AutoCult Ferrari 375 America Vignale (1953) (Italy)

About the Original

For the American Market

In the early 1950s, Ferrari tried to conquer the hearts of the American high society with model series specifically designed for the US market.

With the addition “America” within the type designation, this was unmistakably express and both in design and size the needs of the US market were taken into account. After the Type 340 America (1951) and the 342 America (1952), the Italians brought their third model overseas from 1953 with the Type 375 America. The car featured a powerful V-12 engine with 300 hp. This engine was improved and enhanced 4.5 liters version from the hands of the designer Aurelio Lamperdi. The powerful engine was mounted to the box frame of the 250 GT Europa and the wheelbase was extended to a stately 2.8 meters. This chassis should be fitted with a car body design corresponding to the brands reputation. Ferrari assigned this task to qualified hands. Pininfarina and Vignale designed elegantly and sporty aluminum car bodies, each with a personal touch. At Vignale, Giovanni Michelotti personally devoted himself to the task. He designed two coupes and both featured almost identical car bodies. The designs only showed slight differences in the area of the headlights and the taillights. Both still exist today. Michelotti also drew a convertible.

Together with the designs made by Pininfarina, the result over two years ultimately counted the modest number of maximally 13 Ferrari 375 America produced.