The Ferrari 340 America

Table of Contents:

Ferrari 340 America – Key Details

The Ultimate Guide to the Ferrari 340 America

FERRARI 340 AMERICA

The first in a long line of range-topping Ferrari America models that culminated in the 365 California, the 340 America is one of those super-rare early Ferraris that tend to sell for astronomical figures at auction these days. Production of the F1-derived 340 would be short, spanning just three model years between 1950 and ’52. During that short time, though, the America made quite a splash, with several models shipped off to famous or influential customers. Interestingly, one of the earliest 340s was purchased and raced by Pierre Louis-Dreyfus; French war hero and grandfather to Seinfeld star Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Another example, chassis 0082A, won first place in the 1951 Mille Miglia, making good use of its race car roots.

Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, one of the more prolific auto designers of his era, the 340 America came in Coupe, 2+2, and Spider flavours – all two-door models. The engine was a 4.1-litre Lampredi-designed V12; the largest engine used in any Ferrari to date. As Aurelio Lampredi was initially hired to design racing engines, this represented the first use of one of his engines in a road-going production car. The Lampredi engines were notable for their focus on large displacement and natural aspiration, in contrast to the smaller, supercharged Colombo engines they replaced. The 220-bhp engines propelled the 340 America to a reported top speed of 150 mph, an unheard-of velocity for its day. No wonder no other car could touch it in the Mille Miglia.

Designed by Giovanni Michelotti, one of the more prolific auto designers of his era, the 340 America came in Coupe, 2+2, and Spider flavours – all two-door models. The engine was a 4.1-litre Lampredi-designed V12; the largest engine used in any Ferrari to date. As Aurelio Lampredi was initially hired to design racing engines, this represented the first use of one of his engines in a road-going production car. The Lampredi engines were notable for their focus on large displacement and natural aspiration, in contrast to the smaller, supercharged Colombo engines they replaced. The 220-bhp engines propelled the 340 America to a reported top speed of 150 mph, an unheard-of velocity for its day. No wonder no other car could touch it in the Mille Miglia.

Ferrari 340 America – Photo Gallery

Ferrari 340 America – Technical Specifications

Ferrari 340 America – Registry & Videos

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