Ferrari 340 America Spider Competizione by Vignale
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Automobilhersteller : |
Ferrari |
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Modell: |
340 America Spider Competizione by Vignale |
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Jahr: |
1950-1952 |
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Art: |
Roadster |
The first America cars were the 340, produced between 1950 and 1952. Using the new Lampredi V12 developed for Formula One racing, the 340 America could produce over 200 PS (147 kW; 197hp). Despite this chassis numbering, cars could still be individually ordered to preference by coachbuilder or bodystyle, and eight of the 22 cars were actually trimmed as well-appointed roadgoing examples. Only 23 copies were built: 11 by Vignale, eight by Touring, and four by Ghia. Giovanni Michelotti designed Coupé and 2+2 Coupé for Ghia and Coupé and Spider for Vignale.
Three of the fourteen sporting examples were more uniquely equipped as Competizione cars, complete with dual-sprung rear suspensions for improved handling and durability, and engines tuned to specifications that would eventually be employed in the successful 340MM racecars. Good for 280 hp, this configuration was soon employed on the 340 Mexicos that showed so much promise at the 1951 Carrera Panamericana, and eventually powered the 340MM Competition cars that won the Mille Miglia in 1953. This in turn led to a further enlargement of displacement in the 4.5-liter 375 MM, which won Spa and Pescara, and the 4.9-liter 375 Plus, which took the ultimate triumph at Le Mans in 1954.
The 340 America was replaced by its larger-engined brother, the 375 America.
