sixties was exhibited at the Geneva Car Show in 1961 on the Pininfarina stand, originally in metallic white paint with a blue interior. It was, however, redressed in Blu Antille with a blue and white interior for delivery to Dr. Gosce. Having passed through the hands of just four other owners since Gosce, the car was acquired by Peter Kalikow in 1997, and superbly restored. Lovely to look at, but stunning to drive, this Superamerica is superfast and can do 265 km/h.

The 400 Superamerica was produced between 1959 and 1962 with 25 examples produced. They had varying bodywork styles by Pininfarina and Scaglietti and all rested on a short wheelbase. The first example was put on display at the Torino Motor Show in 1959. The 400 was replaced by the 410.

The 400 Superamerica was Ferrari's first road model to not be named by the volume of a single cylinder. The 400 designation referred to the total engine capacity. The 400 Superamerica (SA) were luxurious machines and one of the most exclusive road-going cars of its era. They commanded a very high price which helped ensure their exclusivity.

Powering the 400 SA was a version of the Colombo short-block V12 engine. The engine had an enlarged four-liter capacity and coupe produce 340 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

First introduced in 1976, the Ferrari 400i lasted until 1984. A total of 507 of the Ferrari 400i were produced and introduced at the Paris Show in 1972.

The body style was a coupe and had a 4.8 L FI V12 engine.

At first, the chisel-edged Pininfarina shape was showcased as the 365 GT4 2+2 with a four-cam 4.4-liter V12 with a five-speed manual gearbox only. A short-lived variant, the 365 was a 150 mph 4-seater that was replaced in 1976 by the 400GT.

In 1979 the 400i came with a Bosch injection to enhance smoothness though it robbed the V12 of 30 bhp. The Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection replaced the carburetors on the 400. The emissions were much improved but the power was down substantially.

1985 introduced the 412 the last of the 400 line and considered to be the best model lasted until 1989. Improved with an increase in displacement to 4943 cc, the newest 400, now came with ABS.

The most civilized Ferrari of its generation, they were the first models to offer an automatic transmission. Introduced in 1976 at the Paris Motor Show, the 400 Automatic (or 400A) offered a 3-speed unit from General Motors.

The engine was based on the Daytona, was a 4.8 L (4823 cc) V12 that was capable of producing 340 hp. It carried the traditional GT car layout with driving rear wheels mounted in front.

Only 147 models were five-speed manuals which showed the direction that the market was heading.

by Jessican Donaldson