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Ferrari 340 America: 1950–1952 road and racing GT, engine and what to know when buying
Ferrari 340 America — the first model in the Ferrari America series, produced in 1950–1952 in very limited numbers with the Lampredi V12 engine. We look at its bodies, engine, and what you need to know to buy such a rare car.
340 America in brief
The first America cars were called the 340 and were produced from 1950–1952. Initially, only 23 cars were made: 11 with Vignale bodies, eight with Touring, and four with Ghia. The Vignale design was created by Giovanni Michelotti. The first two Americas were converted from 275 S.
The 1951 340 America Vignale berlinetta, driven by Luigi Villoresi, won the Mille Miglia race. That year, three Touring barchettas also started, but none finished the distance. The 340 America was replaced by the 342 America, and later by the 375 America.
Engine and features
The 340 America features a Lampredi-designed V12 engine, originally created for Formula 1 racing. Its displacement is around 4.1 litres, and it produces about 220 hp. It has rear-wheel drive and a front-mounted engine.
The 340 and 342 America used even chassis numbers, like racing cars, while the 375 America and later models used odd numbers, typical of road cars. This highlights the 340's sporting heritage.
Bodies — Vignale, Touring, and Ghia
Most (11) Vignale bodies were produced, including the berlinetta that won the Mille Miglia. Touring made eight cars (including a barchetta), and Ghia made four.
Each car is hand-built, so proportions and details vary. Due to the limited production run, every 340 America has its own story.
What to know when buying a 340 America
This is one of the rarer and most valuable collectible Ferraris. Check the VIN, chassis, and engine numbers, the full ownership and racing history, and if possible, a Ferrari Classiche certificate.
Due to its sporting heritage, many 340s were used in racing and restored more than once, so originality and documentation are particularly important. A major engine and chassis overhaul is expensive.
Such cars are sold at private auctions and through specialist dealers. When buying from abroad, check import documents and taxes in advance.
Bodies and versions
This is a very limited-production car; we list the main body variants.
Vignale (berlinetta)
1950–1952Mostly built with a Vignale body.
- 11 cars with a Vignale body
- Design by Giovanni Michelotti
- One of them won the Mille Miglia in 1951
Touring (barchetta)
1950–1952A lightweight Touring body version, including barchettas.
- Eight cars with a Touring body
- Often an open, lightweight barchetta form
- Three barchettos started in the 1951 Mille Miglia
Ghia
1950–1952The rarest version — four cars.
- Four cars with Ghia bodies
- Often — a coupé body
- A very rare variant
Body comparison
| Vignale | Touring | Ghia | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For collectors who appreciate racing history | For collectors seeking an open-top car | For collectors seeking the rarest variant |
| Production run | 11 | 8 | 4 |
| Body | Often berlinetta | Often barchetta (open-top) | Often coupé |
| Engine | Approximately 4.1-litre V12 | Approximately 4.1-litre V12 | Approximately 4.1-litre V12 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
For most collectors, the most interesting is the 'Vignale' berlinetta due to its history and 'Mille Miglia' victory. The 'Ghia' coupé is the rarest.
Pros
- A very rare and historically significant 'Ferrari'
- Powerful 'Lampredi' V12 engine
- Won the 1951 'Mille Miglia'
- Handcrafted bodies
Cons
- Very high price and extremely limited supply
- Most of the cars are race cars, so the issue of originality is important
- Expensive maintenance and restoration
Frequently asked questions
How many 340 Americas were produced?
Initially, 23 cars: 11 with 'Vignale' bodies, eight with 'Touring' and four with 'Ghia'.
Did the 340 America win the 'Mille Miglia'?
Yes: in 1951, a 340 America 'Vignale' berlinetta driven by Luigi Villoresi won the 'Mille Miglia'.
How does the 340 America differ from the 375 America?
The 340 has a smaller (around 4.1-litre) engine and even chassis numbers, typical of racing cars, while the 375 has a larger 4.5-litre engine and odd chassis numbers, intended for road cars.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
