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Ferrari 342 America: an early Ferrari coupe with V12
Ferrari 342 America — a rare Ferrari luxury coupe and convertible produced in the early 1950s for the American market. In this article, we look at the history, technology, and what to expect if one were to appear on the market.
342 America in brief
The 342 America was one of the first Ferrari road cars with a large-displacement V12 engine, created for buyers seeking a luxurious and fast automobile. The name indicates the primary market — the USA.
Only a few cars were produced, making it an extremely rare collector's item today. You won't find it in the Lithuanian market — it usually ends up at auctions or in museums.
What sets it apart
Each 342 America body was handcrafted according to special blueprints, so the cars differ slightly. Bodies were designed by Pinin Farina and other Italian coachbuilders, and both coupes and convertibles are found.
The car features a large, rounded front with oval headlights, a long engine cover, and an elegant cabin. It is considered an example of early Ferrari road cars.
Engines and transmissions
The engine is a roughly 4.1-litre V12 with around 200 HP. This engine was designed by Aurelio Lampredi and used in early Ferrari models.
The transmission is manual, with rear-wheel drive. Thanks to the powerful engine and light body, the car was very fast for its time.
What to check when buying a 342 America
Authenticity and documentation are key. For these cars, it's essential to check the chassis and engine numbers, history, and whether the body is original.
Inspect the body thoroughly for corrosion and poor repairs, and check the condition of the engine and gearbox. Repair and parts costs are astronomical, so it's best to buy with an expert who knows early Ferraris.
Trim levels
The 342 America was produced in very limited numbers with different bodies, so there are no trim levels — we present the body variants.
Kupė
1951–1953Closed two-door coupé.
- Pinin Farina or other body
- V12 engine
- Luxurious interior
Kabrioletas
1951–1953Open body with folding roof.
- Handcrafted body
- V12 engine
- Often — cable-operated gearshift
Body comparison
| Kupė | Kabrioletas | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For collectors who appreciate classic elegance | For enthusiasts of open-top collectible cars |
| Engine | Around 4.1-litre V12 | Around 4.1-litre V12 |
| Rarity | Very rare | Very rare |
| Price in the collectible car market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ |
This is a collectible rarity, so you should choose based on history and documentation, not the body type.
Pros
- Very rare and historically significant
- Luxurious handcrafted body
- Large-displacement V12 engine
- Collectible value
Cons
- Practically impossible to find on the market
- Very expensive maintenance and parts
- Impractical for daily use
Frequently asked questions
How many 342 Americas were made?
Very few — just a handful of cars, so each one has its own story.
Can the 342 America be used on the road?
Technically yes, but due to its value and age, it's usually reserved for events, shows, and collections.
Why is the model called America?
The name indicates that the car was designed primarily for the American market with a large, powerful V12 engine.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
