An American From Italy

For decades Ferraris have been some of the most prestigious and sought after automobiles in the world. But selling cars for people to drive around in was never important to founder Enzo Ferrari. Enzo's passion was racing and he reluctantly began making road versions of his cars for two reasons, to meet homolgation rules and to finance the racing side of the business.

The thing was that as Enzo became more successful on the track more people wanted to own one of his cars. In the 1950s his road car production began to grow, particularly with a line of cars that were dubbed American. Starting in 1950 Ferrari began selling slightly modified versions of his racers. The cars were built on a 2800 milometer wheel base which is slightly more than 110 inches. In many cases these were done in extremely small numbers. For example, the 352 American only saw six made all time.

All of the America cars were built as Gran Torismo or Grand Touring cars. This means they were designed to allow their occupants to travel for long periods in comfort. But of course, since they were powered by some of Ferrari's largest, most powerful V 12 engines, they did so with elan.

In 1955 Ferrari introduced the 410 Superamerica which sported a 5.0 L engine with triple Weber carburetors that generated 335 horse power. The 410 was the first Ferrari to use a shorter 2600 mm wheel base (designated SWB) which is about 102 inches. Each of the cars had custom body work. Some were by Boano, others by Ghia but most, like the car shown here, were penned by long time Ferrari partner Peinin Farina. This particular model, one of only 17 series 1 cars built, was originally owned by Italian food magnet Pietro Birilla (yes, the same one you can see in your grocery store aisles). Only 35 total were every made.

By 1959 Ferrari released another Superamerica, this one with a smaller 4.0 L Colombo V 12 engine. Called, logically, the 400 still managed to produce the same raw horse power as the 410. The 400 featured disc brakes all around, something new for Ferrari. In all, 47 of the 400 model were built with only 17 of the Coupe Aerodinamicos, like the 1961 concourse winning car seen here. This car also sports custom Pinin Farina coach work.

The series would see two more models introduced. Starting in 1964 and running through 1966, the 500 went back to a 5.0 L V 12 engine and it rode on a 104 inch wheel base.In 1966 the 365 California made its debut, "borrowing" the name from the popular 250 California of earlier in the decade. Only 14 of these were ever built.

It's no surprise that these cars are all highly sought after by collectors. Each of the America series cars regularly draws prices of well over $1 million and, such as the 400, over $3 million. Start saving your pennies.