One year after the initial launch of the 340 America, Ferrari launched the definitive version of the 340 as a Gran Turismo street vehicle. This version presented greater comfort, interior habitability and luxury elements to conquer potential American customers.
In 1950 two model 340 America cars were presented in the Mille Miglia competition. With very light bodywork and the new V12 engine of 3,300 cm3 displacement, the new car was fast and stable. While both withdrew, development continued, especially as far as the engine is concerned.
The Ferrari 340 America racing began to stand out only in 1951, now with the V12 enlarged to 4.102 cm3. The victories obtained at the Mille Miglia (drivers Luigi Villoresi and Pasquale Cassini), the Portuguese Grand Prix and the Palm Beach race benefited Ferrari sales in the USA.
The Ferrari 340 used in the competitions had a tubular steel chassis derived from the 212 Export. To accommodate the new larger V12 engine, the wheelbase was increased from 2,250 mm to 2,420 mm.
The new engine was not more powerful, although it matched the previous one in performance with the advantage of less wear due to its greater displacement. As it used to be in racing cars, the 340 racing engine had a dry crankcase. The carburetor adopted three Weber 40 DCF double-mouth carburetors. The transmission was still manual 5-speed without synchronism.
Power: 220 hp at 6,000 rpm
Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 7 s
Top speed: 240 km/h
Rims: 15 inches
© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —
Ferrari 342 America
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