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Ferrari 375 America

The history of the Ferrari 375 America

Ferrari 375 America
Ferrari 375 America
The Ferrari 375 America was presented at the Paris Motor Show in 1953 alongside the 250 Europe. The 375 continued the series of “America” models intended for the growing American market. These models were characterized by their large size, the use of larger engines and a low number of production. Generally, each car was finished with details or specifications requested by the customer.

The Ferrari 375 America configuration featured a standard welded steel tubular chassis, spring suspensions with springs and hydraulically driven drum brakes. Overall, the tuning of the chassis was quite similar to that of the 250 Europe, with differences specially designed to accommodate a larger and heavier engine. One of the differences was a greater wheelbase of 2,800 mm.

The engine used in the Ferrari 375 America was one of the most expensive manufactured by the Italian brand. The V12 designed by Aurelio Lampredi had a large block, 4,523 cm3 displacement and three Weber 40 DCF or DCZ carburetors depending on availability. With these features, the V12 delivered a power of 300 hp at 6,500 rpm, catapulting to 375 from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 7 seconds and achieving a top speed of 241 km/h. Few cars competed against this in 1953...

While 375 America did not have the skills as a destination, a private client of Belgian origin presented his car at the “Geneva Rally” in 1954. He himself handled it together with a friend businessman. The duo placed Ferrari in second place in the standings of that race.

Ferrari 375 America designs

Ferrari 375 America Pininfarina
Ferrari 375 America Pininfarina
The total production of 375 America reached ten copies. Pininfarina designed and built seven 375 cars, all of them in coupe versions. While the designs had similar dimensions and proportions, there were no two models alike. Each unit had distinctive elements, especially in features such as front grills, bumpers and ornamental details.

The renowned builder Vignale manufactured two coupe 375 that did not abuse the ornaments, their designs were simply rudimentary but interesting for their sporting spirit. They were not the quality designs that Vignale used to present, especially for some unorthodox details for the style of the time.

Pininfarina built a car called 375 Coupe Speciale. This model was specially designed to meet the style required by Gianni Agnelli, who at the time was the director of FIAT. Agnelli's intention was to have an elegant Ferrari that was not immediately recognized as another Ferrari. The 375 Coupe Speciale for Agnelli was ready to be introduced only in 1955, two years after the launch of the 375 America.

The construction of the ten specimens of 375 America lasted one year, between 1953 and 1954. The only exception was the Coupe Speciale designed for Gianni Agnelli, which was completed only in 1955.

Technical specifications of Ferrari 375 America

  • Front motor V12 at 60º
  • Displacement: 4.523 cm3
  • 24 SOHC valves
  • 3 Carburetors Weber 40 DCF (Op. DCZ)
  • Manual 4-speed gearbox
  • Rear wheel drive
  • Brakes: drum on 4 wheels
  • Suspension: independent on 4 wheels

  • Power: 300 hp at 6,500 rpm

  • Acceleration 0 to 100 km/h: 6.8 s

  • Top speed: 241 km/h

  • Wheelbase: 2.800 mm

  • Rims: 16 inches
  • Weight: 1.300 kg
  • Weight to power ratio: 0.23 hp/kg

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© Adrián Blanco 2006 — Prohibited the total or partial reproduction of text and/or images without explicit written consent of the author. —

por Adrian Blanco