Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 Ferrari 400 Superamerica Series I Coupe Aerodinamico
s/n 3221SA engine no. 3221SA
Bianco with Grigio Chiaro Leather Interior

Ferrari`s illustrious America, Superamerica, and Superfast line was their most exclusive model, built, quite literally, for royalty. If the `standard` line of 250 road cars were exclusive, the America, Superamerica, and Superfast were bespoke hyper-stratified cars for the richest of the rich. Owners were frequently rulers or magnates, and included Nelson Rockefeller, Aga Khan, Gianni Agnelli, and Enzo Ferrari himself. These exclusive cars represent a unique period in Ferrari`s history, and indeed, the series only lasted from 1951 to 1967. The cars took an effortless approach to power, with larger displacement engines and less demanding driving experiences. The cars were bigger, flashier, more comfortable, and more luxurious than their brethren, and owners frequently specified unique coach built bodies, with coachbuilders including Pininfarina, Ghia, Boano, Vignale, and Touring. Astronomically expensive when new, these cars were built in very small numbers, and represent, in many ways, the ultimate road-going Ferrari experience.

Introduced in 1959, the 400 Superamerica was the middle child, representing a happy compromise between the less refined earlier cars, and the more mass-produced later cars. The 400 was more interestingly and expressively styled, as well as more individually variable than its successor, making the 400 Superamerica a uniquely beautiful and enjoyable car. The cars were built in two series (in short and long wheelbase versions), with just 14 Series I`s SWB Aerodinamica coupes built (of which just 7 were left hand drive covered headlight cars). The 400 was Ferrari`s first street application of disc brakes, and was motivated by a 340hp Colombo V12. This example has a number of interesting features including covered headlights, side skirts, waist level chrome trim, small grille aperture, and hood scoop.

This example is a matching numbers car that remains in its original color combination. It has documented history from new, indicating that it was sold new in France, and remained there until 2006. It passed through a number of well-known hands, including those of the owner of Cartier, as well as those of Charles Pozzi, official Ferrari Importer for France and collector. It was the Geneva show car in 1962 (two months after being sold to its first owner interestingly). It was comprehensively restored to its original specification in 2006 by AutoSport of Bastiglia. The restoration was done to the highest European standards, and the car is stunning. The receipts are included and indicate that almost 70,000 euros were spent on the renewal of the car. The engine was completely rebuilt with new pistons, valves, camshaft, and guides. The ancillaries were redone, including the dynamo, oil pump, and rebuilt carburetors. The gearbox and transmission were gone through as well, with new bearings, synchro rings and other work, while the brakes received rebuilt calipers, servos, lines, and pads. The shock absorbers were rebuilt, the radiator and fuel tank restored, and countless other jobs performed. An exhaust system was fabricated as well. The paintwork was renewed as well, and the chrome refinished. The car has been granted Ferrari Classiche papers and has covered less than 500km since then.

There are countless fascinating and thoughtful details that really set this car apart from the more standard Ferrari fare, and even from the 500 Superfast. The door handles are an unusual design and a pleasure to use, while the wraparaound rear windscreen is both functional and aesthetically attractive. The rear lamps are set into the rear bumper, while the abundant use of chrome reflects the way in which the contemporary American aesthetic caught the imagination of European stylists.

Having been recently restored, the car remains fresh. The paintwork is high quality and the car displays good panel fit and excellent chrome. The wheels have been refinished and are beautiful. The glass and lenses are excellent, however the windscreen, which is likely original, has minor pitting from road use.

The interior is truly stunning, displaying exemplary execution and design. Gray leather covers almost every surface and has been fitted to the highest standards. The tolerances, fit, and evenness of the hides and stitching are superlative, while the trim and accessories are in excellent order. The gauges are extremely attractive and have been restored. The passenger door features an unusual pull, as well as manually wound windows and storage pockets. The passenger`s seat has a rarely seen headrest. The headliner is excellent, as are the carpets.

The engine compartment and trunk have both been comprehensively restored to high standards. The engine is spotless, detailed, and has a number of proper details, including three-eared air cleaner nuts and windscreen washer bag. The underside is also extremely clean and detailed, reflecting both the thoroughness of the restoration and the low mileage since its completion.

Experiencing this car is very special. To those familiar with Ferraris, this car is a treat because it speaks the same language but uses a slightly richer idiom. The details are that much more carefully thought out, that much more richly rendered. The driving experience also feels the same but different, with a comfortable and commanding driving position, as well as prodigious power. The visibility is excellent and the driving position ergonomically satisfying, making the car an excellent touring car. It feels as though it was meant to effortlessly cover large distances as great speed, and indeed, these cars did so on the European continent when new.

This car drives very well, with a strong motor, and tight overall feel. The brakes work well and the 2nd gear synchromesh is good. Respected Ferrari specialist P. Ottis has inspected and driven this car, noting no issues beyond some singing from the differential upon deceleration. The compression numbers are between 165 and 180 pounds, and he performed a few adjustments including carburetor synchronization, jetting, ignition timing, and clutch freeplay.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a very special car. No two Superamericas were exactly the same, and this car has a number of interesting and unusual details, including the small hood scoop. It is representative of a different era, one in which the customer could specify a car exactly to his or her wishes. After that, mass production pressures meant the end of these very special cars. This particular car is very complete, with beautifully restored Borrani spare, complete tool roll, spare keys cut on the correct blanks, and Ferrari Classiche papers. Its irreproachable history and sparkling restoration ensure that the new owner will derive tremendous pleasure from this car, whether driving or admiring it.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608