Ferrari 375 America: 1953–1954 grand tourer, engine and what to know when buying
Ferrari 375 America — the 1953–1954 luxurious, rare grand tourer with a larger 4.5-litre V12 engine, primarily aimed at the North American market. We look at its bodies, engine, and what you need to know when buying this collectible car.
375 America in brief
The 375 America was introduced in 1953, with one car bodied by 'Pinin Farina' shown at that year's Paris Salon. It was created as the successor to the 342 America and is part of the 'Ferrari America' series — luxurious GT cars powered by large V12 engines, mainly aimed at the North American market.
Production was very limited — from the end of 1953 to 1954, 12 cars were made: ten original 375s and two 250 Europas, later adapted to 375 specifications. The 375 started Ferrari's tradition of using odd chassis numbers for road cars (even numbers for racing cars).
Bodies and designers
Most 375s had three or five-window 'Pinin Farina' coupé bodies. Vignale produced around three coupés and one cabriolet. Each car was hand-built, so their proportions and fine details vary.
Due to its low production run, each 375 has its own history and unique features.
Engine and characteristics
The 375 America features a new 4.5-litre (4522 cm³) 'Lampredi' design 'long block' V12 engine with three 'Weber 40DCF' (or DCZ) carburettors, producing around 300 hp at 6300 rpm.
According to the figures, the 375 America hits 60 mph (around 97 km/h) in under 7 seconds, with a top speed of nearly 257 km/h (160 mph). It's rear-wheel drive with an engine up front.
What to know when buying a 375 America
This is one of the rarer and more valuable collectible Ferraris, so the most important thing is the documentation and history. Check the VIN, body and engine numbers, the full chain of ownership, and, if possible, a Ferrari Classiche certificate.
Since the two 375s are adapted from the 250 Europa, make sure the car's provenance is clear and that it is indeed an original 375. Inspect the body and interior condition, and ask for the service and restoration history.
These 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 particularly low-production car; we list the main body styles.
Pinin Farina kupė
1953–1954The most common 375 body is the three or five-window coupé.
- Three or five-window coupé
- 4.5-litre V12, around 300 hp
- Hand-built body
Vignale kupė
1953–1954About three Vignale-built coupés.
- Vignale coupé body
- 4.5-litre V12, around 300 hp
- Unique details
Vignale kabrioletas
1953–1954A single Vignale-built convertible.
- Open-topped
- 4.5-litre V12, around 300 hp
- A very rare model
250 Europa, pritaikyti pagal 375 specifikaciją
1953–1954Two 250 Europas, converted to 375s.
- Nearly identical chassis and mechanics
- Modified to 375 specification
- Important documentation history
Body comparison
| Pinin Farina kupė | Vignale kupė | Vignale kabrioletas | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it suits | For classic Ferrari GT enthusiasts | For collectors | A very rare collector's choice |
| Body | Three or five-window coupé | Coupe | Convertible |
| Edition | Most 12 cars | Around 3 | Around 1 |
| Engine | 4.5-litre V12 | 4.5-litre V12 | 4.5-litre V12 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
The most accessible to most collectors is the 'Pinin Farina' coupé, as more of these were produced. 'Vignale' versions are rarer and often more expensive.
Pros
- A very rare and luxurious 'Ferrari' GT
- Powerful 4.5-litre V12 engine
- Custom-built body
- One of the rarer 1950s 'Ferrari' models
Cons
- Very high price and very limited supply
- Each car is unique — documentation history and originality are particularly important
- Expensive maintenance and restoration
Frequently asked questions
How many 375 Americas were produced?
In total, 12 cars: ten original 375s and two 250 Europas, later converted to 375 specifications.
What engine does the 375 America have?
A 4.5-litre (4522 cm³) V12 with Lampredi design and three Weber carburettors, around 300 bhp.
How does the 375 America differ from the 340 America?
The 375 has a larger 4.5-litre engine (the 340 had around 4.1 litres), some cars have unique chassis numbers and it was built as a more luxurious GT.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























