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1953→1954 Ferrari 375 America

1953 – 1954 Ferrari 375 America

Ferrari 375 America

Ferrari’s top model in 1953 was the 375 and it was reserved for their most important clientele. Each was custom built and and some were completely one-of designs. Like the 342 America it replaced, the 375 was based on a detuned version of the Lampredi Grand Prix engine in a typical tubular steel chassis. For the 375, increased displacement offered 300 bhp. The 375 was also enlarged to a 2800mm wheelbase which added around 150 kg to the overall eight of the car. Despite the increased bulk, the car had a top speed of 250 kph.

The Background

In the early fifties, Ferrari began large series production with the 250 Europa. This let the large displacement road cars, such as the 342 and 375 America, enter more exclusive and luxurious production. This explains why our 375 America Pinin Farina Coupe Speciale is one of only ten in the limited series.

Ferrari’s 375 chassis was similar to all the sports car chassis made during the period. The basic formula included a tubular-frame ladder chassis, double wishbones upfront and a live axle in the rear with hydraulic drum brakes at all four corners. As released alongside the 250 Europa, the 375 didn’t break any engineering trends aside from having the largest engine Ferrari had ever made.

The Aurelio Lampredi-designed V12 was first used in some of Ferrari’s most fierce sports prototypes. Its large displacement offered the necessary power to win the 24 hours of Le Mans in the glorious 375 Plus. However, not all Lampredi engines were used for competition, and instead some were used to power the Ferrari’s most exclusive grand touring cars. Starting with a the 340 displacement bored from 80mm to 84mm, the 375 America offered around 300 horsepower depending upon carburetion and compression. This 4505cc engine, helped most the 375s reach the 150mph mark, a remarkable figure for the period.

Pictures

Ferrari 375 America

See full 1953 Ferrari 375 America Gallery here

Specs & Performance

submitted by Richard Owen
type Limited Production Car
production years 1953 – 1954
built at Maranello, Italy
production 14
predecessor 1951 Ferrari 340 America
successor 1955 Ferrari 410 Superamerica Series I
engine Tipo 104 60º V12 w/Dry Sump Lubrication
position Front, Longitudinal
aspiration Natural
block material Silicon Aluminum Alloy
valvetrain SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
fuel feed 23 Weber 40DCZ Carburetors
displacement 4522 cc / 275.9 in³
bore 84 mm / 3.31 in
stroke 68 mm / 2.7 in
compression 8.4:1
power 223.7 kw / 300.0 bhp @ 6300 rpm
specific output 66.34 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 250.0 bhp per tonne
body / frame Body over Tipo 104 Tubular Frame
front tires 7.1×15 Pirelli
rear tires 7.1×15 Pirelli
front brakes Hydraulic Drums
rear brakes Hydraulic Drums
steering Worm & Wheel
f suspension Upper Wishbones w/Lower Transverse Leaf Springs
r suspension Rigid Ax;e w/Leaf Springs
curb weight 1200 kg / 2646 lbs
length 2800 mm / 110.2 in
width 1325 mm / 52.2 in
height 1320 mm / 52.0 in
transmission 4-Speed Manual
tran clutch Multi Plate Dry
top speed ~250 kph / 155.25 mph

Auction Sales History

1953 Ferrari 375 America Coupe 0327AL – sold for $1,980,000 One of 12 original 375 Americas and one of the two Vignale-bodied coupes. The 1954 Geneva Salon show car. Highly documented history; high-profile owners; featured in Ferrari by Vignale. Matching-numbers engine; presented as it was at Geneva in 1954. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM